UNEDITED...
Chapter 44.
Kim Ae-Cha's office is a sleek, modern space with a monochromatic color palette of black, white, and gray. The desk is the focal point, surrounded by matching furniture and a glossy black wall. Two contemporary white chairs with black accents are in front, enhancing the aesthetic appeal. The flooring features a sophisticated area rug in gray and black, adding texture. Large potted plants balance the monochromatic scheme, housed in minimalist black planters. The room is well-lit with large windows and recessed lighting, enhancing the modern feel. The walls were adorned with awards and photos of her previous designs, a testament to her talent and hard work all those years.
Kim Ae-cha sat in her office, deep in thought. The room was quiet, save for the faint hum of the air conditioner and the occasional shuffle of papers. She needed to stabilize Sage Jewelry before publicly stepping forward as the CEO. The task ahead was daunting. Many of the older employees refused to respect or support her, dismissing her as a mere child despite Mr. Lu's assurances and explanations.
She sighed, her fingers drumming lightly on the polished mahogany desk. She needed a strategy, a way to prove her competence and earn their trust.
The legacy left by her adoptive mother was significant, and Kim Ae-cha was determined to uphold it. However, the resistance she faced from within the company was a formidable barrier. The older employees, loyal to the previous regime, were skeptical of her abilities and intentions. They saw her as an inexperienced upstart rather than the capable leader she knew herself to be. They Knew nothing about her secret help to keep Sage afloat all those years after her adoptive mother died.
As she pondered her next steps, her phone buzzed with a message. It was from Mr. Lu, her steadfast ally and the interim CEO [A/N: An interim CEO is a person appointed by a company's board of directors to assume the role of the chief executive officer during a time of transition or as the result of the sudden departure of the company's previous CEO.] before her. He had been supportive from the start, recognizing her potential and her determination to honor her mother's legacy.
Mr. Lu: We need to discuss the recruitment of new employees. The old guard is not budging, and we need fresh talent to breathe new life into Sage. Can you come down to the main office for a meeting?
Kim Ae-cha sighed, her resolve hardening. She knew Mr. Lu was right. If the old guard refused to accept her leadership, she would bring in new blood—people who were innovative, respected her vision, and were eager to see Sage thrive.
She stood up, smoothing down her dress and taking a deep breath. As she left her office and made her way to the main meeting room, she mentally prepared herself for the challenges ahead. She knew that transforming Sage would not be easy, but she was ready for the fight.
Upon entering the meeting room, she was greeted by Mr. Lu's encouraging smile. The room was otherwise filled with skeptical faces, all eyes on her. She took her seat at the head of the table, exuding an air of confidence.
"Thank you for coming," she began, her voice steady. "I understand there are concerns about my leadership. But I am here to assure you that I am committed to Sage and its legacy. We need to move forward, and to do that, we need to adapt and innovate."
She paused, letting her words sink in before continuing. "I have decided to bring in new talent. We need fresh perspectives and new ideas to keep Sage at the forefront of the industry. Those of you who are willing to support this transition will find that I value loyalty and hard work. Those who aren't... well, it's time to make a choice."
There was a murmur of dissent, but also some nods of agreement. Mr. Lu gave her a reassuring nod, signaling his support.
The meeting lasted for about two to three hours. As expected, some of the board of directors decided to sell her their shares and leave before they sank with Sage. Kim Ae-cha didn't try to argue or stop them. She had anticipated this reaction and had her own plans in motion.
Among these plans were two new jewelry lines that she had been working on for years. These designs had been meticulously crafted and kept hidden, waiting for the right moment to be unveiled. Kim Ae-cha knew that launching these projects would not only showcase Sage's potential but also breathe new life into the company.
After the meeting, Kim Ae-cha returned to her office. She felt a mixture of exhaustion and determination. The resistance from the board was expected, but it still weighed heavily on her. However, she was resolute in her decision to push forward with her vision for Sage.
As she sat at her desk, the silence of the office late at night was both calming and a reminder of the hard work ahead. She took a deep breath, mentally reviewing the designs and the marketing strategy she had planned. The intricate pieces she had designed were not just jewelry; they were statements of innovation and elegance, meant to re-establish Sage's reputation in the market.
The clock on the wall ticked past midnight. Realizing how late it had become, she gathered her belongings and left the office, heading towards her small villa. The drive home was quiet, giving her time to reflect on the day's events and plan her next steps.
As she entered her villa, the comforting familiarity of home helped ease some of the tension she had been carrying. As Kim Ae-cha arrived home, she was greeted by the female housekeeper who promptly collected her belongings and prepared a warm cup of tea for her.
"Madam, you came so late today. How was your day?" the housekeeper asked softly, her tone filled with concern.
Ae-cha smiled and nodded, replying, "I didn't notice the time had gone by."
After finishing her tea and bidding the housekeeper goodnight, Ae-cha stood and headed straight to her study. This room was her sanctuary, where she had installed secret cameras for security and kept her precious designs hidden in a safe. Every night, she made it a point to check that everything was intact, a ritual that gave her peace of mind.
Satisfied that all was in order, she freshened up for bed. Tomorrow was the weekend, and she planned to pick up Kim Jae-soo for a day of shopping and then return to the villa where they would begin living together. The thought of finally having her son close by filled her with a sense of anticipation and warmth.
As she drifted off to sleep, her mind raced with thoughts of the future. She envisioned the launch of her new jewelry lines, the revitalization of Sage, and the comfort of having her family close. With determination and a clear plan, Ae-cha felt ready to face the challenges ahead.
A/N: I just realised that my lovelies are going through the Villain Era... lol... have I told you guys how cute you guys are? Well, you guys are just cute...
Quick Question: Do you think she would meet dog man Choi Min Jun soon?

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BL REBIRTH: You Were Mine (MPREG)
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