Lily O’Sullivan was the kind of woman people noticed the mont she walked into a room. She stood at about 5’6", her posture upright and graceful, radiating a quiet, self-assured confidence. Her skin was porcelain-fair, with a natural rosy flush in her cheeks and a fine dusting of freckles across the bridge of her nose. But it was her eyes... sharp, erald green and intensely observant. Frad by long, dark lashes, they seed to see through people.
Her thick, wavy chestnut hair flowed just past her shoulders, catching auburn glints in the light. She rarely bothered to tie it back, preferring to let the wild locks fra her face freely, as if embracing the chaos of her work.
Upon receiving the bank card, Lily’s first thought was not about the workload or responsibility... no, it was about how much money was on the card, and more importantly, what kind of good food she could indulge in today. A rare smile crept across her normally stoic face, softening her features.
Seeing her reaction, Eleanor leaned back in her chair and teased, "Don’t be selfish. Take your team out for dinner too."
Lily stamred, "H-How did you know I was thinking about food?"
Eleanor chuckled. "Everyone in this office knows what you do when you receive extra money. Don’t worry, I won’t be jealous if soone wins your loyalty with good food... so long as that soone is ."
She gestured to the card. "There’s 100,000 pounds on it. Use it for your team. It’s unofficial funding, so no need to report it. We’re just starting our business in the kingdom, and the next six months will be critical. Your departnt will be working overti. Make sure your people eat well."
She then turned toward the other woman in the room who had remained standing. "Please, have a seat, Juliette. Lily, call Teresa and Maya."
Before Lily could respond, Teresa’s voice rang from the doorway. "No need to call . Maya went downstairs to handle so things... she’ll be up in a minute."
Teresa walked in and sat down gracefully. "Good morning, Boss."
Lily placed a folder on the desk and took her seat beside Teresa. "This is the preliminary report we prepared. More will co in later."
Eleanor flipped through the pages. As expected, they were from Mayor Grant’s office... details on finances, internal transactions, and financial misconduct that could prove useful. Her gaze shifted toward Lily, who subtly glanced at Juliette.
Understanding the unspoken concern, Eleanor said, "Lily, Teresa... this is Juliette Blanc, my new advisor. You can trust her with everything. She knows the kingdom’s political and administrative systems like the back of her hand."
Teresa and Lily stood and greeted Juliette respectfully. Eleanor continued, "Juliette, this is Teresa, my secretary and childhood friend. She represents in most matters. Lily is my assistant and leads our finance and planning departnt. You’ll be working closely with both of them. You can address them by their first nas."
Juliette smiled warmly. "It’s a pleasure to et you both. Let guess... Teresa, you’re Chinese Arican, and Lily, you’re Irish?"
Teresa laughed. "Close. I have Arican PR, but my parents are British citizens. I was born here, just studied in the U.S. for a while, hence the accent."
Lily added, "I’m Irish, born and raised."
At that mont, Maya walked in, slightly breathless. "Boss, when did you announce a walk-in recruitnt notice? At least twenty people are waiting downstairs!"
Eleanor smiled. "Maya, co sit. I was waiting for you."
After Maya took her seat, Eleanor continued, "Juliette, this is Maya... another of my assistants. She handles PR and administration. You’ll also work with her."
Introductions complete, Eleanor turned to Teresa. "Get Juliette a room on this floor. She’ll work exclusively with you three. Provide her with a direct-lift pass, high-security equipnt, and whatever else she needs. Her work is confidential and will not be tied to company operations. All expenses will be covered separately."
"Understood," Teresa replied. "I’ll handle everything."
Eleanor turned back to Juliette. "I’m planning for a by-election in Stockport. Mayor Grant is my preferred candidate. She’s not entirely on our side yet... but after seeing the evidence we’ve collected, I suspect she will be. I’ll send all related docunts to your office."
She looked at Lily. "Forward everything to Juliette. From now on, she’ll oversee this operation. I want the final plan to co from her office."
Lily nodded. "Understood."
"Teresa," Eleanor said, "what’s the current situation with our Birmingham party?"
Teresa said, "Brian Morgan hasn’t left his hotel room. His office reported he’s working on the park developnt project. Louis Turner visited his ho last night, but no unusual activity was reported. I think Mr. Morgan warned him."
"Good," Eleanor said. "Start investigating the other politicians in that area. I want to replace the current leadership. Look for people with ties to the Langford estate... forr staff mbers, supporters, family connections... anything."
She turned to Juliette. "My mother’s na was Esralda Langford. My grandfather, Edward Langford, was once the Lord Keeper of the Privy Seal. I want to restore that family’s influence. It will help achieve my long-term goals."
Juliette nodded thoughtfully. "Do you want the current Earl to run for the House of Lords?"
"No," Eleanor replied. "I don’t want them directly involved in politics... just to regain power in Birmingham quietly."
"Got it. Anyone else you’re considering as a political asset?"
"Not at the mont. If that changes, I’ll inform you."
Juliette rose to her feet. "If you’ll excuse , I’d like to see my office and make any necessary adjustnts."
Eleanor nodded. "Teresa, take care of it. Lily, Maya... stay here."
Juliette and Teresa left the room together.
Turning to Lily, Eleanor asked, "What’s the update on Nigeria?"
Lily said, "I’ve spoken with their Minister of Industry, Trade and Investnt. They have a cabinet eting today and promised to inform us afterward."
"Good," Eleanor said. "Push them for a quick response. I want to move fast on the investnt."
She glanced at Lily. "You can go now. Maya, bring all the applicants who are waiting downstairs to the eting room. Collect their CVs and send them to . I’ll handle the interviews personally."
"Yes, Madam," Maya said and left with Lily.
Eleanor opened her laptop and began sorting through pending files, approving so and adding instructions to others. About half an hour later, Maya returned with a thick stack of docunts.
"There are thirty-seven walk-in candidates. Here are their CVs."
Eleanor pushed her laptop aside and picked up the first one.
"Cassandra Blanc, age thirty-two, LLM in International Law, University of Edinburgh." She read the summary and glanced at Maya. "Call Cassandra Blanc. She’ll be the first. Only one candidate at a ti. You’ll wait outside and ensure no interruptions."
"Yes, Madam."
A few monts later, Cassandra entered the room nervously.
"Good morning, Madam," she said with a standard werewolf bow.
"Good morning. Please, have a seat."
Cassandra sat down, clearly overwheld by the Alpha presence radiating from Eleanor.
"Why do you want to join my company?"
"I’m currently working at a law firm in Liverpool," she said quietly. "I’ve done well there, but... the owner has been pursuing for so ti. I either have to leave or give in to his advances. When I saw your job offer, I thought this might be the opportunity I need."
Eleanor probed her with a soft ntal pulse and confird the truth in her words.
"Do you have shadow powers?"
"Yes."
"You’re hired. Teresa will decide on your departnt."
She reached for the next CV.
"Rowan Blanc," she read aloud. "You may go now, and please send Rowan in."
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