Rebecca shot awake. Her heart hammered, the image of Kathryn, tied to a chair, pulled away by a man with a grey beard, still burned behind her eyelids.
She threw back the covers and looked around, fear prickling her skin. Kathryn's bed was empty. "Kathryn?" she called, her voice tight. No answer. Panic rising, she rushed to the bathroom, then down to the silent, dark bar. Still no sign of her roommate.
Just as a knot of despair tightened in her stomach, she remembered the gym on the second floor. She lunged for the elevator, stabbing the button repeatedly. When the doors finally hissed open, she sprinted down the dimly lit corridor.
She pushed open the gym door, and the sight that greeted her nearly buckled her knees. Kathryn, face etched with focused intensity, was unleashing a barrage of practiced kickboxing moves on a heavy sandbag. Relief washed over Rebecca in a dizzying wave. She stumbled into the room, sinking onto a bench, gasping for air.
"What are you doing up so early?" Rebecca managed, once her breathing steadied. "Shouldn't you be asleep?"
Kathryn paused, a flicker of amusement crossing her features. "I wake up at 5:30 every morning."
"I just… I thought you'd sleep in, you know, considering you were exhausted from… everything," Rebecca said, carefully avoiding any direct mention of the hour-and-a-half long crying jag.
Kathryn stopped her workout, spinning to face Rebecca, her expression suddenly guarded. "You mean because I cried for a few minutes?" The word was laced with an edge sharper than a blade.
"Um, closer to ninety," Rebecca corrected, feeling a tremor of unease under Kathryn's intense gaze. "And I thought it might be better to move the meeting up to 9am."
Kathryn released a heavy sigh, turning away and assuming a weightlifting stance. Rebecca was taken aback by the stark transformation. It was hard to believe the cold, controlled figure before her had been weeping uncontrollably only hours ago.
"Alright then," Rebecca said, breaking the tense silence before climbing onto a treadmill and starting to run, the rhythmic thump of her feet the only sound in the echoing gym.
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Kathryn stepped out of the white limousine, her security team carefully clearing a path through the throng of reporters gathered on the company's front steps.
As she walked into the office, Kathryn exuded confidence and radiance in her Isabel Marant ensemble. The jacquard blazer featured a beautiful floral pattern that shimmered in the light streaming through the windows.
Tiny, sparkling crystal buttons trimmed the edges of the blazer, and the light fabric seemed to float around her as she moved. She paired it with a crisp white shirt, tailored white pants, and her signature black heels, creating an effortlessly chic look.
Diamond earrings glinted in the morning sun as Kathryn strode purposefully into the company, with Arthur and Rebecca close behind. She possessed a natural air of authority that commanded respect, and her powerful presence seemed to inspire admiration in everyone she passed.
Despite wearing little or no makeup or perhaps because of it , she was simply breathtaking. She carried herself with perfect poise, even with the intense scrutiny of every employee and board member fixed upon her.
Rebecca, in contrast, opted for a bold and striking look. She wore a red, above-the-knee V-neck bodycon dress that clung to her curves like a second skin.
Wanting to project a professional but stylish image, she added a peach-colored blazer.
The tight-fitting red dress accentuated her hourglass figure and tiny waist, making her look absolutely stunning.
She completed her look with a pair of Five-inch black strapless heels.
Kathryn and Rebecca complemented each other perfectly. Kathryn projected an aura of cool elegance, while Rebecca radiated fiery confidence.
Arthur, as always, looked dashing in an ink-black tuxedo, accented with golden cufflinks.
It was the first time that many of the employees and board members had seen their gorgeous Director and her deputy in person. They couldn't help but wonder what they had done in their past lives to deserve the honor of working for such intelligent and beautiful women.
As they walked through the office doors, the employees chorused in unison, "Good morning, President!" Kathryn responded with a gracious nod.
The board members then hurried forward, eager to greet her. With a few swift strides, the three stepped into the guarded elevator that provided exclusive access to the President's and Vice President's offices on the 50th floor.
Breaking the silence, Kathryn spoke, her voice clear and decisive. "I want to be personally involved in interviewing the applicants in the interview room."
