A chill ran through me.
For a split second, I was stunned. Then realization hit.
My voice turned cold. "Sophia, I'll look into this immediately. Lily will get an explanation."
I hung up.
Anger surged through me as I rose from my seat and headed straight for the CCPR department. The sharp click of my heels echoed down the corridor, each step heavy, deliberate.
The past three years at Blackwood Dominion Enterprises had never been smooth. Olivia Reynolds had undermined me more than once.
And I knew this had her fingerprints all over it.
Without knocking, I pushed open the CCPR office doors.
"Sophia Reynolds," I said sharply, "explain what's going on with Lily Avery's brand ambassador contract."
Sophia looked up slowly, perfectly composed. A faint smirk curved her lips.
"Director Alicia," she said lazily, "why so angry? Have a seat. Let's talk."
"Don't play games with me," I snapped. "CEO Blackwood personally approved this campaign. What gives you the authority to interfere with V&R's decision?"
A flicker of contempt crossed her eyes.
"And what if I did interfere?" she replied coolly. "Who do you think you are, barging in here and raising your voice at me?"
Her smile sharpened.
"If it weren't for your so-called 'foolish father,' you would never have stepped foot into Blackwood Dominion Enterprises. Maybe look in the mirror before you try to talk down to me."
Her words cut deep.
For a moment, the sting was almost physical—but I refused to show it.
I inhaled slowly, steadying myself. "You have no right to comment on how I got here."
No one was allowed to insult my father. No one.
The office fell into tense silence. Several employees froze at their desks, barely daring to breathe.
Sophia must have sensed my restraint and mistook it for weakness. Her smile widened.
"What?" she taunted softly. "Am I wrong? Weren't you the one who played the martyr to secure your position at Blackwood Dominion? And didn't you seduce CEO Blackwood?", Her laugh was harsh, dripping with jealousy and malice. It brought back memories of the whispers she had spread back when I worked beside Alexander. She hadn't merely coveted my position—she had hated the fact that I stood beside him.
"Such a pity Miss Summer has returned to her country," she mocked. "Now when you come begging, CEO Blackwood won't even spare you a glance. If your foolish father had known—"
I didn't give her the chance to continue.
My palm struck her face.
Smack.
The sound cut through the office like a whip. Everything went still, as though time itself had paused.
Sophia staggered back, pressing a hand to her cheek, disbelief flashing across her face before fury took over.
"Alicia Sinclair! How dare you lay a hand on me!" she screamed. "I'll say it—your father deserved to die young. He should have—"
"Stop."
My voice was calm, chillingly so.
"If you don't know how to show respect," I said evenly, "then I'll make sure you learn."
I lifted my hand once more.
Just as it was about to fall, a powerful grip clamped around my wrist. I struggled against the grip, but it held fast. Frowning, I turned—and froze.
"CEO Blackwood?" I whispered, barely believing my eyes.
Alexander stood there, his face unreadable, his piercing gaze slicing through the room like ice. It landed on me first, then shifted to Sophia. His voice, low and sharp, cut through the tense silence.
"You two seem very… enthusiastic," he said, each word deliberate and cold. "As directors, you're having a public quarrel in front of your employees".!