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That night, I sat in my tiny apartment, surrounded by stacks of legal papers and confusion. My cat, Oliver, curled in my lap while I tried to understand what “CEO” really meant.
No. Not anymore.
The next morning, I walked into Whitmore Industries headquarters as its new CEO. The boardroom fell silent as I entered—eyes narrowing, whispers spreading like wildfire. I smiled calmly. “Good morning. Let’s get to work.”
From that day on, I studied like my life depended on it. I met with engineers, accountants, and factory workers. I read financial reports until my eyes ached. Slowly, I began to understand not just the numbers—but the people.
But not everyone wanted me there.
The Man Who Wanted Me to Fail
Nathan Cole, the company’s Chief Operating Officer, made his disdain clear from day one. He was sharp, confident, and dangerously charming.
“You’re out of your league, Ms. Hayes,” he said after my first meeting. “Whitmore Industries runs on power, not sentiment.”
“I’ll learn,” I replied evenly.
He smirked. “I’ll make sure you do.”
But I refused to break.
Each night, after everyone left, I stayed. I studied. I listened. And slowly, people began to see me—not as a mistake, but as someone who cared enough to fight for the company’s future.
Then one morning, everything changed.
