AllFreeNovel
Share Us
1
Tucking her silver-colored hair behind her ears, Gabriella Galena gently inserted a pair of sparkling diamond studs to complete her look. She gazed intently at her reflection, studying the lines of the Chanel suit, ensuring that the garment complimented the silhouette of her body.Okay, yes, that looks perfect. I hope Deluxe is ready for my return because I’m ready to raise a little hell and make another million. And this time, nothing is going to stand in my way.
Gabriella felt a slight pang in her chest as she looked around her Manhattan penthouse, contemplating her fate. It had been exactly one year since Gabriella Galena sat in her corner office, representing the famous magazine that had been setting trends in New York fashion since 1941. It was owned by the billionaire Rutherford family, with Tempest Rutherford as the Chairperson of the Board.
Reflecting on her career and the catalyst that resulted in a leave of absence, Gabriella knew she would never be the same woman she was last year. But during her personal break, Gabriella decided to cultivate a new and more powerful senseof self that would take no mercy. After existing on a steady diet of grief and devastation, a new CEO would enter the Deluxe Redux’s office this morning.
Gabriella slipped on her red-bottom Louboutin heels, click-clacking across the marble floor to the penthouse elevator that would bring her to the private parking garage. Her iPhone buzzed, noting a text from her driver informing her that he had arrived. She checked her rose-gold Omega watch and thought to herself:Perfect, right on time. I want to be at the office early to review the design of the new May issue. From what I’ve seen in the emails, I’ll be demanding a lot of corrections and possibly administrating some disciplinary action as well.
Riding down to the garage, Gabriella was greeted by a silver Jaguar with her uniformed driver in the front seat. Sliding into the back, she was whisked to the Garment District, heading towards the Tuxedo Plaza, home to Deluxe Redux. While it was only 7:05 a.m. when Gabriella arrived at the building, the streets were already energized with pedestrians hustling and bustling through the New York streets.
Stopping at the front of the building, she paused outside the main entrance, breathing in the morning air.This time, nothing is going to stand in my way of success. I’m lucky to have been granted a year-long leave of absence without losing my prestigious position.Taking a deep breath, Gabriella centered herself.I will never ever allow anyone to rob me of my power and ambition. That’s a promise.Her emotions turned dark and heavy as her blue eyes narrowed. Gabriella hoped that the staff at Deluxe were ready for her return because if not, there would be hell to pay, and the CEO was ready to collect.
Gabriella waited outside the elevators until the doors parted. A few suits joined the ride, with bodies coming and going until she exited the elevator on the 36th floor. Taking a deep breath, Gabriella squared her shoulders and tightened her face into ano-nonsense expression, and she flung open the heavy glass door that was etched with the magazine’s logo.
The agency was ominously quiet, and for a moment, Gabriella flashed back to her last day at Deluxe before her leave of absence. She felt her heart constrict in her chest, and her core began to crumble before Gabriella remembered that she would no longer succumb to weak emotions.I’m not fucking weak. I can do this! This is my magazine agency, and I will fight for my place and power here. Don’t you dare fucking cry!After a harsh pep talk to herself, Gabriella moved past the empty reception desks to the coveted corner office, complete with a view of the Manhattan skyline.
Slowly, she opened the door. The morning sun shone through the sheer drapes, creating a beautiful glare that suggested new beginnings of hope. But Gabriella’s aspirations were now fueled by a hunger for authority and an insatiable greed that felt like a monster that needed to be constantly fed. Shaking her head as she scanned the room, Gabriella said aloud, “Nope, I’m definitely not the same person anymore, especially not here. But I’m determined to make that a positive attribute towards the business.”
As the CEO began to unpack her belongings, rearranging her workspace, she heard a knock at the door. Startled, Gabriella answered, “Hello? Who is it?” She wasn’t ready to entertain any greetings from the current employees yet, preferring space to get organized and focused.
“Gabby, it’s Samson. Welcome back!” Gabriella softened; if there was anyone she was glad to see, it was Samson Ableman from the art department. Samson was a flamboyant and highly creative team member of Deluxe with an eye for detail. Gabriella had been a fan of his snarky, sarcastic humor and take-no-shit attitude from the moment they met.
Samson was also a loyal employee, and while Gabriella’s trust in humanity had plummeted since last year’s personal incident, Samson was the one person that Gabriella could rely on and confide in. She knew that, as a team, they would be able to take back control of Deluxe Redux.
