However Maria barely had ti to nod before he launched into a full-blown rant, pacing the room like a madman.
"Sobody tell what’s going on! Tell , because I— I must be losing my mind!" He waved his arms wildly.
"Is this not the sa Raymond that looked like he belonged in a drainage pipe just the other day? The sa man who was scraping for crumbs like a starving rat? And now— NOW—he’s out there buying cars worth three million dollars?!"
He stopped abruptly, grabbing Maria’s shoulders, shaking her slightly.
"Maria! MARIA! Did you drink sothing strange today? Did you hit your head? Are you sure you’re not having a fever dream? Because what you’re saying doesn’t make sense!"
At that mont Maria swatted his hands away, rolling her eyes.
"I SAW IT WITH MY OWN EYES! Are you deaf?! did Chloe not inform you."
Imdiately he released her, stumbling back like the wind had been knocked out of him.
"Three million..." he muttered under his breath again, his eyes darting around the room like he was trying to find so secret answer written on the walls.
"And nobody stopped him? Nobody asked him what in the hell he was doing?!"
Maria scoffed.
"Oh, they tried! But do you know what the biggest humiliation was? Everyone at that dealership treated him like so VIP. Even the manager was practically bowing. And to top it all off, he made Liam look like a fool!"
Then the color drained from Valentina’s father’s face.
"Liam?" His voice cracked.
"Yes, Liam!" Maria threw up her hands. "And do you know what Liam did? NOTHING! He just stood there, watching, while Raymond paraded Valentina around like she was so kind of damn queen!"
Then Silence followed.
For a few seconds, the only thing in the room was the sound of Valentina’s father’s heavy breathing.
Then, suddenly, he let out a sharp, bitter laugh. It started slow, but then it grew—louder, wilder, unhinged.
"Ahahaha... HAHAHAHA!" He clutched his stomach, his body shaking with laughter. But there was no humor in it—only frustration and disbelief.
"This—THIS is a JOKE! Life is playing a joke on ! That useless bastard has turned into so kind of... of... money god overnight, and I— I don’t even KNOW HOW?!"
He spun around, pointing at Maria. "You! Find out what’s going on! Find out where the hell he got that kind of money! Because I SWEAR, if this is so trick, if he’s scamming people, if— if this is so joke, I will personally drag him through the gutters myself!"
Maria smirked, folding her arms. "Oh, don’t worry. I plan to. This ga he’s playing? It won’t last."
Then Valentina’s father huffed, collapsing back into his chair, running a hand over his face. "Three million... for a damn car... I need a drink."
**
It was the next day Valentina stood in front of the full-length mirror, adjusting the cuffs of her tailored blazer. The soft cream-colored fabric hugged her fra perfectly, the fitted cut emphasizing her slender waist. She smoothed a hand over the material, admiring how professional yet elegant she looked. Today was her first day as the director of Sterling Designs, and she needed to look the part.
Then she tilted her head, studying herself, but despite the polished image staring back, she felt a slight unease creeping in.
It wasn’t nervousness about the job—no, she knew her skills. She had worked tirelessly for this opportunity. But sohow, today felt... different. As if she was stepping into a world where all eyes would be on her, judging her, waiting for her to fail.
With a soft sigh, she reached for her earrings, fastening them carefully. Just as she was about to turn away, the door behind her creaked open.
"Raymond."
She saw him through the mirror before she even turned. He leaned against the doorway, his arms crossed, watching her with an unreadable expression. But then, slowly, a small, amused smile tugged at the corner of his lips.
"You’re staring at yourself like you’re waiting for a flaw to appear," he said, pushing off the door and stepping into the room.
Then Valentina rolled her eyes but couldn’t help the slight smile playing on her lips.
"I was just checking if I look professional enough," she replied.
Raymond stopped behind her, his hands slipping into his pockets as he tilted his head, studying her reflection.
"You look more than professional," he murmured, his voice smooth and certain.
"You look powerful."
Valentina scoffed lightly.
"That’s a strong word."
"It’s the right word." Raymond’s eyes t hers in the mirror, his gaze steady. "You’re about to walk into that company, not as soone seeking approval, but as the woman who belongs there. You don’t need to second-guess that."
Raymond wrapped his arms around Valentina’s waist from behind, resting his chin lightly on her shoulder. His warmth seeped through her blazer, a silent reassurance she didn’t realize she needed.
"You’re not nervous, right?" he murmured close to her ear, his voice smooth yet teasing.
Valentina let out a soft huff, shaking her head imdiately. "Of course not," she replied, but the way her fingers fidgeted against the fabric of her blazer betrayed her words.
At that mont Raymond smirked, catching her lie instantly. "Liar," he whispered, pressing a light kiss against the side of her head.
Then Valentina sighed, finally dropping the act.
"Fine. Maybe just a little..." she admitted, her voice barely above a mumble.
Raymond loosened his hold just enough to turn her around, making her face him.
"A little?" He raised a brow, his knowing gaze locking onto hers.
Then She let out a small groan, dropping her head against his chest.
"Okay, a lot," she confessed.
"I’ve never worked with these people before, and now I’m supposed to lead them? What if they don’t take seriously? What if they see as so outsider waltzing in, taking over? What if—"
At that mont Raymond placed a finger under her chin, tilting her face up to et his gaze.
"What if they respect you the mont you walk in? What if they see how brilliant you are? What if they realize they’re lucky to have you?"
Valentina stared at him, her lips slightly parted, searching his eyes for any sign of doubt. She found none.
"I need everyone’s hands on deck," she admitted.
"I have big plans for Sterling Designs, and I can’t do this alone."
"You won’t have to," Raymond assured her.
"Because you’re Valentina. And you make things happen."
A small smile broke through her worried expression.
"Valentina Raymond," she corrected softly.
Hearing what Valentina just said.
Raymond’s grin widened.
"Even better."
She exhaled, nodding.
"Okay. I can do this."
"Of course you can." He kissed her forehead.
"Now, go show them why you’re the boss."
At that mont, the nervousness in Valentina’s chest lessened, replaced by sothing steadier. Confidence.
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