Chapter 157
I was shocked at her accusation. I blinked, struggling to recall Nova from any part of my life. Nothing about her seemed familiar, her scent, her voice, her face. Who was this woman, and why was she targeting me?
“Doris,” Tina whispered, “she’s lying about you knowing her. Her scent, it’s barely familiar. I don’t think you’ve even met her before.”
I gave a small nod, grateful for the insight, but I couldn’t let this go unchallenged. Nova had everyone’s attention, and I needed to act fast.
“I don’t know where you’re getting your information, Nova,” I said, keeping my voice calm, “but I had no part in orchestrating Johnson’s wedding drama. I wasn’t even aware of it until
the rumors reached me.”
Nova scoffed, her hands resting confidently on her hips. “Of course, you’d deny it. But I have proof.”
Gasps rippled through the room, and the noblewomen exchanged curious glances. Nova’s confidence was unnerving, but I couldn’t let her dictate the narrative.
“Proof?” I asked, raising an eyebrow. “What kind of proof? Because if you’re going to make accusations, you’d better back them up.”
“I don’t need to explain myself to you,” Nova said, her tone dripping with mock superiority. “The truth is obvious to anyone who’s paying attention.”
“That’s not how this works, Nova,” I countered, refusing to let her vague claims take root. “If you’re accusing me of something as serious as that, you owe it to everyone here to present your so–called proof.”
”
Her lips thinned, and for a moment, I thought she might falter. But instead, she turned to the crowd and raised her voice. “Why do we even need proof? Look at her! She acts like she’s above us all just because Carlos dotes on her and she runs a small company.”
The murmurs around us grew louder, and I could see several of the noblewomen nodding
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in agreement. My explanation was quickly being dismissed as defensive or insincere.
straightened my back, determined not to let her win. “Fine. If you won’t provide proof, let’s settle this another way. Since you’re all so eager to doubt me, let’s talk business.”
The room fell silent, and I felt their eyes on me once more, this time with a tinge of curiosity.
“I’m happy to answer any questions you have,” I continued, my voice steady. “Ask me anything about running a company, about making real decisions that affect people’s lives and livelihoods. Let’s see how well you all understand what it takes to lead.”
Nova’s smirk wavered, but she quickly regained her composure. “You think you’re so clever,” she sneered. “Ladies, don’t let her distract you! Go ahead, ask her anything.”
The noblewomen hesitated at first, exchanging nervous glances. They had always been
taught to maintain a polished image, to focus on theory and etiquette rather than the gritty
realities of leadership. Nova, however, was quick to egg them on.
“Well?” Nova taunted, her voice rising with impatience. “Don’t be shy. Let’s hear what the
great Doris has to say.”
I turned to the group, giving them a small smile. “Ask away,” I said. “Anything about
budgets, managing employees, balancing accounts, or marketing strategies. I’ll answer to the best of my ability.”
A blonde woman near the back hesitantly raised her hand. “What’s your approach to crisis management?” she asked. “If your company faced a sudden financial loss, what would you
do?”
“Good question,” I said, nodding. “In that situation, I’d first assess the damage to understand the root cause. Then I’d work with my team to develop a recovery plan–cutting unnecessary expenses, seeking additional funding if needed, and focusing on areas of the business that bring the most profit. Communication would be key, both with my employees‘
and any stakeholders.”
The woman nodded thoughtfully, and a few others murmured their approval.
Another woman raised her hand. “How do you handle difficult employees?”
“Byunderstanding why they’re being difficult,” I replied. “Sometimes, it’s a matter of poor
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communication or unmet expectations. I try to have an honest conversation with them, set
clear goals, and provide support where needed. If the behavior continues and affects the team, then tougher decisions might have to be made.”
The questions kept coming, and I answered each one with confidence. I could see their expressions shifting, some of the earlier doubt melting away. But Nova wasn’t about to let
me off so easily.
“All right, Doris,” she said loudly, interrupting the flow of questions. “Since you’re so eager to prove yourself, why don’t you answer one of my questions?”
I folded my arms, meeting her glare head–on. “Go ahead, Nova. Ask me anything.”
She hesitated for a fraction of a second, but it was enough to confirm what I already suspected. Nova didn’t know what she was talking about. She had no real experience, no genuine understanding of business.
