Rejected By Her Family, Claimed By The Masked CEO

Chapter 15: welcome boss

Abigail remained on the staircase for a few more seconds after hearing her parents’ conversation.

The irony was so ridiculous that she almost laughed. Just moments ago, the two of them had been discussing ways to get close to the mysterious woman behind Nik Corporation. They were already making plans, calculating benefits, and thinking about how Anna could become friends with her.

Meanwhile, that same woman was standing ten feet away from them. Looking at them like they had collectively lost their minds.

She shook her head and descended the remaining stairs. The sound of her heels immediately caught their attention.

Mr and Mrs Williams turned around at the same time."Oh, Abigail."

Mrs Williams smiled. "You’re going out?"

Abigail adjusted her handbag and nodded. "I have work."

"Already?" Mr Williams asked in confusion.

Abigail almost reminded him that most adults worked for a living, but decided against it.

Instead, she smiled politely. "Yes. Unlike some people, I work hard for a living"

Neither of them caught the hidden meaning. "Well, don’t work too hard," Mrs Williams said.

Abigail nearly laughed again. "I’ll try." Then she waved casually. "Goodbye."

Without waiting for another conversation, she walked out of the mansion. The moment the gates closed behind her, she released a long breath.

"Unbelievable."

She genuinely didn’t know whether to laugh or cry anymore. The more she observed the Williams family, the more she realised how calculating they were.

Everything seemed to revolve around benefits: connections, money, influence, and Status. Even the way they treated people changed depending on what they could gain.

At least now she understood why something had always felt wrong from the moment she arrived. Maybe finding her biological family had been a mistake. Or maybe it had simply helped her discover the truth.

Either way, she was no longer interested in seeking their approval.

By the time her car pulled into the underground parking lot of Nik Corporation, Abigail had already buried those thoughts.

The moment she stepped out of the elevator and entered the company lobby, her entire demeanour changed.

Gone was the confused daughter or the frustrated woman dealing with a ridiculous marriage contract.

" President Abigail had arrived," someone whispered.

Employees immediately straightened their backs. "Good morning, President Abigail."

"Good morning, President."

"Welcome back, President."

Abigail nodded calmly as she walked past. The confidence in her steps returned naturally.

This was her territory. Her kingdom. The place she had built from nothing. Unlike the Williams family, nobody here looked at her as an inconvenience. They respected her because she had earned it.

Near the executive elevators, Miranda was already waiting. The moment she spotted Abigail, relief washed over her face.

"Thank God." freewebnøvel.coɱ

Abigail raised an eyebrow. "Was I gone for a year?"

Miranda folded her arms. "You disappeared last night with Draco."

Abigail immediately stopped walking and sighed deeply.

Miranda raised a brow and nodded. "We will talk about that later."

They entered the elevator together. The ride to the executive floor was quiet. Miranda really wanted to ask questions.

Abigail didn’t want to answer them. When they reached her office, Abigail handed her bag to Miranda. "Give me ten minutes."

Miranda nodded. Abigail immediately headed toward her private restroom. The moment the door closed behind her, she leaned against it and exhaled heavily.

The mirror reflected a woman who looked far more tired than she wanted to admit.

Dark circles, exhausted eyes and a permanent headache. "Great," She looked like someone who had fought a war. And in a way, she had.

After taking the pills, she splashed cold water onto her face and stared at her reflection. The marriage contract flashed through her mind again.

She still couldn’t believe it.

She had spent months trying to bring Nik Corporation up to HDM’s standards.

With countless meetings, revisions and lots of sleepless nights.

She had expected difficult negotiations. Not a marriage proposal. The more she thought about it, the more annoyed she became.

Then another image surfaced.

Luna... Draco’s second assistant.

Abigail groaned.

That woman alone was enough to give her a headache. So beautiful, elegant and professional.

Dangerously competent!

The type of woman who looked like she belonged in luxury magazines.

When Luna had arrived earlier to collect the signed documents, Abigail had almost forgotten what she wanted to say.

She had later investigated and discovered Draco had two assistants.

Joshua and her. Honestly, she felt bad for Joshua. Working for Draco already sounded exhausting. Having Luna around probably made the job even more competitive.

After regaining her composure, Abigail returned to her office. The moment she opened the door, she stopped.

Other familiar faces were sitting inside, apart from Miranda...

Madeline and Oliver. The four of them, including Miranda, were friends from the orphanage.

They looked worried. The second they saw her, they stood. "There she is."

"Boss!"

"Ahhh, finally!"

Abigail immediately regretted coming back.

Oliver pointed dramatically. "Tell us how you do it wonder woman"

Madeline nodded. "How did you do it?" She looked ready to explode from curiosity.

"That’s HDM!"

Abigail pretended not to understand. "What about it?"

The room erupted immediately. "What about it?!"Madeline’s eyes widened. "Don’t even dare to play innocent!"

Oliver placed the newly published newspaper on her desk. The headline practically screamed at everyone. Nik Corporation and HDM Official Partnership.

Abigail sat down calmly. "He signed the contract, nothing more."

Oliver and Miranda stared at her in disbelief. "That’s all?"

"That’s all." Abigail nodded.

Oliver looked at Miranda, who looked away immediately. He’s the closest to Abigail, but she looked uncomfortable. She was the only person in the room who knew enough to keep quiet.

And for that, Abigail was grateful. Because honestly... She didn’t feel like celebrating it. Everyone else saw a successful collaboration.

A business victory or a miracle, only she knew what it had cost her, and honestly, she felt it wasn’t worth it.

Abigail leaned back in her chair. For years, she had fought to prove herself. She had built a company from almost nothing. Worked harder than anyone around her. Sacrificed sleep and comfort, even her relationships. Because she wanted to prove one thing.

That women could succeed through ability. Through intelligence and hard work. Without depending on powerful men.

Without dating investors or charming executives or becoming someone’s accessory.

And now?

The biggest contract of her career was connected to a marriage with the most powerful backup ever.

The thought made her stomach twist. She looked away from her friends and toward the city visible beyond the office windows. fɾeewebnoveℓ.co๓

For the first time in a very long while, Abigail felt neither victorious nor proud.

But very, very annoyed.