Broken Vows and Buried Twins novel Chapter 15

When Melody and Linda pushed open the door, they walked in just in time to see Gael dumping Melody's gold nameplate straight into the trash can. Meanwhile, Hester stood behind the sprawling executive desk, her back to them, calmly admiring the panoramic view of the city skyline through the floor-to-ceiling windows.

Gael dusted off her hands and met Melody's furious glare. "Just taking out the trash. No need to thank me."

Melody's face darkened. "This is a corporate office, not a playground for your tantrums!"

Hester turned around, her icy gaze slicing right through Melody. "Melody, I am cleaning house. This office, this chair, and this entire corporation never belonged to you. Now that I'm back, it's time for you to crawl back to where you belong."

Melody's flawlessly made-up face contorted with rage. But within seconds, she forced herself to calm down.

The office door was still wide open, and the entire secretarial pool outside was practically holding their breath, eavesdropping on the drama.

Melody's eyes flashed with calculation. She looked at Hester and purposefully raised her voice. "Hester, you have this all wrong. I never wanted to steal the company from you. But it's been five years, and the industry is moving forward. Julian told me you've been heavily medicated this whole time. We just felt that your current mental state makes you unfit for corporate leadership."

"Even if I were paralyzed in a hospital bed, that wouldn't give you the right to bite the hand that fed you and steal my throne!" Hester glanced at the peering faces outside and let out a cold laugh. "And don't try to use Julian to intimidate me. As far as I'm concerned, you're both garbage that needs to be taken out."

Melody frowned in faux sympathy. "Hester, I know seeing Caden was a massive blow to you. I understand you're lashing out, but this is a private family matter. We should discuss it in private. You can't just storm into the office and cause a scene like this. You're putting Julian in a terrible position."

"Exactly!" Linda jumped out from behind Melody, pointing an angry finger at Hester and Gael. "This is Ms. Monroe's office! Who do you think you are? Get the hell out!"

Gael looked at Linda and arched an eyebrow. "The only one who needs to get the hell out is Melody—and you, her brainless lapdog who doesn't even know who actually owns this place!"

"I'm just speaking the truth! It's how the entire staff feels!" Linda yelled. "If you don't believe me, Ms. Monroe, go ask them yourself!"

Melody looked incredibly helpless, playing the part of the reluctant hero perfectly. She turned back to Hester. "Hester, you see how it is. The staff simply doesn't trust your leadership. How about this? Let's just talk privately."

Hester stared at Melody with ice in her veins. Did these two really think she was stupid enough to fall for their synchronized stage play?

"We have nothing to talk about," Hester said as she walked around the desk and sat down in the plush leather chair. "I am officially resuming control of this company as of today. That's not a negotiation. It's an order."

"You can't fire me," Melody said, holding her ground. "I'm a shareholder now too, and I have an ironclad executive contract. If you terminate me without cause, you'll owe me a massive severance package!"