Chapter 6

Hailey climbed out of the car the moment Tyler pulled up in front of Summer Incorporations. She took a deep breath, taking in the building. It was as she remembered. She was about to enter when she saw another car parked opposite; almost immediately, someone got out of the back seat—it was Cole Luca Matthis.

She felt her heart quicken, but that was all. He looked terrible; he truly looked like he was carrying the weight of his company's problems. This wasn't the Cole she knew.

“Let’s go in, babe,” Tyler said, interrupting her thoughts. He placed his hand on her lower back and started to lead her inside.

She noticed Cole’s eyes burning with jealousy the moment Tyler approached.

Hailey and Tyler had only taken a few steps when she heard someone call her name. She looked up and saw a familiar face.

“Itam!” she smiled as he approached.

“Oh my God, Hailey, it’s really you!”

“It’s good to see you. I was just telling the boss about you and how much we missed you at the company.” They all turned to Cole, seeing his eyes burning with anger and confusion.

“Good to see you too. This is Tyler.”

“Her boyfriend,” Tyler said politely, shaking Itam’s hand.

“I’m happy for you. Don’t let her slip away. She’s a treasure! I give you my word.”

“I won’t,” Tyler said, possessively holding Hailey’s waist.

“We have to go. It was good to see you,” Hailey mumbled. She and Itam exchanged a polite smile before she went inside with Tyler close behind.

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Itam smiled in disbelief, approaching Cole, who stood there, pained and confused. Itam frowned when he saw Cole’s fist clenched.

“Anything the matter, Sir?”

“Why were you smiling with my wife?” The words were out before he could stop them.

Itam frowned deeply. “Your wife? Who?”

Only then did Cole realize no one knew Hailey was his wife. He had hidden that information and always treated her as a regular employee.

“Hailey and I have always been on good terms; that’s why we exchanged greetings. Her boyfriend seemed fine with it.”

“Her…her boyfriend?” Cole stammered, his heart breaking.

“Yes, Sir. He introduced himself as her boyfriend.”

Cole cursed internally, hiding his pain. He wondered how she could have a boyfriend when they weren't officially divorced.

“Did she tell you why she’s here?”

“No, Sir, but she seemed to be in a hurry.”

“We should go in, Sir. We’re late for the meeting,” Itam said, glancing at his watch.

Cole dejectedly put his hands in his pockets and walked toward the entrance with Itam.

“I thought Eric said he had disowned her. What the hell is she doing here?”

Itam ignored him. They reached the elevator and went up to the boardroom floor.

“I’m so irritated. I can’t wait for this so-called emergency meeting to be over…” Cole said as he entered the boardroom. He stopped dead in his tracks when he saw Hailey and Tyler.

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He saw Hailey and Tyler in seats they hadn't occupied earlier; Tyler's hand was on her lap. He couldn't contain himself any longer.

“What the hell is going on here?” Cole blurted out, glaring at Tyler.

All the board members were seated—about eight, excluding Hailey and Tyler. Only Eric Summers was missing.

“Have a seat, boy!” Julz, the lawyer, gestured to an empty seat.

Seeing the board members’ curious looks, Cole sat down opposite Hailey. Itam waited outside. Eric soon arrived, freezing for a moment before sitting down, avoiding eye contact with Hailey.

Julz stood to speak but was interrupted by the opening door.

“So sorry, I’m late,” Vanessa Summers said. Her eyes scanned the room.

Her world crumbled when she saw her stepsister, Hailey.

“What is this bitch doing here?” she said, referring to Hailey.

“Language, woman!” Julz cautioned.

Vanessa composed herself and sat down.

“No, that’s not your position,” Julz said as she approached the seat at the head of the table.

“Why?”

“You’re late, and the best thing you can do is not cause a disturbance. Have you ever sat here before?” Julz glared at her.

Vanessa glared back and sat beside Cole.

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She took his hand, but he shrugged her off. She hid her hurt, pretending everything was fine.

“What is she doing here?” she whispered, referring to Hailey.

Cole didn’t answer, staring at Hailey, who was smiling at something Tyler whispered. His heart ached with jealousy.

“I’m grateful you’re all here on such short notice. I have good news. We’ve partnered with ENROL Enterprises.”

