# Chapter 23: Call Me Vice President Nicole
The dim light of her office flickered across Nicole's phone screen as she scrolled through the trending topics. A cold, knowing smile curled her lips before she tossed the device aside without a second thought. She understood the Ludwig family's inner workings all too well—Keith's parents must have twisted his arm until he buckled. No one knew better than her that the man would never willingly grovel. Keith was probably seething with hatred for her at this very moment, and the thought brought her a quiet, bitter satisfaction.
A soft knock interrupted her reverie. Samantha Lindt didn't wait for permission before stepping inside, her smile polished and predatory. "Ms. Nicole, is this a convenient time for a chat?"
Nicole nodded gracefully. "Please, come in."
Samantha's eyes flickered toward Yvette, who remained stubbornly planted in her seat, oblivious to the silent request for privacy. When the assistant didn't move, Samantha pressed on, her tone dripping with false generosity.
"I noticed Mr. Logan is preparing materials for J&L's project. You might not know this, but we have almost no relationship with J&L Corporation—our chances for cooperation are slim. If you want to establish yourself in the company, why not partner with FH Corporation instead? I happen to know they have a project perfectly suited for us."
She slid a document across Nicole's desk, eyebrows raised in a triumphant arch, as if bestowing a priceless favor.
Nicole paused, her fingers hovering over the file. "I'll consider it."
"Ms. Nicole, you really should seize this opportunity. FH is an old partner—securing this deal will be enough to cement your position in the company." Samantha's voice carried the weight of someone who believed she was pulling strings.
Nicole's eyes narrowed. This was the same woman who had targeted her during the meeting, and now she was offering gifts? Something was rotten beneath the surface. Her lips curved into a meaningful smile. "Please, call me Vice President Nicole."
Samantha's face stiffened, her voice rising to a shrill edge. "Don't think you're all that just because the President favors you. Whether you stay or go depends entirely on luck! I've handed you this opportunity—it's up to you to grab it."
With that, she spun on her heel and slammed the door behind her hard enough to rattle the frames on the walls.
Yvette stared at the trembling door in disbelief. "Are you her boss, or is she your boss?"
Nicole flipped through the document casually, her expression unreadable. "She assumed this position would be hers if I hadn't shown up."
"That's just wishful thinking, isn't it?"
Raising an eyebrow, Nicole let out a soft snort before passing the file to Yvette. "I recall the Vice President of FH Corporation is one of your admirers?"
Yvette froze, then burst into laughter. "Don't worry—I'll uncover whatever she's trying to hide."
*If my best friend is serious about her career, I'll support her with everything I've got,* Yvette thought, determination hardening in her chest.
Nicole's phone buzzed. The caller ID showed a name she hadn't seen in far too long: Julie Nixon. Julie had built the internationally renowned fashion brand, Share, from the ground up, and her exclusive private shows were the hardest invitations to come by in the industry.
The moment Nicole answered, Julie's voice exploded through the speaker, impatient and warm. "You have to come out tonight! We're throwing a little gathering at Tattle Bar to celebrate your return—don't you dare say no!"
Laughter bubbled up in Nicole's chest. She had missed her friends more than she realized. "Alright, I'll be there."
After hanging up, Yvette added Nicole to a small group chat of five people—the three girls and the Carter brothers.
**Julie Nixon:** Nicole is finally back in the group! Welcome home, baby!
**Ian Carter:** I already drank an entire night to celebrate Nicole's divorce—finally, it's about time!
**Hugh Carter:** Congrats on your freedom, Nikki!
Nicole laughed in exasperation. "Are they all gloating over my failed marriage?"
Yvette shook her head helplessly. "No, you don't understand how happy we are for you! When we heard you were suffering, everyone in this group cursed Eric Ferguson every single day. But we were afraid it would only make you sad, so we waited until now to add you. You're finally over him!"
Nicole sighed, a wave of gratitude washing over her. *It was my fault all along. I have to thank them for never abandoning me through all of that.*
Across the city, Keith Ludwig was drowning his sorrows, dragging Eric Ferguson along for the night. When they pulled up to Tattle Bar and stepped out of the car, Keith rubbed his eyes in disbelief.
"Holy sh*t! Why do I run into this woman everywhere I go?"
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## Reader's Impressions & Star Rating
This chapter delivered exactly what fans of "The Divorced Billionaire Heiress" crave—sharp dialogue, delicious tension, and Nicole's unshakeable confidence in the face of backstabbing coworkers. The showdown with Samantha was perfectly pitched; I loved seeing Nicole establish her authority with that icy "Call me Vice President Nicole" line. The subplot with FH Corporation is clearly setting up a trap, and the introduction of Nicole's old friends (especially Julie Nixon and the fashion world connection) promises exciting developments. The ending cliffhanger with Keith and Eric arriving at the same bar is brilliantly timed—you can practically feel the collision course approaching.
**Star Rating:** ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ **4.7 / 5 Stars**
## Next Chapter Prediction
Nicole's reunion with her friends at Tattle Bar is bound to be explosive—especially with Keith Ludwig lurking in the shadows, ready to cause trouble. Julie Nixon's fashion empire connection will likely play a major role in Nicole's future power plays. But the real question is: will Eric Ferguson finally come face-to-face with his ex-wife in this high-stakes social setting? Given Keith's fury and Eric's complicated feelings, the next chapter is poised for a dramatic confrontation that could send shockwaves through both the business and personal worlds Nicole is navigating.