**Chapter 21: Fights and Disagreements**  

Even with the growing closeness of Ellie and Lucas, their relationship was still rocky. The combination of work stress, unresolved previous arguments, and a heavy unsaid feeling between the two of them was bound to erupt eventually. 

It occurred in the midst of an essential undertaking that would define the company's standing. Rolling out a new brand of sustainable fashion was in itself a complicated process and one that Ellie had fought for tirelessly from the very beginning. She loved the designs she had crafted and was determined to make it work. 

"Not if Lucas gets to mould it as he sees fit." 

As Ellie was in the middle of showcasing her design ideas to the executive team, Lucas told her, "Miss White, these designs are unconventional." His voice was devoid of emotion and snappy in nature. 

Ellie blinked, unsure of how to respond. "Yes, Mr. Hunter. That's the point. We need to stand out in the market, and this line is designed to do just that." 

His new position allowed him to lean back into the chair, and his smugness and anger radiated off his expression. "But they're too risky. We need something that is more conservative and appeals to our clients." 

Unable to comprehend why there was so much anger radiating off her, as well as why she felt so flustered, Ellie finally broke.

"Mr. Hunter, the market simply does not stand still. We as an organisation need to contemporise, else we end up obsolete." 

He narrowed his eyes while looking at her as if examining her. "Look, I do understand where you're coming from. It's just that I lack the resources to take on undue risks. We have to be more conservative." 

Ellie tightened her chest, not allowing emotion to bog her down. "We're in this rut because we err on the side of caution. In order to achieve success, we need to take some unprecedented steps." 

The room was quiet, the words hanging in the air as the weight of the issue began to sink in. 

Lucas finally rose from his sitting position; his face looked like it was struck by a storm, and every limb in his body was written with anger. "Miss White, we will not be debating this. We move forward with my proposal." 

Ellie felt anger clouding her, but she did not let it show. "Naturally, Mr. Hunter." 

Walking out, Ellie was curiously pondering how to resolve these feelings of anger that were bubbling under the surface, but it was feelings of disappointment that caused her the most nerves. 

The worst part was that so much work and time had been dedicated towards this project and…. 

He wouldn't even think about it? 

But she wasn't one to crack that easily. 

She possessed strength beyond that. 

And for the next few days, she spent in a tornado of overreaching feelings with extreme tension felt all around her as well.

With each meeting, Ellie and Lucas seemed to lock horns more than ever, to the point where their arguments became rather intense.

Lucas entered her office during one of her late-night shifts.

"Miss White," he said. "Still working?"

Ellie's eyes shot up. "I am trying to finish some bits, Mr. Hunter."

He clearly studied her for a moment as his blank face shifted slightly. "It's late now. You should go home."

Ellie nodded, but didn't do anything. "I'll leave shortly, I just have to wrap up this report."

After a second's pause, Lucas walked over to her side of the desk. "What is this report on?"

Not knowing how to answer, Ellie blinked back. "The latest sales numbers. I was thinking it would help in the meeting tomorrow."

He settled on his thoughts for a moment, questioning if he was right. "That sounds good, but make sure to not overwork yourself. The company can always wait."

Ellie felt perplexed at his words, but convinced herself to remain calm. "I know, Mr. Hunter. It may not be a big deal, but I prefer to finish everything before I sleep."

In silence he lingered on this idea, staring intensely. "You actually did more than enough," he finally stated.

Her face became flushed and she burned with embarrassment. "I appreciate your kind words."

"Thank you, Mr. Hunter. I'm just doing my job."

He nodded his head. His expression was impossible to read. "Good. But don't forget to take care of yourself."

Ellie couldn't comprehend what he meant. "I… I will, Mr. Hunter."

He gave her a curt nod and left the room, letting Ellie stare blankly after him in astonished silence.

That wasn't exactly a compliment; instead, it was the closest thing to one she had received in a long time.

For now, and that was satisfactory.

The subsequent days were a medley of tasks and strain, yet Ellie found herself easing into the position with increasing ease.

She had learned the core functions of the business. Still, her drive to keep outdoing herself was endless.

Although, the unrelenting strain of her relationship with Lucas was not simple to overlook.

One day, Ellie was busy organising Lucas's appointments when Clara came to her desk. She had as sharp an expression as her voice.

