Chapter 4 - Ch. 4

The Next Morning...

Anastasia arrived at the company a few minutes before nine, her outfit immaculate and her wedding ring securely on her finger. 

After last night's chaos, Mason had dropped her home and left without a word. It didn't surprise her...his absence was a normal routine.

As she stepped into the lobby, the familiar hum of whispers greeted her.

"She's the newbie who angered the president yesterday," someone murmured.

"Her days are numbered," another voice chimed in.

"I heard she tried to seduce the president but failed miserably," a woman sneered. "Does she think she stands a chance? He's happily married and adores his wife."

Anastasia's grip on her bag tightened as their words pierced through the air. Her lips pressed into a thin line, but she kept her composure.

She knew better than to react. Let them believe what they wanted...it wasn't like anyone knew the truth. 

Mason had painted a perfect picture of a doting husband for the world, and she had no power to correct the narrative.

She stood before the elevator, waiting for it to open, when a sudden commotion drew her attention.

"COO Nicholas is back!" a staff member's voice rang out in shock.

A rush of bodies headed toward the notice board. Some were excited, others visibly uneasy.

"Can you believe it? The COO is just as hot and handsome as the president," one woman gushed.

"And single!" another added with a giggle.

Anastasia sighed, shaking her head. She had no time for their chatter. Her focus was on doing her job and making Grandpa proud.

The elevator finally opened, and she stepped in, pressing the button for her floor. Within seconds, she arrived, stepping into the bustling operations department. 

Groups of staff huddled together, still buzzing about Nicholas's return.

"Good morning everyone," Anastasia greeted politely and they all nodded, before she walked to her designated space.

Sandra, her desk neighbor, approached her with a warm smile. 

"Morning, Anastasia... A little advice from a senior—be careful around the president today. It's not a good day for him."

"Thanks, Sandra." Anastasia nodded, fully aware of what she meant. 

She picked up a file to review when Sandra suddenly gasped. "Oh my God! Is that a wedding ring?"

The room went silent as all eyes turned to Anastasia. She hesitated, feeling their stares bore into her, before finally nodding. 

"Yes, I'm married."

Surprise rippled through the room.

Sandra placed a hand on her chest dramatically. 

"You're married? But you're so young! Look at me—I'm thirty and still single."

"That's because no one wants you, Sandra." A male staff member snickered. 

The room erupted in laughter, lightening the mood. Sandra rolled her eyes, feigning offense. 

"You're just jealous because I'm out of your league George!"

She turned back to Anastasia, her tone more serious. 

"Anyway, Anastasia, we're having a department dinner tonight to welcome the new recruits. You're coming, right?"

Anastasia hesitated. "I'm not sure. I'll have to think about it."

Sandra frowned. "Don't even try to skip it! If it's your husband, I can talk to him for you."

"No!" Anastasia said quickly, her cheeks heating. "I'll consider it."

Before Sandra could press further, a commanding presence filled the room. The chatter ceased instantly as all heads turned toward the entrance.

Nicholas stood there, his tall frame exuding confidence and charm. 

His sharp suit fit him perfectly, and his gaze swept across the room before finally landing on Anastasia. 

The shock on his face was evident as he recognized her. Anastasia, however, immediately looked away, deliberately ignoring his gaze. 

"Good morning sir," the staff greeted him nervously, their voices filled with respect. 

Nicholas gave a small wave, but his eyes remained fixed on Anastasia, creating an awkward moment in the room. 

Uneasy glances were exchanged among the employees, wondering what was going on. 

Breaking the silence, Nicholas turned to the chief in charge and asked, "She's new?" 

"Yes, sir," the chief nodded quickly. "Her name is Anastasia Stones. She's the new operational analyst." 

Nicholas let out a soft scoff, muttering under his breath, "This is… interesting." 

His words were low enough that no one could decipher their meaning. Then, abruptly, he turned back to Anastasia. 

"Report to my office immediately," he commanded before walking out, leaving no room for discussion. 

The office fell silent for a moment before Sandra leaned toward Anastasia, nudging her. 

"Do you know him?" She asked. 

"No, I don't." Anastasia shook her head, and Sandra sighed dramatically. 

"I think you must have offended someone in your past life. Yesterday, it was the president; today, it's the COO. What kind of ill luck is this?" 

Anastasia forced a weak smile, smoothing her skirt as she stood up. 

"I'll be back," she murmured before walking out of the department and heading to Nicholas's office. 

As soon as she left, Mason arrived with Daniel, his PA, trailing behind. 

The staff quickly stood to greet him, and Mason gave a curt nod, his expression as stern as ever. 

However, as he walked past the desks, his gaze flickered toward Anastasia's space. Noticing it was empty, his brow furrowed slightly, but he didn't let his surprise show. 

Without a word, he strode into his office... 

---

At Nicholas's office, Anastasia knocked softly. 

"Come in," his voice rang out. 

She entered cautiously, her hands clasped in front of her. Nicholas gestured to the chair opposite him. 

"Have your seat." 

Once she was seated, before Nicholas could say anything, Anastasia spoke first. 

"I… I'm sorry about earlier. For acting like I don't know you." 

Nicholas leaned back in his chair, his expression as calm as always. "Don't bother. But I am curious... Why did you do it?" 

Anastasia hesitated before answering. 

"I just want to be like every other staff member. I don't want anyone knowing I'm…" She trailed off, searching for the right words. "That I'm the president's wife." 

Nicholas raised an eyebrow, nodding slowly. "And Mason is okay with this?" 

"Yes," Anastasia said firmly, though her voice was quieter. 

Nicholas studied her for a moment, his surprise shown, but he didn't push further. 

"Fine, that's your decision. I don't mix personal matters with company business, so I won't interfere. Just make sure it doesn't affect your work." 

Relief washed over Anastasia, and she nodded. "I won't... Thank you." 

Nicholas leaned forward, his tone shifting to a more professional one. 

"There's a new project I'm planning for the company. I need your input as the operational analyst before I present it to Mason. Can I count on you for that?" 

"Of course," Anastasia replied, grateful for the shift in focus. 

The two began discussing the project, delving into the details with professionalism... 

Meanwhile, back in Mason's office, Daniel stood before him, listing out the day's schedule. 

"…and at 2 PM, you have a meeting with the board to discuss the quarterly—" 

"Where is Anastasia?" Mason interrupted suddenly, his tone sharp. 

Daniel froze for a moment, caught off guard. "Sir, the COO requested her presence in his office." 

Mason's eyes narrowed, his expression darkening. "Nicholas asked for her?" 

"Yes, sir," Daniel replied cautiously. 

"Why?" Mason's voice was cold, almost dangerous. 

"No one knows, sir. The COO visited the operations department, saw her, and asked her to report to his office immediately." 

Following his response, Mason's jaw clenched. Without another word, he stood up and grabbed his jacket.

"Sir—" Daniel began, but Mason was already storming out of the office. 

His strides were long and furious as he made his way to Nicholas's office, his fists clenched with anger. 

Nicholas had been back for less than a day, and already he was stepping into territory Mason didn't want him near...