“Oh yes, of course, come on in,” Gabriella called out. Samson opened the door, carrying a magazine that Gabriella assumed was a sample of the upcoming May issue.
“Darling, oh my god, it’ssonice to see you again. The magazine needs to get whipped into shape, so I’m glad my favorite bitch is back!” Samson beamed at the CEO, waiting for a hug. But Gabriella held back, studying Samson’s outfit.
“My goodness, what are you wearing? Is that a dress shirt from last year’s Haute collection?” Gabriella frowned slightly, maintaining an icy distance. For Gabriella, the staff needed to reflect the latest fashion trends in their wardrobe when coming to the office.Hmmm, it looks like Samson may be slipping a bit in his appearance.
Appearing confused, Samson frowned. “Um, well, yes, but it’slinen!The material is pure quality.” Samson ran a manicured finger over the expensive material before pointing it in Gabriella’s face. “You told me a few years back that youlovedthis shirt.”
Gabriella shook her head and sighed. “It’s fine, don’t worry. Let’s start over.” Smoothing her silver bob over her ears, the CEO mustered a smile, returning Samson’s embrace. Gabriella saw that she had hurt Samson’s feelings, and while she wasn’t one to apologize at the office, Gabriella recognized Samson as proficient and skilled. It was in her best interest to make peace. “It’s good to see you as well. Let’s see the sample.”
Visibly relieved, Samson passed the periodical to Gabriella. Outside her office, she could hear the staff beginning to enter;there was rustling of bags and murmuring voices. Deluxe was coming alive, as it always did, at 8:00 am sharp.
Taking the sample from Samson’s hand, Gabriella studied the cover model. At first glance, Gabriella immediately disapproved of the image. “No, this won’t work. I thought we weren’t going to work with this model again. Isn’t that what was discussed just before my leave?” Pursing her lips, Gabriella scowled. “Andwhy on earthis she wearing a babydoll dress? This is theMayissue!She should have been in a bikini or at least something sexy!”
“I know, but when you left, Ms. Rutherford wanted some authority in the magazine’s decision-making. She approved of this model, and the dress was her suggestion,” Samson replied nervously. The tension in the office was thick, and Gabriella could practically hear her assistant’s restless heart beating.
Gabriella was indignant. Narrowing her gaze, she retorted, “Samson, I am the CEO of Deluxe Redux—not Tempest. This office is to followmyrules andmystandards. Now, I understand if she needed to step in temporarily, but I never quit my position. And now that I’m back, things will be going back to normal. Understood?”
Appearing flustered, Samson backtracked. “Yes, of course. I understand. I’m sorry; we just didn’t know what to do without your direction. I’ll speak to the photographer about booking a new model.” The director paused before gently asking, “How are you feeling since everything happened? I know this past year has been rough on you.”
Gabriella was grateful for Samson’s kindness, but she didn’t have the emotional capacity to share her feelings or to discuss the reason for her absence. In fact, Gabriella had only become more hardened throughout the months, and she wasn’t about to soften anytime soon. “I’m fine, thank you for asking,” she replied curtly, returning the sample.
“Alright, I’ll leave you to settle in. And I’ll get to those edits right away.” Samson turned to leave when someone knocked on the office door. “Hello? Is Ms. Galena in?” Gabriella responded impatiently, “Yes, I’m here. Come in.”
An unfamiliar red-headed woman entered the office with a handful of envelopes and files. Gabriella immediately noticed her beauty; the stranger had a pin-up-inspired look with an arm sleeve full of tattoos. “Hi, I’m Romi, the new photographer. I was hired after Madison left. I was also put in charge of collecting your mail.” Romi handed the large stack to Gabriella, whose heart crumbled upon hearing Madison’s name.
Gabriella took the envelopes from Romi, eyeing her suspiciously. “Thanks. Were you the photographer in charge of shooting the model for the May issue?”
Romi bobbed her head, adjusting her patterned headband. “Yup, I was. She was great, too, and very easy to work with. It’s nice to meet you, by the way. I’ve heard so much about you, and it’s great to have you back in the office.”
Gabriella gave Romi a stern look. “I don’t like the cover. We need to reshoot it with a different model. I just spoke to Samson about this as well. You’ll need to work with him on styling, as I also dislike her outfit.”
The CEO eyed Romi. “Also, when you come to work, I’d like you to look more polished. This look,” the CEO emphasized with a pointy finger, “is great for a rock concert, but it doesn’t work inside the Deluxe office. Understood?”
