Chapter 352

[ 1,034 words ]

Katia’s POV

I got to the office early the next day. The place felt quieter than usual even though people were already at their desks working. I sat down at my desk and tried to go through some reports, but my mind kept drifting. Last night still sat heavy on me. Kicking Julian out of the house had been one of the hardest things I had done in a while. I kept thinking about the look on his face when I told him to leave. Part of me regretted it. Another part of me felt it was necessary after everything I had learned.

I stared at the screen, but the numbers were just dancing lines. I was the boss, the one who held the reins of this entire operation, yet I felt like a novice trying to balance a spinning plate. I needed to act like I wasn’t falling apart. I needed to look like a woman who had never known a single doubt.

Sam walked in a little while later carrying her tablet and a coffee. She closed the door behind her and sat down in the chair across from my desk. She looked at me with that familiar smile she always had when she had fresh gossip.

“Good morning,” she said. “Before we get into anything else, the team in London sent over the updated numbers for the European expansion. They are looking stronger than we expected. The new distribution partners are pulling their weight, and the early sales data shows we are fifteen percent ahead of projections p>

I nodded and leaned forward.

“That is good to hear. What about the supply chain issues we were worried about last month? Did they manage to sort those out, or are we still looking at delays in the third quarter p>

Sam opened her tablet and scrolled through some pages.

“They sorted most of it. Only one small supplier is still causing problems, but I already have a backup lined up in Spain. If we switch now, we might see a small cost increase, but it will keep us on track. I think it is worth it to avoid any stock shortages before the holiday season p>

I tapped my fingers on the desk.

“Make the switch. I do not want to risk running low during peak months. Also send a note to the marketing team. We need to push the new campaign harder in Germany. The numbers there are still lagging behind the rest of Europe p>

Sam typed quickly on her tablet.

“Done. I will follow up with them this afternoon. Anything else on the business side before we move on p>

I thought for a moment.

“The board meeting next week. Make sure we have the full financial summary ready. I want to go in with numbers that shut down any questions about the recent changes. No surprises p>

Sam smiled.

“Already prepared. I have three different versions depending on how aggressive they get with questions. We are covered p>

We went back and forth for a while longer about upcoming meetings, budget adjustments, and a few potential new partnerships. The conversation felt normal. It felt good to focus on work even if only for a short time. My mind kept trying to pull me back to everything else, but I pushed it down. Business first. Always.

“You’re focused today, Katia,” Sam observed, her gaze narrowing playfully. “Most people would be taking a mental health day after clearing out their spouse, but you’re diving into regional logistics like your life depends on it. Or maybe you’re just proving a point p>

I gave her a look that silenced any further inquiries into my internal state. “I don’t do ’mental health days,’ Sam. I do results. If I’m not running this firm, who will p>

“Touché,” she replied, though her grin didn’t falter. “Just remember that even the most efficient machine needs a little oil now and then. Don’t let the stress turn you into a statue p>

“I’m far from a statue,” I retorted with a wink. “I’m a powerhouse. And right now, my power is being directed exactly where it needs to be p>

Sam closed her tablet after we finished the last point and looked at me with a different expression. “I hear you kicked Julian out of the house,” she said.

I leaned back in my chair and smiled a little.

“I guess eating forbidden fruits comes with perks. Look at you already knowing what I did last night p>

Sam laughed softly. “Well, if you open your legs wide enough, they get to tell you everything p>

“Oh God stop,” I said, shaking my head. “I don’t want to hear how you and Zane fuck p>

Sam grinned wider. “Well, your loss. Though I know you miss him. Zane says Julian has a monstrous dick. He says he wonders how you handle such a huge pipe p>

I felt my face get warm, but I kept my voice steady. “Sam, I’m not discussing my husband’s cock with you p>

“Well, that is rich considering you kicked him out,” she said.

I shrugged. “Well, that doesn’t mean I can’t ride him still p>

Sam laughed out loud this time. “Oh wow, she kicks the guy with the dick out and still says she can fuck him. Oh hail the queen p>

I smiled despite everything that had happened. The conversation felt light in a way I needed right now. I leaned in, my voice dropping an octave as I made my intent clear. “He thinks he’s playing the long game, Sam. He thinks because he’s out of the house, he’s out of my reach. He has no idea that he is still going to perform his husband duties p>

“Who are you and what have you done to my boss?” Sam said, leaning back. “Well, Julian Windsor is walking around like he’s still the golden boy, totally oblivious to the fact that you’re the one holding the leash. It’s almost adorable p>

“Adorable? No. It’s pathetic,” I said, my voice dripping with sass. “He loves the sound of his own name. He loves the image of himself. He’s going to be so busy nursing his wounded ego that he won’t see me coming until I’m already there p>

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