It Should Have Been Like This (The Revised Version)

Chapter 82: Assumptions of Power

As Mr. Wolfman led me to my office, he paused to introduce me to my new secretary, Olive. I was immediately struck by her warm and friendly demeanor — there was no hint of the typical stiffness one might expect from a corporate employee.

"Olive is my niece," Wolfman shared, a note of pride in his voice. "I handpicked her to assist you, knowing she would be a perfect fit." Olive offered me a bright smile, and I couldn't help but feel at ease in her presence.

Once settled in my office, I dove into reviewing the sales ledgers and financial records, meticulously combing through the data. Something caught my eye — a discrepancy in the recent sales accounts that didn't quite add up. I brought it to Wolfman's attention, but the managing director seemed unfazed, and unperturbed by the issue.

However, my instincts, honed through years of working under my father, told me there was more to this than meets the eye. As soon as Wolfman left to prepare for the team presentation, I summoned Olive to my side.

"Olive, I couldn't help but notice a discrepancy in the sales records," I began, watching her expression carefully. To my surprise, she nodded knowingly.

"Yes, I've noticed it too," she confided, her brow furrowing with concern. "But when I brought it up to my uncle, he simply dismissed it as nothing unusual."

To uncover the truth, we spent the next two hours meticulously combing through every detail, cross-checking the data against the production and packaging records. Our investigation revealed that a small but significant number of products had gone missing during a recent shipment to a local mall.

With a growing sense of urgency, Olive and I gathered the necessary materials, ready to present our findings. As we made our way to the conference room, my phone chimed with a series of messages from the children. Seeing their well-wishes and Serenity's motherly concern, as well as Savia's playful threats, brought a smile to my face. I was grateful for their support, knowing that I would need it as I navigated this life.

I quickly replied to the messages from the children, putting a smile on my face. Feeling bolstered by their support, I decided to call Nic and fill him in on the developments.

The phone rang a couple of times before Stacy's voice came through. "Mrs. Verlice, good morning," she greeted, her professional tone masking the affection I knew she felt.

"Oh, Stacy, good morning to you too!" I replied, a teasing smile on my lips. "We haven't seen each other in a while. How have you been?"

Stacy's facade immediately crumbled as she launched into a litany of complaints. "Don't even get me started. I am sleep-deprived and facing cuteness withdrawal. If I don't see or pet any adorable creature—human included—soon, I'll lose my mind! And your damn husband keeps overworking me."

I couldn't help but chuckle at her exasperated tone. "You know what you need? August." I grinned, even though she couldn't see me.

"I would cuss at you if you weren't my friend and the mother of the child I love the most," Stacy retorted sharply, but I could hear the smile in her voice. After a beat, she continued, "But you're right. I need to see that idiot, sneak in a kiss or two while he's asleep," she added with an exaggerated sigh.

I laughed, picturing the scene in my mind. "Just date the guy."

Stacy's response was swift and candid. "And suffer emotional trauma when I'm dumped by that womanizer? No, thank you. I like loving him from a distance and suffering the consequences of loneliness. At least I have my cute cats and– did I tell you I'm getting a penguin? Well, I am. I'm going to take that as a reward for my hard work every day and enduring working under your husband and with the idiot I'm in love with who won't keep his dick in his pants. It's a cute little thing, but anyway, why did you call? Your husband is busy at the moment."