Joel's voice was barely above a whisper. "That's all I ask."
---
The sleek glass doors of Andersons Group slid open, and Canary stepped inside. The air was thick with whispers the moment he entered. Employees nudged each other, their voices low but sharp.
"That's him…"
"He lost the CEO seat to Joel…"
"Can you imagine? The heir, replaced?"
Canary heard every word but he kept his gaze forward, spine straight, refusing to dignify any of it with a glance.
His polished shoes clicked against the floor as he walked with quiet confidence toward the Design Department.
Inside the spacious design office, laughter and quiet chatter halted the moment he walked in.
Jenny and Richie, looked up and immediately stood from their desks.
"Mr. Anderson," Jenny greeted, her voice respectful but warm.
"Welcome back," Richie added with a smile.
Their reaction caught the attention of Simon, San, Gladys, and even Lisa, who had been reviewing sketches by the far desk. One by one, they stood in silent unity, facing Canary.
Lisa's eyes softened. She hadn't seen him since the news broke. She stepped forward beside the others, her voice quiet but full of sincerity.
" Greetings, Canary."
Canary offered them a small, genuine nod. "Good morning, everyone."
He scanned the room briefly, then took a slow breath. "I hope there's still space here for a designer willing to get his hands dirty.
Jenny blinked, clearly surprised. " Yes sir. Should we expect a new member ?" She asked.
Canary gave a small smile, calm and steady. "Yes. As of today, I'll be working from here. No titles, no offices upstairs. Just me and the work."
Richie exchanged a stunned look with Jenny.
"But… you're Canary Anderson," Jenny said, still unsure. "The company was practically built for you. You… you belong up there."
Canary's eyes held a flicker of something deeper resolve, maybe even peace.
"Titles don't build companies, Jenny. People do. I will be here for now."
Across the room, Lisa watched him, admiration quietly rising in her eyes. Simon, San, and Gladys began to smile too, a sense of pride and respect forming in the air.
Jenny slowly nodded, then smiled wide. "Well then… welcome to the team, Canary."
He chuckled softly, extending a hand toward the nearest empty desk. "Show me where I sit."
From across the room, Lisa kept her focus on her sketchpad. But she could feel the eyes on her, particularly from Jenny and Richie. The others Simon, San, Gladys glanced between them, trying to pretend they weren't aware of the underlying tension.
Jenny tilted her head. "Must be nice… knowing at least one person in this room is thrilled you're here."
A hush fell. Even Richie looked momentarily uncomfortable. No one had ever dared speak like that when Canary was present not even the boldest ones.
Canary glanced at Jenny, then Richie. His voice was low and firm.
"We're here to work. If anyone has a problem with that, they can take it up with HR."
Jenny immediately dropped her gaze. Richie shifted back toward her desk.
The room straightened.
Canary's presence though quiet was absolute.
Lisa turned a page in her sketchbook, lips pressed into the smallest smirk.
He still had the room. And he hadn't even raised his voice.
It was after a few hours when , Canary stood up from his seat and exited the room. The atmosphere shifted immediately once the door clicked shut behind him.
Everyone seemed to exhale at once, tension easing the moment he was out of earshot.
Simon leaned toward Lisa with a mischievous grin.
"So… how are you planning to get any work done with your very intense boyfriend sitting right in front of you all day?"
Gladys chuckled, nudging her elbow gently. "Yeah, Lisa. Gotta admit, it's kinda sweet. But also how are you going to concentrate?"
Lisa rolled her eyes playfully, about to respond, when the mood soured.
Jenny and Richie walked over, arms crossed, faces stiff with fake smiles.
Jenny spoke first, voice laced with disdain.
"Well, I guess now that the Prince is sitting with us peasants, his princess won't need to lift a finger anymore."
Richie added with a smirk, "Yeah. Must be nice having someone clean up your messes, Lisa."
Lisa didn't flinch. She calmly stood and faced them, her voice steady and cutting.
"Let me remind you both of something. Like it or not, I'm Andersons' lead designer right now. Every major project goes through me because I earn it."
Jenny blinked, caught off guard.
Lisa continued, unbothered. "So if you really want to talk about who contributes the least around here, Jenny… maybe look in a mirror."
The room went still.
Simon tried to stifle a laugh, while Gladys widened her eyes, clearly impressed. Richie opened her mouth, then shut it quickly.
Lisa picked up her bag and walked toward the door.
"Enjoy your break," she said without looking back.
And just like that, the room fell quiet again respect earned, and the message delivered loud and clear.
Gladys laughed hard and then walked after Lisa.
The warm afternoon breeze rustled gently through the trees as Lisa and Gladys stepped out of the Andersons Group building, chatting quietly as they made their way to lunch.
Up ahead, they spotted Joel Rivers walking toward them.
Lisa and Gladys immediately slowed their pace, instinctively showing respect.
"Mr. Rivers," Gladys greeted, giving a polite nod.
Lisa followed, slightly bowing her head. "Good afternoon, sir."
Joel stopped, taking off his sunglasses with a slow, confident smile.
"Lisa…" he said, his tone light with recognition. "I remember you."
Lisa gave a small, professional smile. "Glad I made an impression, sir."
Just then, Regina appeared around the corner, strutting confidently toward the group. She was radiant in a sleek cream outfit, hair curled perfectly, heels clicking with each step.
She walked directly up to Joel with a dazzling smile.
"Well, what a power group we have here," she said, her eyes quickly sweeping across Lisa, then resting on Joel.
"Didn't know you were making sidewalk appearances, Mr. Rivers."
"Not every day. Just happened to step out."
Regina turned her eyes to Lisa, her smile still bright but sharp.
"Lisa," she greeted smoothly, though it felt more like a challenge than a hello.
"Regina," Lisa replied coolly, her tone perfectly polite.
Gladys cleared her throat, sensing the unspoken tension. "We were just heading for lunch."
Lisa nodded. "Yes. We'll let you continue your walk. Mr. Rivers, Ma'am."
As Lisa and Gladys walked away, their laughter soft but genuine, Joel's eyes followed Lisa with a small, lingering smile tugging at the corners of his lips.
Regina, standing beside him, noticed.
Her eyes narrowed ever so slightly, the gloss on her lips catching the sun as she tilted her head to look at Joel.
"You were watching her like she's the last interesting thing left in this place," Regina said, forcing a light chuckle.
Joel chuckled too but didn't deny it. "She just makes me happy. Simple."
Regina's smile tightened.
"Happy?" she repeated, her voice still pleasant. "Interesting choice of words… especially for someone you barely know."
Joel shrugged casually, turning slightly to walk toward the elevator. Regina walked beside him, her heels tapping in steady rhythm. His man followed closely behind.
He smoothly changed the subject.
"Anyway, let's talk business. What do you have for me today?"
Regina forced the conversation shift with a well-practiced smile. "Just came to congratulate you again, officially. Mr. CEO."
Joel smirked. "Appreciate it."
But inside, Regina's thoughts burned. Lisa… again. First Canary, now Joel? She masked her rising irritation with a gentle laugh.
"You've taken over the whole empire," she added, voice soft. "Let's just say… some of us always knew you'd climb fast."
Joel smiled at the compliment, but Regina was already planning her next move.