You're Welcome To Leave My Company

Morana's Point of View

Monday. The day I had been waiting for. It was finally here.

The air felt lighter this morning, as though fate was finally working in my favor.

I sat at the dining table, quietly sipping my coffee, when my grandfather, entered the room.

As usual, he gave me a long, scrutinizing look before sitting across from me. "You haven't eaten enough," he stated firmly, motioning toward my barely touched plate. As always, insisted I eat more than I was comfortable with.

"Grandfather," I sighed, setting down my cup. "I've had enough. I can't eat anymore."

"Nonsense," he said, pushing the plate closer to me.

I groaned and pushed it aside. "I can't possibly eat another bite. I'll explode."

He narrowed his eyes at me. "You'll need your strength today. The fools you're about to face will test your patience."

I couldn't help but smile at his bluntness. "I'll manage," I said, taking another bite to appease him.

He watched me intently, his sharp gray eyes softening just a fraction. "Morana, you're walking into a lion's den. Remember who you are."

"I know," I replied, trying to sound more confident than I felt.

"No," he said, leaning forward, his tone firm. "You are a Sinclair. And a Sinclair doesn't just survive—we dominate. Walk in there like the queen you are and remind them why they should fear you."

"Grandfather," I said with a small laugh, "you make it sound like I'm going to war."

He raised a brow. "In a way, you are. And I won't have my granddaughter looking anything less than victorious."

"Fine," I relented, finishing the last bite of toast. "But you know I can handle myself."

"Of course, you can," he said, standing. "But if anyone steps out of line, remember, I taught you how to play dirty if necessary."

I laughed, shaking my head. "Thanks for the advice."

By the time the driver arrived, my grandfather had walked me to the door. He opened it for me, his expression softer than usual.

"Remember, Morana," he said, his voice low but steady. "This is your stage. Take it back."

I smiled, the warmth in his words grounding me. "I will. Thank you, Grandfather."

The drive to Starlight Studios felt like it took forever. My mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, doubts, and memories, but I kept reminding myself of my grandfather's words.

By the time the car pulled into the building's lobby, I was ready, though my nerves were bubbling beneath the surface.

But I masked it with a confident smile as I stepped out, taking in the familiar structure that had once been my second home.

"Finally," I murmured as I stepped out of the car, taking a deep breath.

I walked through the large glass doors, and the receptionist at the front desk greeted me warmly, her bright smile a stark contrast to the tension building inside me.

"Good morning, Miss Sinclair. Welcome back. Your office is on the third floor, last door on the left."

"Thank you," I said politely, heading toward the elevators.

The ride up felt even longer than the drive, the anticipation clawing at my composure. When the doors opened, I stepped out, my heels clicking confidently against the polished floor.

But just as I reached the door to my office, someone stepped in front of me, blocking my path.

"Morana," a voice called out, sweet but laced with malice.

I didn't even have to look up to know who it was. Sophia.

I turned my head slowly, plastering the most radiant, serene smile I could muster. "Sophia," I said smoothly.

She folded her arms, her expression teetering between fake warmth and annoyance. "What are you doing here?"

Oh, how I wanted to say it. To spit the words right in her face: 'To take back everything you've stolen from me.'

But I held back, reminding myself that patience would be my greatest weapon. Now wasn't the right time for this.

Instead, I tilted my head slightly and said, "I'm starting back as a model. It'll be a pleasure working with you again."

Her lips twitched, the crack in her facade almost visible. "Really?" she said, her voice a little too high.

"That's… wonderful news. I'm so happy to see you."

I held her gaze, my smile unwavering. "Thank you, Sophia. I'm looking forward to this new chapter."

She blinked, clearly taken aback by my calmness. For a moment, she looked like she might say something else, but instead, she forced a tight smile. "Well, I'll leave you to settle in. See you around."

Her heels clicked furiously against the floor as she walked away, and as soon as she was out of sight, I let out a soft laugh.

"Let's see how long you can keep up this charade before showing your true self," I muttered, pushing the door to my office open.

The space was sleek, modern, and every bit as professional as I had imagined. Floor-to-ceiling windows offered a breathtaking view of the city, and the desk was already stocked with everything I might need.

