"Is this the example you intend to set? How do you expect to lead your teams like this? What kind of company do you think this makes us?"
The office fell into a suffocating silence. Even the air seemed frozen. Everyone lowered their heads, avoiding eye contact, as if bracing themselves for what was coming.
Sophia, however, remained unnervingly composed. Her tone was calm, almost measured.
"CEO Blackwood, I was simply doing my job," she said. "It was Director Alicia who barged in, shouting and slapping me. How is that acceptable? How can someone like her still hold the position of Brand Director?" Her eyes burned with a mix of indignation and anger.
Alexander's gaze shifted to me, icy and unrelenting, sending a shiver down my spine.
"Apologize," he ordered, his voice sharp and commanding.
I gritted my teeth and drew in a steadying breath, forcing the fury in my chest down. I clenched my fists and spoke firmly, with all the authority I could muster.
"Director Sophia must apologize to me first—before I apologize to her."
I knew I couldn't condone violence as a director. I would face the consequences later—but only after Sophia admitted her part. She didn't get to hide behind innocence.
Sophia's face twisted with displeasure, but a calculating gleam passed through her eyes. She turned to Alexander.
"Boss, I truly don't understand what I did wrong…"
I opened my mouth to argue, but Alexander's voice, colder than ice, cut me off.
"Apologize."
That single word struck me like steel, leaving my chest tight and my breath shallow. I wanted to resist—but in that moment, under his frigid stare, I knew I lacked the courage to defy him. I looked up at him, disbelief and quiet despair in my damp eyes, my heart heavy with bitter ache. This time, the truth didn't matter to him. Only obedience did.
"I'll say it again," he said, his deep voice final and unyielding. "Apologize."
I pressed my fingers into my palms, steadying myself, and forced the words out.
"Director Sophia… I'm sorry."
Sophia smirked, triumphant and arrogant.
"Director Alicia, let's hope this isn't a repeat performance."
Her smugness was palpable—but I wasn't finished. My eyes sharpened, my voice icy.
"Perhaps, then, Director Sophia could explain why the Brand Ambassador was changed?"
Sophia raised a perfectly arched eyebrow, glanced at Alexander, and replied without hesitation.
"Of course. It was CEO Blackwood's decision."
A sudden unease tightened my chest. My gaze instinctively shifted to Alexander, silently pleading for an explanation.
He remained silent. Without a word, he turned and strode toward his office, each step firm and unyielding.
"Director Alicia, come to my office," he called over his shoulder.
I drew in a deep breath, stealing a glance at Olivia. My heart was conflicted, torn between anger and curiosity—but in the end, I followed him.
The office door clicked shut behind me. I couldn't hold back any longer.
"Alexander… why did you replace Lily Avery?" I demanded, my voice tight with emotion.
He sank into his chair, giving me only a fleeting glance, as if he had no intention of answering directly. Instead, he asked casually,
"How's the Divorce Settlement Agreement coming along?"
My chest sank. All the emotions I'd been holding back surged to the surface. I knew exactly what he was doing—avoiding the question, forcing me to make a choice. My heart tightened, each breath sharp and heavy.
"I've been busy the past few days," I admitted, my voice trembling slightly. "I haven't had time to review it. Since you're in such a hurry, I'll go through it tonight."
He was silent for a moment, his gaze icy and unwavering.
"Fine," he said finally, his tone clipped, unyielding.