Chapter Twenty -Five
Leilani sat at the kitchen table, her fingers tracing the edge of the envelope that had arrived in the mail earlier that morning. It was kinda old fashioned, she had expected an email and the letter made her hope.
Her heart raced as she stared at the bold, pristine lettering on the front,
Spectre Technologies.
This was it. The result of her interview with Sebastian Wolfe, the man who would likely be her boss—the man, who was also, coincidentally, her ex-husband business rival.
After a moment of hesitation, she ripped the envelope open. Her eyes scanned the crisp, official letter inside it read
“Dear Ms. Jordan,Congratulations! We are pleased to offer you the position of …”There was a string of other words attached but she didn't really read it.
She’d been offered the position.
Relief flooded her chest, mingling with confusion, working for Sebastian was bound to be awkward. But no money was worse and the money was too good to pass up, especially when her only other option was Gustin.
A small smile tugged at the corners of her lips as she folded the letter and set it on the table.
The kids were playing in the living room, their laughter filling the air glancing over at the clock she stood and walked over to them, kneeling down beside her son, Adrian was working on his coloring.
"Mommy’s got a new job," she said softly, ruffling his hair.
He looked up with wide eyes.
"Does that mean we can get more toys?"
Leilani chuckled and shook her head.
"It means things are going to get a little better, sweetie. That’s all."
Allison was already engrossed in a puzzle, her little brow furrowed in concentration, she didn't want to know what was happening right now and she wouldn't be until she was done with her puzzle.
Leilani kissed the top of her head, a surge of determination rising in her.
This was for them. Everything she did, every sacrifice she made, was for them.
" Let's get to bed" she mumbled
The next morning Leilani found herself rushing to get the kids ready for daycare. The usual chaos ensued— Adrian was refusing to put on his shoes, and Allison insisting on bringing her favorite stuffed animal even though the daycare had a strict no-toys policy.
By the time she managed to wrangle them into the car, she was already running ten minutes behind schedule.
"Mommy?" Allison's voice broke through her thoughts.
"Are we going to daycare now?"
Leilani looked up, forcing a smile onto her face.
"Yes, sweetie, we are. Just let Mommy finish getting ready."
***
After dropping them off at daycare, Leilani drove through the city on almost crazy speed,by the time she arrived at Spectre’s towering glass building, she was fidgeting. She did not want to start her first day late. She took a deep breath, clutching her purse and squaring her shoulders, and stepped inside. The lobby was just as intimidating as she remembered from her interview—cold, polished marble floors, and towering pillars that made her feel small.
It had been years since she’d last stepped into the corporate world, and she was happy to be back.
The receptionist, the polished young woman, from the last time greeted her with a bright smile.
"Welcome to Spectre Technologies. How can I help you?"
Leilani cleared her throat, clutching her handbag a little tighter.
"Leilani Jordan. I’m starting today. I believe I’m supposed to meet with the HR department first?"
"Ah, yes," the receptionist said, tapping away on her computer.
"You’re all set. Please take the elevator to the 24th floor. HR will get you settled in."
With a polite nod, Leilani headed toward the elevator, her heels clicking softly against the marble floor.
At the HR department, a friendly woman named Sarah greeted her, guiding her through the usual first-day formalities—paperwork, security passes, office protocols. It was all standard procedure, and she felt happy doing it again.
"Alright," Sarah said with a smile, snapping Leilani back to the present.
"You’re all set to start. Mr. Wolfe asked that you report to his office after HR. I believe he’d like to personally welcome you to the team."
Leilani’s heart skipped a beat. Of course, he did.
***
. As she approached the large double doors leading to Sebastian's office, Leilani paused for a moment, collecting herself. And after, steadying her breath, she knocked lightly.
"Come in," came the familiar deep voice from inside.
Leilani opened the door and stepped into the room, her eyes instantly drawn to the man standing by the window, his back to her. He hadn’t changed much since she saw him two day ago —he still exuded confidence without even trying.
"Leilani," he said, his voice smooth and measured.
"Welcome to Spectre."
"Thank you," she replied, trying to keep her tone professional, as her heart raced in her chest.
Sebastian gestured to the chair across from his desk, and she took a seat, smoothing her skirt nervously. He settled into the chair behind his desk,
"I trust HR got you settled in?" he asked, leaning back in his chair.
"Yes, everyone's been very nice," she replied, her hands folded neatly in her lap.
"Good. I thought I’d take a few minutes to go over what we expect from you here," he continued, his tone all business.
"You’ll be working closely with some of our lead developers, managing schedules and ensuring projects meet deadlines. We want our reputation to be clean all the time" he said
Leilani nodded, grateful for the straightforward approach.
It was easier to focus on the work than to think about the connection to Gustin they shared.
"I appreciate the opportunity," she said.
"I won’t let you down."
Sebastian’s gaze lingered on her for a moment longer than necessary, and then he smiled—a real smile this time, one that softened his usually sharp features.
"I never thought you would." She blinked surprised
"One more thing," he said suddenly, leaning forward slightly.
"I want to make it clear, you work with us alone not with your ex husband"
Leilani nodded again, her stomach tightening
"I agree," she said firmly.
Sebastian’s eyes flickered with something she couldn’t quite place.
"Good," he said.
"Then I’ll let you get started. Your office is just down the hall. I’ll have Charlotte show you the way."