Chapter 29
★★★ CROSS MANSION ★★★
Alexander walked into the house, his shoulders slumped but his mind racing with plans. As soon as he entered, both Rachel and Lily rushed to him, their faces etched with concern.
"How was your day?" Rachel asked, scrutinizing his expression. "Did Cassandra suspect anything about the company?"
Alexander shook his head. "No, she didn’t suspect a thing. She thinks she has the upper hand."
Lily's face lit up with a sinister smile. "Good. Remember, you need to win her trust first. Then we can strike back and take back what’s rightfully ours."
"I know," Alexander replied, a determined glint in his eyes. "I'll play the role she wants me to play. I’ll gain her trust, get close to her, and then crush her from within. One step at a time."
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I was about to lock my office after a long day when Rachel, my assistant, rushed towards me with a sad expression on her face. She handed me her phone, showing me an internet post that made a fuss about me marrying my ex-husband's friend just to get back at him for divorcing me. The post included an edited video of me talking back to Rachel, twisted to make it seem like I was the villain.
I smiled, unfazed. "I expected something from the Cross family, but I didn't know they'd stoop this low. Let's play their game."
Rachel looked worried. "Should we issue a statement?"
"No," I replied, my mind already formulating a counter-attack. "I have a better idea. Go home and rest. You’ve done enough for today."
As soon as I walked into the house, Teddy was there, looking at me worriedly. He must have seen the trending news about me.
"Cassandra, are you okay?" he asked, pulling me into a comforting hug.
I nodded, taking a deep breath. "Yes, I'm fine. The Cross family is trying to use my past against me, but they have no idea who they're dealing with."
Teddy squeezed my hand. "What do you plan to do?"
I smiled confidently. "I'll turn the tables on them. They want to play dirty? I'll show them how it's done."
I went upstairs to my home office and set up my camera. With a calm demeanor, I began recording my response.
"Hello everyone," I started, looking directly into the camera. "I want to address the recent rumors and videos circulating about me. It’s true that I’ve had a difficult past, but what’s more important is how we rise from our hardships."
I paused, letting my words sink in. "Yes, I married Teddy, my ex-husband’s friend. But not out of spite or revenge. I married him because he showed me what true love and respect look like. Unlike my previous relationship, where I faced constant humiliation and abuse."
I then played the original, unedited video of my conversation with Rachel, showing how the Cross family had manipulated the footage to paint me as the villain.
"I hope this clears up any misunderstandings," I continued. "We all have our struggles and our stories. What matters is how we move forward. I’m not here to dwell on the past but to build a better future."
The video quickly went viral, with viewers praising my honesty and strength. Comments flooded in, showing support and admiration.
** “Wow, I never knew she went through so much. Stay strong, Cassandra!”
** “The Cross family should be ashamed of themselves. Manipulating videos? Pathetic!”
** “Cassandra, you’re an inspiration. Don’t let them bring you down!”
The tide of public opinion turned in my favor, and the Cross family's attempt to smear my reputation backfired spectacularly.
Teddy watched the reactions with a smile. "You handled that brilliantly, Cassandra."
I nodded, feeling a sense of vindication. "Thank you. This is just the beginning. They’ll realize soon enough that they’re no match for me."
★★★ NEXT DAY ★★★
I arrived at the company to find it abuzz with activity. The reception area was filled with flowers and the employees greeted me with warm smiles and congratulatory remarks. As I made my way to my office, Rachel intercepted me, excitement radiating from her.
“Cassandra, you have to see this!” she exclaimed, holding up her tablet. “The live video you did last night has gained 200 million viewers and 300 million comments. Ninety percent of them are in your favor!”
I couldn’t help but smile, feeling a sense of vindication. "That's incredible, Rachel. Thank you for letting me know."
Suddenly, a commotion in the hallway drew my attention. The usually serene office was becoming increasingly noisy. I stepped out to investigate, only to find Alexander walking in with a blank expression, his presence drawing stares and whispers from the employees.
He headed straight for my office, determination in his stride. I followed him inside, closing the door behind us.
Alexander stood in front of my desk, his face a mask of controlled anger. “Cassandra, we need to talk.”
I raised an eyebrow, leaning back in my chair. “It’s ‘boss’ to you, Alexander. Let’s get that straight right now.”
He gritted his teeth but complied. “Fine, boss. What is the meaning of all this? Why was I not informed about the company’s sale until it was too late? And now, I’m greeted with the news that I am very bad at my work as your assistant? This is just my second day "
I leaned forward, my expression turning cold. “You have no right to question my decisions. You lost that privilege when you drove this company into the ground. Be grateful you even have a job.”
Alexander’s fists clenched at his sides. “This isn’t over, Cassandra. I will regain control of my company.”
I smirked, unfazed by his threats. “You’re in no position to make demands or threats. From now on, you will do as you’re told. Address me with the respect I deserve, or you can walk right out of here and join the unemployment line.”
He stared at me, the fire in his eyes momentarily dimming. “I understand, boss.”
“Good. Now get to work. Rachel will give you your tasks for the day. And remember, Alexander, you’re on probation. One misstep, and you’re out.”
He turned and walked out of my office, his shoulders stiff with barely contained rage. I watched him go, feeling a mix of satisfaction and determination. Alexander Cross thought he could break me, but now he would learn what it truly meant to be broken.
As the door closed behind him, I allowed myself a moment to savor the victory. The power dynamics had shifted entirely, and I was firmly in control. Alexander’s humiliation was just beginning, and I intended to make every day a reminder of the consequences of his actions.
The employees watched as Alexander walked through the office, his head bowed in defeat. Whispers followed him, but he kept his eyes forward, determined to endure the humiliation.
Rachel approached me again, a look of concern on her face. “Are you sure about this, Cassandra? About keeping him on?”
I nodded. “Yes, Rachel. This is just the beginning. He needs to learn what it means to lose everything. And I’ll be the one to teach him.”
Rachel smiled, her confidence in me unwavering. “You’re stronger than ever. I believe in you.”
“Thank you, Rachel. Now, let’s get back to work. There’s a lot to do.”
-----
As the day progressed, I kept a close eye on Alexander, ensuring he followed through with his tasks. Every mistake, every slip-up, would be met with swift consequences. This was my company now, and I intended to run it with the same ruthless efficiency that had brought me this far.
That evening, as I left the office, I felt a sense of accomplishment. This was a new chapter, not just for the company, but for me as well. The past was behind me, and the future was mine to shape. And I would do so with the strength and determination that had carried me through the darkest of times.
As I drove home, I thought of Teddy and the support he had given me. Together, we would build something incredible, something that no one could tear down. The Cross family had underestimated me, but now they would see just how powerful I could be. And Alexander, my once tormentor, would learn the true meaning of regret.