Chapter 3
“Claire?”
“Anastasia!”
Claire rose from the chair with perfect composure.
I frowned. “What are you doing here? Where’s Sebastian?”
Claire smiled coolly. “He just stepped out. I’m his executive assistant now. Hasn’t he mentioned that to you?”
Seeing the subtle challenge in her eyes, I could guess what kind of relationship they had.
No wonder Claire helped Sebastian set me up!
But today, I hadn’t come to catch them in their affair.
I spoke calmly. “Please gather all department managers. I need to hold a meeting.”
Claire paused, then smirked dismissively. “Are you serious right now? You may be his wife, but this company belongs to Sebastian.
And besides…”
She dragged out the last word, looking me up and down with malice. “Given your current situation, who knows how much longer you’ll even keep that title!”
I narrowed my eyes. “You told Sebastian I stayed at your place the night before last.”
Claire raised an eyebrow. “Shouldn’t you be thanking me? I helped you reconnect with Edmund.”
“Word gets around, you know. You should come clean to Sebastian soon. It’ll make the divorce less messy.”
I laughed coldly. “My marriage isn’t your concern. I’ll ask you once more–will you gather the department heads for a meeting or not?‘
Claire pursed her lips. “Sorry, I only take orders from Sebastian.”
With that, she clicked away on her heels.
Without missing a beat, I picked up the phone and called Human Resources.
The HR manager, another unfamiliar face, looked at me with confusion. “Mrs. Winchester, calling a meeting without going through Sebastian seems inappropriate.”
I didn’t back down when I pulled the business license from the safe. My voice was steel. “Take a good look. Legal owner: Anastasia
Sterling.”
This company has always been mine. Sebastian has merely been its caretaker these past few years.”
The HR manager’s eyes widened, quickly assessing the situation before responding: “Ms. Sterling!”
I nodded decisively. “Gather all department heads immediately. Starting today, I’m taking direct control of operations.”
“And since Claire insists she only answers to Sebastian, find me a new assistant. As for her–she’s fired Effective immediately”
16.05 O
Live My Own Life: How the Housewife Reclaimed Her Empire
Chapter 3
“Yes, ma’am!”
An hour later, I took my seat at the head of the conference table.
Sebastian had replaced many of the staff, but several familiar faces remained.
When I announced my return to leadership, reactions varied wildly–some showed excitement, others confusion, but most displayed
obvious concern.
I surveyed the room with confidence. “There’s something I haven’t shared with you all. The Sterling in my name is connected to
Sterling Global. My grandmother is currently the chairwoman.”
The conference room instantly erupted.
“That explains why Sterling Global specifically asked about you during our partnership discussions!”
“With Sterling Global’s backing, our potential is practically unlimited!”
“You have our complete support, Ms. Sterling!”
The truth was, my grandmother did indeed run Sterling Global.
However, my father had cut ties with her years ago when he chose to marry my mother against her wishes.
Given my current predicament, leveraging my grandmother’s name was the only way to secure their loyalty.
Just as I was about to continue the meeting, the conference room door slammed open.
Claire stormed in, her face contorted with rage. “You conniving bitch! You actually had the nerve to fire me while Sebastian is gone!”
“I’ve already called him. He’s on his way right now. Let’s see how you talk your way out of this one!”
Before I could respond, the HR manager stood up.
“Claire, you’ve been fired. Leave the premises immediately or you’ll be escorted out.”
Claire gaped at her in shock. “Are you fucking kidding me? You’re actually listening to her? Since when does the CEO’s trophy wife
have firing power?”
The HR manager’s expression was ice. “She has every right. She is the CEO.”
Claire burst into mocking laughter. “That’s rich! I’ve been here two years–I think I’d know who runs this place. Don’t let this desperate housewife fool you.”
The office manager reached for the phone. “Security to the conference room. Former employee causing a disturbance.”
Two security guards arrived promptly and moved to escort Claire out.
She grabbed the doorframe, screaming obscenities. “You’ll regret this, you pathetic whore! Wait until Sebastian gets here–he’ll put you back in your place!”
A crowd of curious employees gathered in the hallway.
I massaged my throbbing temples, ready to call the police, when Sebastian’s voice cut through the chaos.
P
“What’s going on here? Everyone back to work. Now!”
16.05
Live My Own Life How the Housewife Reriatened Her Fauste
Chapter 3
The employees scattered instantly, and the department heads instinctively stood.
Claire’s face crumpled as crocodile tears appeared. She threw herself at Sebastian.
“Sebastian! Thank God you’re here! Your wife just waltzed in and fired me for absolutely no reason! There’s nothing between us–I don’t know why she’s acting so jealous!”
Sebastian’s expression darkened as he surveyed the room.
When he spotted me at the head of the table, he stopped dead in his tracks.
“Anastasia? What are you doing here running meetings?”
16:05