"Of course," Rebecca replied, offering a supportive smile.
"After the board meeting," Kathryn continued, "I'd like to speak with the heads of each department individually."
"That can certainly be arranged," Arthur confirmed.
Kathryn was about to add something when the elevator chimed, signaling their arrival on the top floor.
Arthur led the way, guiding Kathryn towards her new office. The space was expansive, featuring a sophisticated desk that appeared to be crafted from rich cedar wood. A gold plaque, boldly displaying "Director Kathryn Blackwood," sat prominently on its surface.
Behind the desk was a plush leather swivel chair, its high back promising hours of comfort. In the center of the office, a circular wooden table, also topped with leather, was surrounded by six sleek black leather chairs, creating an inviting space for informal meetings.
Running the tip of her finger across the smooth surface of the desk, Kathryn couldn't help but smile. She loved the office. It was beautiful and sophisticated, perfectly befitting her role as general director.
Arthur proceeded to give her a tour of the rest of the space, showcasing its walk-in closet, a hidden bedroom tucked away behind a secret door, and a spacious, luxuriously appointed restroom.
"I hope you like it," Arthur said, a hint of pride in his voice.
"I love it," Kathryn replied sincerely.
"This office is perfect, wow… just wow," Rebecca added, looking around in awe.
"Your office is right across from hers, Rebecca. I would have loved to give you a tour as well, as yours is equally spectacular, but we're already running late for the meeting," Arthur said apologetically.
"That's not a problem at all," Rebecca replied, already making her way towards the door. "We need to head to the conference room now."
Kathryn followed gracefully behind them, taking in the impressive surroundings. As the three entered the room, the chatter among the board members immediately ceased.
Arthur led Kathryn to her designated seat at the head of the long conference table, positioning himself to her right, while Rebecca took the seat on her left.
Kathryn paused, scanning the faces of the eight board members seated around the table, each one watching her with a mixture of curiosity and anticipation.
"Good morning, ladies and gentlemen," she began, her voice surprisingly soft and gentle, like a warm caress. "Thank you for honoring this meeting with your presence."
Her voice stood in stark contrast to the powerful aura she projected, creating an intriguing duality.
"Good morning to you, too, Director Blackwood," they replied in unison, their voices respectful.
Her soothing tone seemed to have a calming effect, putting them at ease and encouraging them to listen attentively.
"Thank you for your unwavering support and substantial investments over the past few years," Kathryn continued. "Your belief in this company has brought stability and allowed us to flourish. And thank you for backing Arthur in all his bold ventures, even when they seemed, at times, almost infeasible."
A man in his late fifties, his face etched with a hint of skepticism, raised his hand, signaling that he had a question. Kathryn gave him a nod, granting him permission to speak.
"We're all pleased to finally meet the individual behind this extraordinary company," he began, a subtle edge to his voice. "But we're eager to understand whether you intend to serve merely as a figurehead, or if you plan to actively assume control of the company's operations." His eyes were shrewd and assessing.
It was evident from his demeanor that he was uneasy with the idea of a young woman at the helm of Star Corp. What could a girl possibly know about running a business of this magnitude? he seemed to be thinking. Especially a girl who looks as though she's barely out of high school.
Rebecca noticed his patronizing expression and felt a surge of anger. Who does he think he is, looking down on Kathryn like that? she fumed silently.
Kathryn remained composed, her expression serene. She was calm, almost unnervingly so, which only served to heighten the board members' unease.
Think you can intimidate me, old man? Kathryn thought, a faint smirk playing on her lips as she met his gaze, her eyes unwavering.
"I have no need to 'take over' the operations," Kathryn replied softly, her voice deceptively gentle as she admired the vibrant red polish on her fingernails.
Some of the board members shifted uncomfortably, annoyed by her nonchalant response to what they considered a serious and legitimate question.
Finally, she raised her head, her eyes now devoid of any warmth. "Why would I need to take over the operations," she asked, her voice laced with subtle scorn, "when I was the one who conceived of them, initiated them, and brought them to fruition in the first place?"