I set my bag down and leaned back in the chair, letting the moment sink in. This was it. The beginning of my comeback.

I thought, a determined smile spreading across my lips.

I stood by the window of my new office, gazing at the breathtaking view of the city. The energy of the day was still humming in my veins, and my mind wandered to all the possibilities and challenges that lay ahead.

But as I allowed myself a moment of reflection, a knock on the door broke my train of thought. I turned, surprised, and called out, "Come in."

A young woman, dressed in a sharp black suit, stepped inside. Her expression was professional but slightly nervous.

"Miss Sinclair, the chairman has asked to see you in his office."

"The chairman?" I repeated, puzzled. "Sebastian wants to see me?"

"Yes, ma'am," she confirmed.

I nodded slowly, my thoughts swirling. What could he possibly want? I had barely been here for an hour, and already I was being summoned.

"Thank you. I'll head there now," I said, grabbing my notepad and adjusting my blazer.

The walk to Sebastian's office felt oddly tense, though I couldn't put my finger on why. By the time I reached his door, I paused for a moment, gathering myself before pushing it open.

What I saw inside made me stop in my tracks.

Sebastian sat behind his large, imposing desk, his usual calm yet commanding aura filling the room.

To his left stood Nancy, her expression neutral but her eyes betraying a hint of unease.

And to his right sat Sophia, her arms crossed and her face twisted into a scowl.

"Morana," Sebastian greeted, his tone even. "Come in and close the door."

I stepped inside, my curiosity piqued, and shut the door behind me. My gaze briefly flicked to Sophia, whose frown deepened the moment she saw me.

"What's going on?" I asked, keeping my voice steady, though the atmosphere in the room felt charged.

Before Sebastian could respond, Sophia stood abruptly. "I thought you wanted to see me," she snapped, glaring at Sebastian. "Why is she here?"

Sebastian sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Because this concerns her as well."

Sophia's brow furrowed in confusion. "What are you talking about?"

Sebastian leaned back in his chair, his expression unreadable. "Sophia, as of today, Nancy is no longer your manager. She will be returning to work with Morana."

The room fell silent. For a moment, Sophia looked like she hadn't heard him correctly. Then, her eyes widened in shock, and she let out a sharp gasp.

"This is unacceptable!" she shouted, slamming her hands on the desk. "Never! Nancy is my manager!"

Sebastian remained calm, folding his hands on the desk. "Nancy was originally Morana's manager before she left. You specifically requested her when Morana was gone. Now that she's back, it's only right that Nancy returns to her."

Sophia's face turned red with anger. "I don't care! Nancy and I work perfectly together. She knows my schedule, my preferences, everything! This is ridiculous!"

As she ranted, I stayed quiet, observing the situation. But I could see through her outrage.

It wasn't loyalty or professionalism driving her protest—it was fear. Fear of losing control.

Nancy wasn't just her manager; she was her puppet, someone Sophia could manipulate to suit her needs.

"Nancy is the best!" Sophia continued, her voice rising. "Why would you take her away from me?"

Sebastian's patience was clearly wearing thin. "I've made my decision, Sophia. Nancy will return to Morana. I'll assign you a new manager, someone just as capable."

"No!" Sophia snapped, shaking her head furiously. "You can't do this to me. This will ruin everything!"

Sebastian's gaze hardened. "Sophia, this isn't up for debate. I've already spoken to Nancy, and she's agreed to the change. You'll have a new manager by the end of the week."

Sophia turned to Nancy, her expression desperate. "Nancy, tell him! Tell him you don't want to leave me!"

Nancy hesitated, glancing at me before addressing Sophia. "Sophia, I've enjoyed working with you, but Mr. Clarke is right. I was Morana's manager first, and it's only fair I go back to her now that she's returned."

Sophia's jaw dropped as if she couldn't believe what she was hearing. "Nancy, how could you....."

"Enough," Sebastian interrupted, his tone sharp. "Sophia, you need to accept this. There's nothing you can do or say to change my decision."

Sophia's eyes darted between Sebastian, Nancy, and me, her hands clenched into fists. "This isn't fair," she hissed, her voice trembling with rage.

"Fair or not, it's final," Sebastian said firmly. "If you can't accept it, you're welcome to leave my company."