The Bruises On Nancy's Face

Morana's Point of View

As I turned to leave, I adjusted the strap of my purse and glanced back at Sebastian, who was still basking in the relief of having secured my signature.

"By the way," I began, my tone casual but firm, "I'll be starting next week."

Sebastian nodded eagerly. "Of course, Morana. Whatever works best for you. I'll ensure everything is set up to your liking."

"And one more thing," I added, stepping closer to his desk. "I want Nancy back as my manager."

The smile on Sebastian's face faltered slightly. He hesitated, scratching the back of his head again. "Ah… about Nancy…"

I arched an eyebrow, my lips curving into a smirk. "What about her?"

"Well," he began, carefully choosing his words, "Nancy is currently assigned to Sophia. She's been working closely with her for the past year. I'm not sure if reassigning her would be the best idea."

My smirk widened as I crossed my arms over my chest. "Sebastian," I said, my voice dripping with mock sweetness, "I wasn't asking for your opinion. I was telling you what I want."

His brows furrowed, and he leaned forward slightly, clearly trying to reason with me.

"Morana, you're incredibly talented. You don't need Nancy to succeed. We can assign you a new manager, someone even more experienced. I assure you....."

"Sebastian," I interrupted, narrowing my eyes, "this isn't about experience. Nancy knows how I work, and I know how she operates. We're a team. I'm not interested in starting over with someone else."

"Morana," he tried to reason, "I'm sure we can find someone equally capable to manage your schedule. Nancy's workload is already....."

"In order for this deal to be solid," I interrupted, my tone sharp now,

"I want Nancy back. I don't care how you do it. Reassign Sophia, give her someone else, or have her manage herself for all I care. But Nancy is mine. She knows how I work, and I won't compromise on this."

Sebastian sighed, clearly weighing his options. "You really don't make things easy, do you?"

"Why should I?" I shot back with a shrug.

"You knew exactly what you were getting into when you gave that contract for me to sign."

He sighed, his discomfort evident. "Sophia won't take this well. Nancy's been instrumental in managing her career."

I couldn't help the smirk that crept onto my lips. "Sophia can manage herself," I said coldly.

"Or maybe she can hire someone else. Either way, it's not my problem."

For a moment, Sebastian looked like he wanted to argue, but he quickly decided against it.

His shoulders slumped slightly, and he nodded. "Fine, Morana. I'll make the arrangements. Nancy will be reassigned to you before you officially start next week."

"Good." I gave him a curt nod, satisfaction swelling within me. "I'll expect her to be ready and efficient, just like always."

Sebastian attempted a smile, though it looked more like a grimace. "Of course. Anything else you'd like?"

"No," I replied simply, turning toward the door. "That'll be all for now."

With that, I left his office, my grandfather trailing closely behind me. The private elevator was already waiting for us, and we stepped inside.

As the doors slid shut, I allowed myself a small victorious smile.

"Strong negotiations," Grandfather said approvingly. "I've taught you well."

"You did," I agreed, standing tall. "And now it's paying off."

The elevator descended smoothly to the ground floor, and I mentally rehearsed my next steps.

But as soon as the doors opened, my thoughts scattered. Standing in the lavish lobby, dressed impeccably as always, was Sophia.

She turned her head at the sound of the elevator's ding, and her eyes widened in shock when they landed on me.

For a split second, I saw the panic flash across her face before she quickly masked it with her usual haughty demeanor.

"Sister," I greeted smoothly, stepping out of the elevator with an air of confidence. I waved at her as if we were the best of friends. "Nice to see you."

Sophia's mouth opened and closed like a fish out of water. She clearly hadn't expected to see me here.

"M-Morana," she finally stammered. "What… what are you doing here?"

I chuckled softly, enjoying her discomfort. "Oh, nothing much," I replied casually.

"Just securing a little deal with Sebastian. It's good to keep old ties alive, don't you think?"

Her lips pressed into a thin line as she struggled to maintain her composure.

But what caught my attention wasn't Sophia, it was the figure standing behind her. Nancy.

My smile faltered as I took in the sight of my former manager. Her arms were full of garment bags and folders, and a large bruise marred her cheekbone. Her once-proud stance was slumped, and her eyes were downcast as if avoiding my gaze.

Anger bubbled beneath my skin, and my fists clenched at my sides. Sophia caught my shift in demeanor and quickly stepped into my line of sight, blocking Nancy from view.

"Well, it was… nice seeing you, Morana," Sophia said, forcing a tight smile. "But I'm very busy, so if you'll excuse me…"

I didn't respond right away, my eyes narrowing at the blatant attempt to shield Nancy.

This wasn't the time to react, not yet. Instead, I smiled at Sophia, my gaze flickering briefly to Nancy before returning to her.

Finally, I took a deliberate step forward, closing the gap between us.

"I'll see you around, Sophia," I said, my tone dripping with hidden meaning.

Without waiting for her response, I turned and walked toward the entrance, my heels clicking against the marble floor. My grandfather followed behind me, his usual calm demeanor unchanged.

As we stepped outside, the sun was just beginning to dip below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the sleek black cars of our convoy. My grandfather's driver opened the door for him.

He climbed into the car, and I stood on the curb for a moment, watching as the cars pulled away. My mind was already racing with plans.

Standing there on the pavement, I let out a slow breath, my mind racing with thoughts of everything that had just happened.

But those bruises on Nancy's face… that wasn't something I could ignore.

Whatever she'd done to Nancy and whatever game she thought she was playing, I would make her pay for every single bruise, every ounce of humiliation she thought she could dish out.

As I slipped into my own car, I couldn't help but smirk.

"Sophia!! I'll be seeing a lot more of you soon."