“Finally! What a bitchy company!” Vanessa rolled her eyes.

“Language, Vee,” Eric cautioned his daughter.

“Oh please, Dad! We sent thousands of letters they ignored, and suddenly they want to help?”

“And what would you have done if you owned ENROL? Help every bankrupt company on the verge of your own success?” Tyler said. He was annoyed by the stares directed at Hailey. He wanted to protect her from these people.

Hailey placed her hand on his.

“No, babe, she’s doing too much,” Tyler said.

“This is an official meeting. No displays of affection,” Cole said flatly.

“And who are you to question me? What are you even doing here?” Vanessa glared at Tyler.

“Babe, are you sure you want to work with these people?” Tyler asked Hailey.

“What the hell is going on? We heard Hailey was dead, and here she is with her puppet. She’s never worked here. Why is she here now?”

Chapter 6

“Enough!” Eric tried to quiet his daughter.

“Come on, Dad, she stole my man! You disowned her. What the hell is she doing here?”

“It would be better if you behaved yourself,” Eric said calmly.

“And why are you suddenly on her side?” Vanessa stood up.

“Because Hailey owns ENROL, and she’s kindly helping us solve this company’s problems. One more word, and I’ll have security remove you. I told your father not to make you a shareholder, but he insisted. Now look at the mess you’ve made!”

Vanessa stood in shock, staring from Julz to Hailey. She was stunned—both by Julz’s outburst and the fact that her stepsister, whom she had tried to ruin, owned the most successful company in the country.

She tried to speak, but couldn't. She glanced at her father, who stared at his hands, then slowly sat down.

“Eric Summers will step down as CEO. Aide Summers, the founder, stipulated in his will that the company should be handed to his first granddaughter at age 27. Hailey will be acting in two capacities, while Eric remains on the board.”

“Hailey,” Julz said, gesturing to the head of the table.

Hailey stood, and everyone else stood as well, showing her the respect due a CEO. She sat down gracefully, followed by the others.

“I’m Hailey Riley,” she said. Those who knew her as Hailey Summers were shocked. “I’m not exactly thrilled to be here, but I loved my grandfather, so I’m fulfilling his wishes.”

“Our meetings will be for serious business only. No foul language or unprofessional behavior. Violators will be fired!” Hailey said, staring at Vanessa.

Chapter 6

“It’s true I own ENROL. But I don’t mix business with my personal life. I’m not here to fund this company with ENROL’s money. This company is failing, and we’ll all work twice as hard to restore its success.”

“I hate slacking, unseriousness, and tardiness. Anyone exhibiting these qualities will be fired,” Hailey said, glaring at Vanessa.

“I’ll be meeting with department heads to ensure we work together to solve this mess.”

“I’ve reviewed the documents, and everyone will receive their assignments by the end of the day.”

“I understand the staff haven’t been paid for months. I spoke with the finance team, and they will be paid, including benefits, by the end of the day.”

“Any questions?” Hailey asked.

Julz was smiling. Tyler was proud. The shareholders seemed pleased. Eric barely looked at Hailey. Vanessa was furious and confused. Cole was beside himself.

“We’re glad to have you on board. A young, experienced mind—just what this company needs,” a male board member said.

“I agree. These past few months have been crazy. No one wanted to work with us. We’re glad you’re here,” another said.

“My pleasure!” Hailey replied with a polite smile.

“That’s all. You can expect emails from me by the end of the day.” Everyone stood.

Hailey picked up her bag and left the room, followed by Tyler.

“You did well, my love. I’m so proud of you,” he said, kissing her forehead.

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“I’m glad to see you do your thing.”

She smiled. “I’m glad I didn’t object to you coming. Having someone familiar was helpful.”

“You handled those monsters well. I couldn’t be prouder.”

Hailey blushed.

“Ready to go? Or do you need to see someone?”

“Yes, I have a brief meeting with the managing director, but I need to use the restroom first.”

“I’ll be right back.” Hailey went down the hall, while Tyler waited.

The conference room door burst open, and someone stormed out. Tyler recognized Hailey’s ex; he looked furious.

“Where is she?” he asked Tyler, who glared at him.

Tyler said nothing. Cole saw Hailey entering the restroom.

“Perfect!” he muttered. He’d been looking for a place to talk to her. He went to find her.