Page 11 of Beloved Beauty

I button my jacket as I walk, not for image but for control. I need to feel tight. Steady. I’m not here for a warm reunion. I’m not here to reclaim the title of CEO.

I’m here for the truth. And Courtney is clueless about what’s coming her way.

It’s almost laughable—the number of calls Magnolia made this morning asking for me.

I’m sorry, Miss Steel. Mr. Sebring doesn’t wish to speak to you ever again.

Miss Steel, you really should stop calling this office. Mr. Sebring isn’t accepting your calls.

You can forget it, Miss Steel, if you’re hoping someone else is going to answer and put you through to him.

I heard Courtney’s every response with my own ears.

I never imagined the woman I trusted to guard my privacy was the one who weaponized it. The one who sold my personal information to people who wanted to ruin me. Who conspired with Tyson McRae and Celeste to burn my life down from the inside out.

And the worst part? I’ve known her for two decades. She’s been part of this company since I was a boy. She watched me grow up. And still—she chose money over loyalty and morality.

That kind of betrayal stings. It rots.

I head upstairs, nodding at the familiar faces who give me warm smiles and respectful hellos. It’s strange how quickly people fall back into line as though I never stepped away. But I’m not here to be anyone’s boss. Never again.

My office door is open. And there she is.

Courtney rises the second she sees me, all smiles and surface shine. And she looks… upgraded. Tighter blazer. New hairstyle. Maybe even a new gym routine. There’s a glow to her now. She’s been spending—sleek blazer, designer heels, fresh haircut that probably came with a glass of champagne.

This is what she has to show for cashing in on betrayal. Enjoying the spoils of a deal made in the dark. She’s dressed herself in the fallout of my life.

“Alex!” Her voice is bright—too bright—and she’s already crossing the room, arms open. “You’re back. It’s so good to see you. We’ve all missed you so much.”

She goes in for a hug, and I allow it.

She pulls back, smiling the way old friends would, picking up where we left off. “How was the States?”

I sit, gesture for her to do the same. “Turns out distance is good for perspective. I see some things a lot more clearly now.”

She babbles on—project updates, internal memos, how the staff kept things afloat in my absence. I nod, interjecting with the occasional hum, playing the part of the returning CEO just enough to keep her comfortable.

“So tell me… did any special young lady reach out to me while I was gone?”

Her posture stiffens, and she glances down at her hands. “Well, yes. Celeste reached out. She’s worried about you.”

My jaw flexes, but I keep my smile in place. “Only Celeste?”

She nods. “Yes, she called a few times.”

“Magnolia hasn’t called?” I ask.

Courtney’s face doesn’t flinch. Doesn’t twitch.

“If Miss Steel called, she didn’t speak to me.”

Liar.

She doesn’t know how deep she’s burying herself.

Time to dig it all up.

Just when Courtney finishes her speech—full of tight smiles and crafted lies—the office door swings open behind her. She turns, and the color drains from her face. “Miss Steel?”

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