From Heartbreak to High Society
Chapter 25: Aftershocks

Chapter 25: Aftershocks

I sank into the leather chair behind my new desk, running my fingers along its smooth mahogany surface. The office stretched before me - all glass and chrome and breathtaking city views. My office. The words still felt foreign in my mind.

"Tea?" Claire appeared in the doorway, a steaming cup in hand. "I noticed you seemed a bit overwhelmed after the tour."

"Thank you." I accepted the cup, grateful for its warmth against my palms. "It’s just... seeing Drake like that. I never expected him to look so desperate."

"Mr. Stone has that effect on people." Claire perched on the edge of my desk. "But you handled it beautifully. The way you stayed composed - that’s exactly what we need here."

I took a sip of tea, letting the familiar taste ground me. The morning’s confrontation played through my mind: Drake’s confident stride crumbling, his face falling as Damien positioned me as his superior. The power shift had been palpable.

"Your design team will be here tomorrow," Claire said, gesturing to the glass-walled space beyond my office. "We’ve set up digital drafting tables, and there’s a materials library through those doors."

I stood and walked to the window, taking in the sprawling workspace. Sleek computers lined the walls, their screens dark but promising. A massive mood board dominated one wall, empty and waiting for my vision. In the corner, a collection of dress forms stood like silent sentinels.

"The entire creative division will report to you," Claire continued. "Including Drake’s design team, once the merger is complete."

My stomach tightened at the thought. Just months ago, I’d been mixing drinks and struggling to make rent. Now I’d be directing the very company that had once belonged to my ex-husband’s family.

I pulled out my phone, needing to hear Madison’s voice amid the surreal morning. She picked up on the first ring.

"Mom! This place is amazing!" Her enthusiasm burst through the speaker. "The art studio has these huge windows and everyone’s so talented. And guess what? They have a darkroom for photography!"

I leaned back in my chair, letting her excitement wash over me. "Tell me everything, sweetie."

"My art teacher, Ms. Chen, she looked at my portfolio and said I have a unique perspective. And there’s this girl Emma who does these incredible watercolors - we’re having lunch together tomorrow."

The familiar sound of Madison’s chatter settled my nerves. This was real - this new life we’d stepped into. Her happiness made the morning’s intensity with Drake feel worth it.

"The ceramics studio has three kilns, Mom. Three! And they’re offering a jewelry-making elective next semester-"

My phone buzzed with an incoming message. Damien’s name appeared at the top of the screen: "Dinner tonight? We should discuss your vision for the team."

My heart skipped. The casual tone of his text contrasted sharply with his commanding presence from this morning. I stared at the message while Madison continued describing her new school.

"That’s wonderful, honey," I said, trying to focus on her words while my mind raced. Dinner with Damien. Alone. After the intensity of this morning’s confrontation with Drake, after seeing that powerful side of him...

"Mom? Are you listening?"

"Sorry, sweetie. Just got a work message." I pressed my palm against my stomach, trying to quiet the butterflies. "Tell me more about Emma."

The invitation sat there, demanding an answer. Professional, I reminded myself. This was about work. But the memory of Damien standing behind my chair, his presence both protective and overwhelming, sent a shiver down my spine.

I ended the call with Madison, her excitement still echoing in my ears. The quiet of my office felt stark in comparison. My heels clicked against the polished floor as I ventured out to explore the creative division.

The late afternoon sun cast long shadows through the windows. Most offices stood empty, but voices drifted from the main design space. I paused at the corner, hidden from view.

"Did you hear about the new creative director?" A woman’s voice carried clearly. "Apparently she used to tend bar."

"I heard she’s the ex-wife of Drake Remouris," another voice chimed in. "Must be why Stone picked her."

"My friend in HR says she’s an incredible artist though. Stone discovered her work at some gallery showing."

"Well, I just hope she knows what she’s doing. This merger’s huge for us."

I pressed my back against the wall, heart pounding. Their words stung, but the mention of my art brought warmth to my cheeks. At least someone had faith in my abilities.

Back in my office, I gathered my things, ready to head home. My phone buzzed. Damien’s message made my stomach drop: "I apologize, something’s come up. Rain check?"

I typed and deleted three different responses before settling on a simple "Of course." The mix of relief and disappointment caught me off guard.

"Ms. Thompson?" Claire appeared in my doorway holding a sleek black package. "This just came from Mr. Stone."

I accepted the package, my fingers trembling slightly as I opened it. Inside lay a leather-bound sketchbook, its pages thick and pristine. A note rested on top in Damien’s bold handwriting: "For your vision. Looking forward to seeing it come to life. -D"

I clutched the sketchbook to my chest, my heart racing as I read Damien’s note again. The elegant script blurred before my eyes as I considered the growing warmth in my chest whenever I thought of him. Was this more than gratitude? More than attraction?

The building had emptied considerably as I made my way to the exit. My heels echoed through the marble lobby, a stark contrast to the morning’s bustling energy. A sleek black car waited at the curb, the driver holding the door open with a respectful nod.

"Good evening, Ms. Thompson. Mr. Stone arranged for your transportation."

The ride to Stone Mansion felt surreal. Hours ago, I’d arrived as a newcomer. Now I returned as Creative Director.

The evening brought a different energy to the building - quieter, more intimate. The lobby lights had dimmed to a soft glow, and the night staff moved with unhurried efficiency.

In the elevator, I leaned against the wall, exhausted but exhilarated. My reflection in the polished doors showed someone I barely recognized - confident, professional, belonging.

The lift arrived at the top floor. When the panels slid apart, I caught a glimpse of Damien entering his apartment down the hall. He turned, our eyes meeting for a brief moment before the doors shut completely. My pulse quickened at the near-miss encounter.

I make my way down the corridor to my unit, unlock the entrance and step through the threshold.

Madison sat cross-legged on our living room floor, surrounded by art supplies when I entered. "Mom! Look what I made today!" She held up a watercolor of the city skyline.

"It’s beautiful, honey." I set out containers of Thai food while she described her art class. The familiar routine felt grounding after such an extraordinary day.

Later, I opened Damien’s sketchbook at my desk. The cream pages seemed to glow under my lamp as I began sketching. Ideas flowed freely - flowing dresses, structured jackets, innovative cuts that would showcase Elysian’s sustainable fabrics.

My pencil moved faster, filling page after page with possibilities. The excitement of creation pulled me deeper into the work until my eyes grew heavy...

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