"Miss White," she said, her voice cutting. "Mr. Hunter wants to see you in his office."

Ellie found her heart racing, but she nodded and walked behind Clara toward Lucas's office.

When she entered, she could see Lucas sitting on his desk, but his expression was also impenetrable.

"Miss White," he said, in that same voice devoid of warmth.

"Please take your seat."

Ellie made herself comfortable, placing her hands firmly on her lap.

After a moment of considering her, Lucas reclined on his chair. "We have progressed quite a fair bit with the public opinion crisis, but we have not fully completed the task at hand."

While Ellie nodded, furiously thinking, "I am aware of that, Mr. Hunter. There is a lot that must be done to change the public perception of the company and also for us to strengthen our market share."

Ellie's statements appeared to spark his curiosity as he raised an eyebrow, "Go on."

In explaining her strategy, Ellie took a deep breath. "First, we have to maintain constant contact with the public in order to change their perception about Hunter Fashion Group. This can be done on social media, in press statements, and through direct interactions with the local community. Second, there should be a strong emphasis on new ideas and new products in order to remain the market leaders. Finally, it is important to consolidate the support of our clients and business associates."

"That's a good plan. However," Lucas said and tried to fathom her expression, "that is not all."

"Your suggestions have been very helpful, but, if I may say, very vague so there is a lot of room for improvement," Ellie said feeling a knot in her stomach.

"'We are supposed to show the world who Ellie White is. She is a gifted and committed professional and has added value to this organisation," he said again.

Ellie's cheeks burned with embarrassment, but she maintained her composure. "What is your methodology?"

Resting his back on the chair, he spoke, "I need to tell everything upfront. We are going to schedule a press conference. You will tackle the issue immediately and put out any evidence that you have collected from the ground. I will be there to stand beside you and testify to your good character."

Ellie's heart skipped a beat, "Are you positive that is a sensible decision? Wouldn't that just put more focus on the problem?" she asked.

Pondering for a moment, he replied, "Some issues are combatted using irony. We need to control the situation ourselves and reveal to them that we are not scared of facing the facts."

Her brain worked extremely fast, "Okay, I will prepare myself."

He gave a curt nod before waving his hand in dismissal.

She felt intense rage as she rose from the chair.

With all the strength Ellie had, she was preparing to stand up.

The upcoming days were overwhelming, catching her by surprise regarding the intensive retorts.

Ellie was always busy working on collecting evidence, crafting a statement, and even rehearsing for a press conference.

When the day finally came, Ellie was full of nerves, but also extremely motivated.

Her first steps took her to a conference room packed with reporters, cameras, and everything in between.

Lucas was present, standing at the podium with his traditional cold and apathetic demeanour.

Ellie took a deep breath, and with her hands on the podium, she forced herself to say, "The reason my friends and former colleagues have publicly come against me is entirely unseemly. The Hunter Fashion Group is someone I admire and so the reasons for their hostility towards me are unfathomable. However, I must emphasise that these claims are completely false."

Everyone showed the utmost attention the moment she spoke.

She directly addressed the audience by convincingly asserting the truth of the statements presented, "I have no issue obtaining documents, which, as you may, will disprove these ludicrous statements. Should anyone question my credibility in this industry, I say feel free to approach me anytime."

Lucas came to stand in front of the cameras.

"Let me be very frank: Ms. Ellie White is a top asset to this company. She has done everything to ensure our success and I respect her greatly for that. These accusations are utterly false and harmful, and we are prepared to litigate against those who make them."

The room went crazy with questions, while Ellie and Lucas stood quiet and addressed each question calmly.

Once the press conference was finished, Ellie finally felt a sense of satisfaction.

She had stood up to the challenge and she did it well.

As they stepped out of the boardrooms, Lucas looked her way as he walked, seemingly without any emotion on his face.

"Miss White," he changed his tone, "You managed to do that… well."

Ellie, astonished, was not sure how to respond. "Thank you so much, Mr. Hunter."

He just nodded, and briskly huffed in annoyance which left Ellie puzzled.

It wasn't outright commendation, but she was certain that was the best remark she was going to get from him this week.

I will take what I can get.

She managed through the media debacle.

And now she was mentally prepared to take on any challenge that came her way.