Chapter 137: MY OWN NAME

MAYA’S POV

The morning light streamed through the large windows of my new office. I stood in the middle of the space that now belonged to me.  My very own Consultancy. Lawson Strategy Partners. The name was printed clearly on the glass door and on the elegant plaque on my desk. It still felt a little unreal. After all the years of working hard in the background, of fighting to be seen, of my work being stolen I finally had my own consultancy inside Hale Empire.

I ran my fingers across the smooth wooden desk. The office was modern and bright, with comfortable seating for clients and shelves ready for books and files. A small seating area by the window overlooked the Manhattan skyline. This was mine. I had earned it.

The past few weeks had been a whirlwind of paperwork, meetings, and finalizing the partnership agreement. Today was my first official day running things on my own. No more hiding my ideas behind supervisors. No more feeling invisible. I was ready.

I sat down in the big leather chair and took a deep breath. Memories of my early days at Hale Empire came back. I had started as an analyst who kept her head down and worked late into the night. I had dealt with doubts about my worth after that painful night four years ago. Now I was here, building something real.

My assistant for the consultancy, a sharp young woman named Rachel, knocked on the door and stepped inside with a smile.

“Everything is set for your first client meeting this afternoon,” she said. “The files are organized, and the presentation is ready. Is there anything else you need?”

“Thank you, Rachel,” I replied. “That’s perfect. Let’s make sure we have fresh coffee ready for the clients.”

She nodded and left. I turned to the window and looked out at the city. Tall buildings stretched into the sky. Cars moved like small dots on the streets below. I had come so far from the small Brooklyn apartment with the leaking ceiling. From the days when I felt like money on a nightstand defined my value.

I was proud of myself. Really proud. The journey had been hard, but every late night, every difficult meeting, every moment of doubt had led me here. To this office with my name on the door. To this moment where I could help other companies the way I had helped turn Hale Empire around.

A soft knock came at the door again. I turned around.

Eva stood there. She looked neat and professional in a simple blouse and skirt. The confident, smug expression I remembered from before was gone. Instead, she seemed polite and a little reserved.

“Hi, Maya,” she said quietly. “I heard today is your first official day. I wanted to come by and say congratulations.”

I was surprised but smiled. “Thank you, Eva. That’s kind of you.”

She stepped a little closer but stayed near the door. “Your consultancy looks great. The space suits you. I hope it goes really well.”

There was no edge in her voice. No hidden challenge. Just genuine politeness. Something had changed in her since the last time we had spoken. Maybe she had found her own peace.

“I appreciate that,” I said. “How have you been?”

Eva gave a small shrug. “Busy with work. Trying to stay professional and focused. I wish you the best with everything.”

She didn’t stay long. After a few more polite words, she left with a nod. I watched her go and felt a strange sense of closure. The old rivalry, the jealousy, the tension. It all seemed to have faded for both of us.

I turned back to the window and looked out again. The city stretched endlessly. I thought about all the steps that had brought me here. The hard work. The pain. The growth. The decision to build something for myself instead of staying invisible.

I was proud. Deeply proud. Not just of the office or the name on the door, but of the woman I had become. Stronger. More confident. Someone who knew her own worth.

The rest of the day passed in a good rhythm. I met with my first clients and presented clear strategies. They seemed impressed. Rachel helped keep everything organized. By late afternoon, I felt energized rather than tired.

When the sun started to set, I stood at the window once more. The lights of the city were beginning to come on. I smiled to myself.

This was my space. My name. My future.

I had come so far. And I still had more to go.

My phone rang while I was reviewing some notes in my new office. Kane’s name appeared on the screen. I answered with a smile.

“Hello, Kane.”

“Maya! Congratulations on the consultancy,” he said warmly. “I heard the news. Lawson Strategy Partners. It has a great ring to it. You deserve this success more than anyone.”

“Thank you,” I replied, genuinely touched. “That means a lot coming from you.”

We chatted for a moment about the partnership and my new office space. Then I asked the question that had been on my mind.

“How are you and Vera doing?”

Kane’s voice brightened. “Very good, actually. We’re really happy together. She’s incredible. We’re taking things slow but it feels right.”

I smiled. “I’m glad. You both deserve that.”

There was a short, comfortable pause. Then he asked gently, “And you and Luca?”

I felt warmth spread through my chest. “Great as well. We’re building something really good. It’s good.”

“Perfect,” Kane said with a light laugh. “I’m happy for you, Maya. Truly. Keep shining.”

We ended the call on a friendly note. I set the phone down and looked out my office window, feeling grateful for how far everyone had come.