Chapter One Hundred And Twenty Two
Chapter One Hundred And Twenty Two
Serena’s Pov
The next morning started off like any other, with the usual rush of traffic and the hum of my thoughts competing with the radio. The city was just waking up, but my mind was already running ahead. There is a product launch to finalize, a dozen reports to review, and a long list of meetings to get through. It was going to be a busy day, but that was how I liked it. Work kept me grounded. It reminded me of how far I had come.
When I got to the company, the atmosphere felt different. The employees seemed to be in a good mood today. It was as if they had tapped from my energy. I walked through the lobby confidently, giving small nods to those who greeted me. Bridget was waiting near the elevator with her usual bright smile and a cup of coffee in hand.
“Good morning, ma’am,” she greeted warmly, handing me the cup.
“Good morning, Bridget,” I said, returning her smile. “How’s everything going?”
“All set for your morning meetings. I have already printed out the reports you asked for, and your nine o’clock appointment is confirmed,” she reported to me.
“Perfect,” I said as I stepped into the elevator. “Let’s make today productive.” I said to her, ready for all that today brought to me.
The moment I got to my office, I removed my coat and set my bag aside, taking a moment to admire the view from my window. The skyline looked breathtaking under the soft sunlight. For a brief moment, I thought about how long it took to get here again, all the betrayals, the heartbreaks, the battles I fought in silence. And I had managed to fight my battles right, and be with the man who truly loved and cared about me.
Suddenly, a knock came at the door.
“Come in,” I said, adjusting my chair.
Ryan stepped in, looking a bit uneasy, and he hesitated before speaking.
“Good morning, ma’am,” he said. “I, uh… I got a call this morning from Mr. Killian Blackwood.”
My brows furrowed slightly. “From Killian?”
He nodded. “Yes, ma’am. He said he wanted me to… help him do something. He didn’t give too many details, but he asked that I shouldn't tell you until it’s done.”
I sighed softly, leaning back in my chair. For a moment, I didn’t say anything. Ryan looked uncertain, waiting for my reaction.
Then I raised my hand slightly, motioning for him to stop talking.
“Ryan,” I said calmly, “Whatever it is he asked you to do, as long as it’s nothing that will harm me or the company, go ahead and do it.” I said, giving him the go ahead.
He blinked, clearly surprised. “Ma’am, are you sure? I mean… it’s Killian we’re talking about. I just thought you would want to know.”
I smiled faintly. “It’s fine, Ryan. Trust me, if it’s something I need to know, I’ll find out eventually. For now, just go ahead.”
He hesitated for a moment longer before nodding.
“Alright, if you say so.”
I didn't want to find out before the surprise could manifest because I had a feeling it wasn't something evil. He definitely wouldn't contact Ryan if it was.
“Thank you,” I said, turning my attention back to my computer screen. “And Ryan?”
“Yes, ma’am?”
“I appreciate your honesty,” I added without looking up.
He smiled a little, nodded again, and left the office.
Once the door closed behind him, I exhaled deeply. I knew Killian wouldn’t give up on anything he set his mind to, easily. Last night when I sent that message about him proving his love, I didn’t know what I expected from him, but I wanted to see how far he would go.
Part of me wanted to believe he had changed. The other part just wanted to see him struggle for once, but then, either of both, I had one outcome waiting for him.
The rest of the morning went smoothly. I attended a few minor meetings, reviewed some documents, and finalized details about the upcoming product launch.
Once it was afternoon, it was time for the main meeting in the conference room. The topic was the new skincare product line we were preparing to launch, something I had worked hard on when I still owned my first company which Killian took from me. It wasn't bad to use that idea here.
“Are we ready?” I asked Bridget as we walked down the hallway.
“Yes, ma’am. The marketing team is already in there setting up the projector.”
“Good,” I replied, straightening my jacket.
When I walked into the room, the chatter quieted down. Executives, department heads, and team leaders were already seated. Some of them gave me polite nods; others looked curious, probably wondering how it was all going to turn out.
“Good afternoon, everyone,” I greeted, taking my seat at the head of the table.
“Good afternoon ma’am,” they echoed.
“Let’s begin,” I said, glancing at the marketing leader, who was a young man, and stood near the projector. “Show us what you’ve got.”
He smiled nervously and started his presentation after introducing himself again. The lights dimmed slightly, and the screen behind him lit up with slides showing product designs, campaign ideas, and slogans. Everything looked professional and neatly put together.
“We’re aiming to highlight natural ingredients, sustainability, and trust in this campaign,” he explained, flipping through the slides. “Our slogan proposal is Beauty You Can Trust.”
I nodded approvingly. “I like that. It’s simple and meaningful.”
As the presentation continued, I took notes and occasionally asked questions. Everyone seemed engaged until, suddenly, the slide changed.
Instead of product images, large red hearts appeared on the screen, floating around like a romantic slideshow.
“What the…” Peter muttered in confusion, fumbling with the laptop.
Then, bold words appeared across the screen.
“To the woman who owns my heart, Serena. I love you and will do anything to win you back, even if it means humbling myself completely.”
The room went completely silent.
Every head turned towards me. Some people looked shocked, others looked awkward, not knowing whether to laugh or pretend they saw nothing.
I froze for a second, my pen still in my hand. My heartbeat quickened as I realized what had just happened.
Peter stammered, “I… I don’t know what’s happening. I swear I didn’t…”
“It’s fine,” I interrupted, keeping my voice calm even though my face felt hot. “Just turn it off.”
He tried to exit the screen, but another line appeared, followed by a picture of Killian standing with a bouquet of roses in his hands, smiling sheepishly.
“Forgive me, Serena. I’ll prove I’m worthy of you this time.”
Gasps echoed around the room. A few people tried to stifle awkward chuckles.
“Peter,” I said, my tone a little sharper now. “Turn. It. Off.”
He quickly shut down the projector, plunging the room into dim silence.
I straightened up and forced a tight smile. “Well,” I said, clearing my throat, “That was… unexpected. Let’s continue, shall we?”
Everyone nodded hesitantly, trying to act like nothing had happened, but I could feel the tension in the air. Even though I tried to stay composed, I could sense my cheeks burning.
We continued the meeting, and I was listening to what Peter had to say, but truthfully, I could barely focus on what anyone was saying. My mind kept returning to that ridiculous display. So this was what he meant by proving it?
And then it was time to take a break, so I packed my files and left the room as quickly as I could. Ryan was standing near the hallway, waiting for me.
“Ma’am,” he said carefully.
“Not a word,” I said, raising a hand again, and he closed his mouth immediately.
I took a deep breath, trying to calm the swirl of emotions in my chest; anger, disbelief, and something else I couldn’t quite name.
Killian Blackwood was definitely taking my message seriously, but maybe a little too seriously.
As I stepped into my office and closed the door behind me, my phone buzzed on the desk.
It was a message from an unknown number.
When I opened it, my breath hitched.
It was from Killian.
“That was just the beginning, Serena. I’m not stopping until you believe me.”
And before I could even process those words, another notification came through.
“Look outside your window.”
My heart skipped a beat as I slowly turned towards the glass wall behind my desk.