Chapter Sixty–Two:: Chief Technology Officer
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Finally, Cassienne felt seen. People were no longer walking past her like she didn’t exist. Now, they paused and looked at her with admiration.
At least, their whispers weren’t gossiping. And their staring wasn’t disgusting either. All she could see in their eyes was pure shock and love.
Now, Cassienne walked with confidence, keeping her chin lifted, her steps measured and calm. But inside her, her heart was pounding.
She wasn’t used to getting these tyres of positive attention in Auralink. Despite the fact that she was Dreston’s wife at that time.
Even now, despite the fact that she is divorced. They still addressed her as Mrs Tremont. She was going to correct that later.
Looking back, she once walked these halls as a woman who had to work twice as hard to be noticed.A woman whose ideas were often questioned, revived, or quietly taken over by others. A woman people had believed had only climbed as far as she did because of her marriage.
Now, things are different. This was an appointment. And she was walking in as power itself.
The directors led them toward the elevator reserved for executives. As soon as the doors closed, the murmurs
outside faded into silence.
One of the directors cleared his throat, “We’ve already informed the department heads of your arrival,” he said. ” They’re all assembled in the main conference hall.”
Cassienne nodded politely and with confidence. “Thank you.”
Dreston stood beside her, hands in his pockets, watching her reflection in the mirrored walls. She looked composed, strong, and unshaken. Yet, he knew how much this place had once hurt her.
When the elevator doors opened on the executive floor, they were met with more people wanting. Departmental heads, senior engineers, product managers. They were all waiting.
And just then, Tina Ackley stepped out from her office. She froze.
For half a second, the world seemed to stop around her.
Tina’s eyes landed on Cassienne, and the shock on her face was impossible to hide. Her perfectly practiced professional smile cracked, just slightly.
Cassienne didn’t missed it at all. And now, she was enjoying every bit of it.
Tina recovered from the shock quickly, stepping forward as if she wasn’t affected. “Cassienne,” she said with smooth voice. “Welcome back to Auralink.”
Cassienne met her gaze calmly, and nodded. “Thank you,
Tina.”
When Dreston glanced between the two women, sensing the tension cracking a little. He finally broke the silence.
“I think we should proceed,” he said firmly..
The conference room was already filled when they entered. The room fell silent the moment Cassienne stepped inside.
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Dreston took his place at the head of the table.
“Good morning everyone,” he began. “I won’t take much of your time. I called this meeting to formally introduce Auralink Systems‘ new Chief Technology Officer.”
A ripple of shock ran through the room. Tina’s fingers curled slowly at her side.
But Dreston continued, his voice steady and authoritative. “Mrs. Cassienne Tremont.”
Gaps followed, whispers exploded instantly. 1
Tina flinched at that name. Even Cassienne wasn’t okay with it either. But she kept quiet and stepped forward.
Cassienne could feel the weight of every eyes on her, but she didn’t falter.
“I’m aware this decision may come as a surprise,” Dreston said. “But it is one I made after careful consideration. Cassienne’s experience, vision, and contribution to this company in the past were never fully utilized. That changes today.”
Cassienne placed her hands lightly on the table and spoke.
“Thank you.” She said calmly. “I won’t waste words. I believe in innovation, efficiency, and results. I don’t believe in hierarchy that that silences talent. If you work hard, you’ll be heard. If you bring value, you’ll grow. That is my promise.”
The room was quiet. It was too quiet. Then, suddenly, one person clapped.
Another one person followed. Soon, the applause filled the hall. But Tina did not clap. Her smile remained fixed, but her eyes were cold.
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