Stella leaned against the counter as she waited. There were only two people who had a motive to hurt her— Vivian and Clara. But what was their motive this time? From what she knew, Vivian wanted to marry Liam. So why would she sabotage his right-hand woman on such an important day?
She shook her head. She didn't know what ran through the minds of rich girls.
"Who put this here?"
Stella heard a voice from outside. It was Evelyn.
"Why is this locked?"
"Ms. Evelyn!" Stella called out.
"Who is— Stella? My goodness why are you in there?" Evelyn's voice rose in alarm. "Wait here, I'll go get the spare keys."
"Thank you," Stella said, stepping to the side.
Within minutes, Evelyn returned and opened the door. "It seems someone locked you in here. The cleaner in charge of this floor had an emergency. So I came over to cover for her."
"Lucky me," Stella replied as she straightened her shirt one last time. "Thank you, once again. I need to hurry on to the meeting."
"Go on then."
Stella gave a grateful nod and rushed down the hall. She still had two minutes.
Liam walked out of the office with John in tow. His gaze flickered over Stella's desk. She wasn't there. But her bag and phone were.
"Where is she?" he asked, frowning.
"She said she was going to make sure everything was set up properly."
Liam nodded, and they continued walking out.
As they stepped out of the executive office into the secretries' office, a flurry of activity started.
Several young women stood up and gathered around, their smiles almost blinding to look at. These women were not professional secretaries, they were parachuted in by their parents to make connections for their families.
"You really lucked out with her, compared to the rest of the crop," John muttered under his breath, trying not to laugh.
Liam didn't respond.
"Out of my way," a shrill voice snapped.
Vivian made her way through the crowd, heels clinking on the floor as Clara pushed people aside to clear the path. Vivian's father was one of the more powerful shareholders. Compared to the rest of them, she could do almost whatever she wanted. Not to mention, her family had a personal relationship with the Carson family. Even though they were angry about being shoved aside, they couldn't afford to offend her.
She stopped in front of Liam, flashing a wide smile. "Good morning, Liam."
"We are not familiar. You should call me Mr. Carson."
Vivian's smile fell a little. "Of course. We're at work. I should—"
"What do you want?" he cut in, taking a step forward.
"I'm your secretary for today," she said smoothly,
He paused. Did his grandfather arrange this? No, it shouldn't be. He would have informed him.
"Stacy had an emergency, so she entrusted me with her tasks. Don't worry, I have all the information I need."
Liam raised a brow. Vivian and Stacy had never had a good relationship. Vivian had been bullying her since the day she started here. And with Stacy's personality, even if the sky was falling, the last person she would turn to was Vivian.
"I won't be needing a secretary," Liam said curtly.
"But—"
"John is enough," and with that, he walked away without another glance.
Vivian stomped her foot, furious as she watched their backs disappear into the elevator.
Inside the elevator, Liam turned to John. "Go find Stella. I'm worried something happened to her."
"Got it, boss."
Liam entered the boardroom while John stood outside. He brought out his phone and made a call. "Send me the surveillance footage of the boardroom and the surrounding hallway."
"John! Where are you outside?"
He turned sharply. "Stella, you're okay?" he exhaled in relief. "Liam just told me to come find you. Someone said you had an emergency."
"Who was it?"
"The woman who always has a tail following her. Something V—"
"Vivian," Stella finished for him, her expression darkening. She had guessed right.
"Yes, Vivian."
Just then, the Elevator dinged, and a group of shareholders stepped out. Their crisp suits and polished suits were quite a sight to see
Stella brushed back a stray strand of hair. "Well, it's time for us to get to work."
The meeting was a success. Some people were happy, and others were not. Most of the shareholders had come with the intention of intimidating Liam. But he didn't back down.
Liam forced some shareholders to sell their shares. He presented evidence of their crimes, embezzlement, shell companies, kickbacks, and more to the big screen, leaving them nowhere to hide. Many were surprised. How did he find these things? He had returned to the country less than a month ago? Some turned to look at the old Chairman, but he shook his head. He had no hand in Liam's actions.
They all left the meeting convinced of his strength.
But that was not the end. After the official business was done, he still needed to socialize with the shareholders. Liam and John went with the shareholders to one of the Kings Corporation's hotels for drinks.
Stella stood outside till the elevator doors closed and started to descend.
What she needed to do next was teach a spoilt brat a lesson.
Vivian lounged in her chair, sipping her coffee leisurely.
"I can't believe it was all for nothing."
"At least she didn't get a chance to show up in front of the chairman." Clara offered weakly.
Vivian set her cup on the table. "You're right."
At that moment, someone walked up to her, picked up the cup of coffee, and dumped its contents onto her.
Vivian leaped up with a shriek. "Stella! How dare you?"
"I was just returning the favour," Stella replied coolly. "Apologies, I don't have any water."
"You— You" Vivian's face was red with anger, then she smiled.
"You're just angry you didn't get to attend the meeting."
"I attended the meeting," Stella said simply.
"What?"
"Sorry to disappoint you."
And with that, Stella turned and walked into the executive office.
It was night when Liam finally wrapped up drinks with the shareholders. He had spent the last couple of hours drinking with the other shareholders.
At some point in the evening, his grandfather had excused himself.
"Good Job," he had whispered as he passed Liam.
That was the height of his compliment for anyone.
When Liam finally said goodbye to the last of them, John helped him into the car.
Liam leaned in the backseat, loosening his tie.
"Did you get the surveillance?" he asked quietly.
Jack passed him a tablet.
He played the video. The footage was clear. He saw the whole process of someone "accidentally" bumping into Stella. Stella walking into the bathroom. Then Clara locking the door behind her and placing the sign to keep others.
His eyes narrowed.
"Contact HR," Liam said coldly. "Fire all of the people involved."
He shut off the tablet and stared out the window, jaw tight.
"Also, fire all the unqualified people."