The morning sun filtered softly through Olivia's curtains as she woke up, stretching with unusual ease.
Today was the day she was going to the company to take over the project.
She took her time freshening up, preparing a light breakfast, and savoring her coffee as if the day belonged to her.
By the time she stepped out of her apartment and drove to the company, it was already much later than her usual schedule—later than she had ever arrived before. Yet, Olivia wasn't flustered; in fact, she looked completely at ease.
The moment she entered the building, heads turned. Whispers spread like wildfire. The news of Olivia Bennett officially rejoining for the Fashion Week project had already traveled through the company, and everyone she passed greeted her warmly.
"Welcome back, Miss Bennett."
"It's good to see you again."
"We're glad you're here."
Olivia responded with small nods and polite smiles, not slowing her stride as she made her way straight to the top floor.
When she reached Aiden's office, she was about to knock when a voice stop her.
"Excuse me, who are you, and what are you doing on this floor?"
A young woman—pretty and well-dressed—stepped in front of her.
Olivia paused, her gaze flicking over the woman. "I'm here to meet Mr. Ashford."
The woman raised a brow, clearly skeptical. "The CEO doesn't have any visitors scheduled today. You should leave and come back with an appointment."
Before Olivia could reply, the sound of heels clicking against marble echoed down the hall. Grace appeared, her expression immediately softening when she spotted Olivia.
"Ma'am, you're here." Grace smiled warmly as she approached.
The woman blinked, surprised, as Grace came to stand beside Olivia.
"Let me introduce you," Grace said, her tone polite. "This is Claire Morgan, Mr. Ashford's new secretary. And Claire—" she turned toward the young woman, "this is Olivia Bennett, Mr. Ashford's previous secretary."
Claire's eyes widened in shock. She quickly bowed her head. "Oh—I'm so sorry, Miss Bennett. I didn't know who you were. Please forgive me."
Olivia studied her calmly, then offered a slight smile. "It's alright. You were just doing your job."
Turning back to Grace, she asked evenly, "Is Aiden in his office?"
Grace looked surprised at Olivia calling Aiden by his name, but she didn't say anything and shook her head. "He's in a meeting right now. I was actually coming to get you—he asked for you to join."
Olivia gave a small nod and fell into step beside Grace, leaving Claire standing.
As Olivia and Grace walked down the corridor, Grace turned briefly to Claire.
"Claire, did you bring the file Mr. Ashford asked for?"
Claire stiffened. "—I was just about to get it when I saw Miss Bennett."
Grace gave a small, professional smile. "Then please get it now. Miss Olivia and I will head to the meeting room first."
Claire nodded quickly and hurried away, clearly flustered.
Olivia and Grace stepped into the elevator. For a moment, the space was quiet until Grace spoke, her tone softer now.
"I really am glad you decided to join us again."
Olivia glanced at her, lips curving into a faint smile. "Well, I think about it and it's just as you said, I can't just let my hard work go to waste."
Grace smiled, hearing her say that.
The elevator doors slid open, and they made their way to the meeting room. The moment Olivia entered, the atmosphere shifted.
It was in this meeting room that they doubted her, and where she said that she quit.
The same executives and managers who had once looked at her with doubt or dismissal now carried expressions of guilt. Their eyes lowered slightly, their greetings more careful, almost apologetic.
"Good morning, Miss Bennett."
"Welcome back."
Olivia acknowledged them with a polite nod and returned their greetings, then walked straight to her usual place—the seat at Aiden's right. Grace positioned herself quietly behind Olivia, as she always had before.
Aiden, who had been observing her with that unreadable gaze of his, finally spoke.
"I'm glad you came." His voice carried an edge of sincerity rarely heard from him.
Olivia looked at him calmly. "After all, it was my project. It's only right that I see it through to the end."
Just then, the door opened again. Claire entered, holding a file in her hands. The moment her eyes fell on Olivia seated beside Aiden, a flicker of surprise crossed her face, but she said nothing. With professional composure, she walked up and handed the file to Aiden before stepping back to stand quietly behind him.
Without a word, Aiden passed the file to Olivia.
"This is the summary of the current condition of the project."
Olivia took it, flipping through the pages. The more she read, the deeper her frown became.
Silence thickened around the table as everyone watched her reaction. Embarrassment weighed heavily in the room; each person knew just how chaotic things had become after Olivia left.
Finally, Olivia let out a quiet sigh and placed the file down on the table.