Chapter Two Hundred And Sixteen: Yes, I Love Her.
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The morning at Auralink moved at a steady pace. Cassienne sat in her office reviewing reports while Dreston worked in his office. The entire executive floor felt different with both of them present. Staff members walked with more purpose.
Conversations in the hallways carried a quiet energy. Everyone knew Cassienne had been the driving force behind many recent successes, and her presence gave the company a sense of stability.
Dreston spent the first few hours catching up on emails and reports. He still did not remember everything, but he trusted his instincts. He also trusted Cassienne. Every time he thought about her, he felt a quiet pull. She was not just his wife. She was the CTO who had helped build this company into what it was today. People respected her deeply, and that respect made him proud in a way he could not fully explain.
Meanwhile, Tina had been busy. She had quietly reached out to several senior executives and board members, suggesting an impromptu meeting in one of the smaller conference rooms.
She framed it as concern for the company’s future. She claimed Dreston’s memory loss made him unfit to lead right now and that Cassienne’s growing influence was a risk. Most of the people she invited were not fully aligned with her, but a few were curious enough to attend.
The meeting started in secret. Tina stood at the head of the table, speaking with careful confidence.
“We all care about Auralink,” she said. “But we must be honest. Dreston is still recovering. His memory is unreliable. And Cassienne… Well, she is his ex–wife. Her position as CTO gives her too much power. We
need stable leadership right now.”
Some executives nodded politely, but others shifted uncomfortably. They knew how much Cassienne had contributed to the company’s growth. They had seen her lead successful projects and make smart decisions. Tina’s words sounded desperate.
Dreston learned about the meeting from Janet, his secretary. She had received a quiet tip from a loyal executive and immediately informed him. 1
“Miss Ackley called an unscheduled meeting with some board members and senior executives,” Janet said. “It started ten minutes ago in the small conference room on the fifteenth floor.”
Dreston’s expression hardened. He stood up without hesitation.
“Thank you, Janet,” he said. “I will handle it.”
He walked out of his office and took the elevator down. When he reached the conference room, he did not knock. He simply opened the door and stepped inside.
The room fell silent.
Tina stood frozen at the front. Several board members and executives turned toward him, surprised.
Dreston looked around the table calmly, then spoke in a clear, steady voice.
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“I wondered why I was not informed about this very important meeting.”
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One of the senior executives cleared his throat. “The meeting was impromptu, Mr. Tremont. Miss Ackley here was just telling us about your inability to lead at this time.”
It was a slap in his face. Dreston felt a sharp sting in his chest. He looked directly at Tina. For the first time, he saw her clearly–not as the woman he once trusted, but as someone who would plot against him in his own company.
Tina’s face paled. She tried to speak, but no words came out.
Dreston kept his voice calm, but his eyes were cold.
“This meeting is over,” he said. “Everyone, please return to your work. We will discuss company matters in the proper way, with full transparency.”
The executives and board members stood up quickly. They left the room one by one, many of them nodding respectfully at Dreston as they passed. Tina remained standing, her hands trembling slightly.
When the last person left and the door closed, Dreston turned to her.
“Come to my office,” he said. “Now.”
Tina followed him without a word. They rode the elevator up in silence. When they reached his office, Dreston closed the door behind them and stood behind his desk.
“Sit down,” he said.
Tina sat.
Dreston remained standing. He looked at her for a long moment before he spoke.
“I do not remember everything yet,” he said. “But I remember enough to know that you crossed a line today. You called a secret meeting to question my ability to lead. You tried to turn my own people against me and against Cassienne. That is not acceptable.”
Tina’s eyes filled with tears. “Dreston, I was only trying to protect the company. You have been through so much. I thought-”
“No,” he cut in firmly. “You were trying to protect yourself. You were trying to push Cassienne out because you cannot accept that I have chosen her. I am telling you now, clearly and finally: resign from your position. Effective immediately. You are no longer welcome at Auralink.”
Tina stared at him, stunned. “You cannot be serious.”
“I am,” Dreston replied. “Pack your things and leave the building by the end of the day. Security will escort you out if necessary.”
Tina’s eyes filled with tears. She stood up slowly, her voice shaking with emotion.
“You cannot do this to me, Dreston. Not after everything we have been through. I was your first love. We
Chapter Two Hundred And Tee Lovelie
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fell in love in high school. I gave you everything. I was even pregnant with your child once. And then Cassienne came back into your life and ruined it all. She is the reason I lost the baby. She is the reason you turned away from me. How can you push me away after so many years? After all the promises you made to me?”
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