17

**Chapter 17**

The office buzzed with the hum of activity as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the high-rise windows. Matthew Donovan strode into the building with purpose, his demeanor exuding an air of unshakeable confidence. Despite the underlying chaos that had marked the past weeks, he was determined to reclaim control of his narrative.

Rachel and her brother, Derek, had been basking in their perceived victory, convinced that Matthew's reappearance was merely a blip in their well-ordered world. Their arrogance was about to face a harsh reality.

Matthew’s first stop was the executive floor. His arrival was met with a flurry of surprised looks. The employees had heard the rumors but had yet to see their new boss in action. The tension in the room was palpable as he made his way to the conference room, where Rachel and Derek had called a meeting with the senior staff.

Rachel was seated at the head of the table, her posture relaxed and self-assured. Derek