The Tables Have Turned

Elena sat in the sterile, gleaming lobby of the Donaldson Corporation, nervously tapping her foot.

Ever since Demitri stopped visiting, and stopped answering her calls, everything had fallen apart.

She leaned back in her seat, glancing at the reception desk, trying to calm her racing thoughts. The receptionist had been kind enough, but Elena’s pride still burned at being in this situation. She used to be someone.

I’ll get through this. I don’t need him… I’ll make him regret this.

She pulled her phone out, hesitating for a second before dialing his number. It goes directly to voicemail and she let out a curse beneath her breath.

Just then, the door to the office opened, and a tall figure walked out. The secretary smiled warmly. “Ms. Don—”

Before she could finish, Elena stood up so quickly her chair scraped the floor as her gaze fell upon the familiar face of Ashley.

Elena’s jaws dropped as she watched the secretary greet her politely as she strode past, ignoring her totally.

Elena’s eyes narrowed as Ashley disappeared behind the office door. Her chest tightened, anger rising like a hot flame. Of course, she’s in there. She’s probably having an affair with the boss. She must be!

Without thinking, Elena stormed up to the secretary’s desk.

“Why is she going in there?” she demanded, her voice rising. “I’ve been waiting here for my interview, and she just waltzes in without an appointment?”

The secretary looked surprised by Elena’s outburst but quickly recovered. “I’m sorry, Ms. Elena, but Ashley is the new boss now. She’s the daughter of Fernando Donaldson.”

Elena froze. Her brain couldn’t process the words.

Ashley Donaldson? The daughter of the owner?

She stumbled back a few steps, feeling the floor shift under her feet. This couldn’t be real. It couldn’t. The woman she had thought was just Demitri’s ex-wife… was the heir to the entire Donaldson empire?

“Excuse me?” Elena whispered, her voice shaking. “She’s… she’s who?”

The secretary nodded, seemingly unaware of the storm brewing in Elena’s mind. “Yes, she just took over the company. Ms. Emerald Donaldson.”

Elena stood there, completely stunned. Her mind raced, spinning wildly as she tried to make sense of it all.

No, this is a joke. This can’t be happening.

She stared at the door that had just closed behind Ashley.

So this whole time, she was… the one?

Her knees nearly buckled, and she grabbed the nearest chair to steady herself.