# Chapter 49 Throw It Away: Cutting Off Hope
The morning sun streamed through the curtains as Nicole's alarm clock pulled her from a deep, restful sleep. She had made the decision to return to her own apartment the night before, craving the comfort of solitude without the watchful eyes of dozens of servants hovering around her every move. There was something liberating about waking up in her own space, in her own bed, with no one to answer to.
As she reached for her phone, her fingers froze mid-air. The screen was alive with notifications, and she knew before even opening it what had caused the commotion. The photos from last night's party had already spread like wildfire across social media platforms, thrusting her and Eric back into the spotlight of public speculation.
*"Rich ex-couple suspected to be back together?"*
The headline was accompanied by a photograph that captured the exact moment of their kiss at the end of the dance. Nicole had to admit, whoever took the shot had an artist's eye—the lighting was soft, the background blurred perfectly, and the composition was nothing short of cinematic. It could have been a still from a romance film.
But Nicole only sneered, tossing her phone aside. She refused to let Eric Ferguson dictate her emotions ever again. Last night's troubles had been washed away with a good night's sleep, and she was determined to move forward without looking back.
After freshening up, she tuned into some financial news, grounding herself in the world of business and strategy—a world she understood and controlled. But then her phone started vibrating incessantly. Yvette. Of course.
Yvette had seen the photos online and was practically bursting with curiosity. She needed to know if there was any truth to the rumors, because even she had to admit the picture didn't look Photoshopped.
Nicole picked up the call and explained what had happened with a weary sigh. She could practically hear Yvette's relief through the phone as she launched into a passionate tirade against the Ferguson family. Then, mid-rant, Yvette suddenly burst into laughter.
"Hey, look at the group chat!" she exclaimed.
Nicole opened her phone to see Ian Carter posting a series of crying emojis and exaggerated declarations of heartbreak, while Yvette flooded the chat with triumphant laughter. Nicole couldn't help but smile.
**[Nicole Stanton: Next time, please transfer the money to me directly, then I'll come out to make a statement.]**
**[Ian Carter: *cries in despair* *vomits blood*]**
She put away her phone feeling considerably lighter, the weight of the morning's gossip temporarily lifted by the playful banter.
At precisely seven o'clock, Logan arrived to pick her up, carrying a bag of breakfast he had grabbed on the way. "I bought this on the way. I don't know if it's to your liking..."
Nicole was never one to be fussy about food. She accepted the offering with a genuine smile. "Thanks. Let's go."
As they drove, Logan updated her on the progress. "I discussed J&L's matters with Mr. Stanton. He authorized you to make all decisions regarding this project and said he won't ask questions."
Nicole nodded, understanding that Grant was using this as part of her training. She had to prove herself worthy of the responsibility. "Have you contacted J&L? We need to do our inspection in advance."
"I heard that Ferguson Corporation is doing their inspection next week, so I made an appointment for tomorrow morning."
"Good job." Nicole glanced down at the documents in her lap, her expression hardening. She had no desire to cross paths with anyone from Ferguson Corporation. Though Eric might not personally be involved in this particular project, she wasn't willing to take any chances.
They continued discussing work matters throughout the drive, and Nicole felt a deep sense of gratitude that Grant had entrusted her with someone as capable and reliable as Logan.
But the moment she stepped through the office doors, her peace was shattered.
The receptionist approached her with a beaming smile, holding a massive bouquet of flowers that could have rivaled a funeral arrangement in size. "Vice President Nicole, someone sent you flowers."
Nicole's brow furrowed as she plucked the card from among the blossoms.
*[Dearest Nicole,*
*I'll love you for ten thousand years <3*
*Yours truly,*
*Ian Carter]*
She rolled her eyes so hard she nearly saw her own brain. Without a second thought, she handed the bouquet back to the receptionist. "Throw it away for me, thanks."
She took two steps before stopping, turning back to deliver the final blow. "If there are any more flower deliveries in the future, just reject them outright."
Nicole wasn't going to give Ian Carter even the slightest glimmer of hope. She would crush that tiny spark before it had a chance to ignite into something more troublesome.
The receptionist looked almost mournful as she stared at the beautiful arrangement. "These flowers are so pretty... but they're about to be thrown into the trash can..."
The meeting began promptly at eight o'clock. When Nicole entered the conference room, every seat was filled. She took her place at the head of the table, surveying the eager faces before her.
"Our cooperation with J&L Corporation has already begun. We'll need to form a project team to follow up with the tasks. Logan will send you all a list later."
Everyone in the room knew that this partnership with J&L Corporation represented a venture into uncharted territory. Being part of this project could be the career-defining opportunity they had been waiting for, and the air was thick with anticipation.
After the meeting, Samantha Lindt cornered Nicole in her office.
"Vice President Nicole, why am I not on the list?"
Samantha's voice dripped with indignation. How could she possibly miss out on such a golden opportunity to reap the benefits of this core project?
Nicole looked up from her desk, one eyebrow raised. "If every employee who wasn't on the list came to ask me this question, thousands of people would be knocking on my door. How would you suggest I handle that?"
Samantha hated Nicole with every fiber of her being, but she knew better than to start an all-out war—not when Nicole had something over her head.
"My experience in leading teams is no less than those on the list, and my performance is among the best of the senior managers. Vice President Nicole, are you still holding a grudge against me because of what happened last time?"
There was a clear edge of bitterness in Samantha's voice.
Nicole lowered her eyes and laughed softly. "No, I don't hold a grudge against you. But I do remember that you were against a certain decision. However, if you're willing to comply with the company's decisions now, that's fine."
"Rest assured, Vice President Nicole, I will comply with the company's decision," Samantha said eagerly, trying to demonstrate her newfound loyalty.
Nicole gave her a dismissive smile. "This list has already been announced at the board meeting, so I'm afraid there's no way to change it now. Let's talk about it next time we have the opportunity..."
She began packing up the items on her desk, a clear signal that the conversation was over.
Samantha gritted her teeth, her face contorting with barely suppressed rage. "I'm sure it can still be changed. Vice President Nicole, just wait and see."
She spun on her heel and marched out of the office with an air of confidence that made Nicole's eyes narrow thoughtfully.
*Perfect. She took the bait.*
In the afternoon, Logan called Nicole's office phone. "Director Zielinski wants you to meet him at his office."
An old man about to retire? Nicole raised an eyebrow. "Sure."
Aside from Grant and Logan, no one in the company knew Nicole's true identity. As the newly appointed Vice President, she was curious to see what Micah Zielinski wanted to discuss with her.
Micah was known for his speculative trading habits. He had only secured a seat on Stanton Corporation's board through questionable means and had clung to it stubbornly ever since. However, his shareholding was minimal, and he wasn't considered a threat, so they had let him be.
Nicole knocked on his office door.
"Come in."
She entered with a polite smile. "Mr. Zielinski, you were looking for me?"
Micah's eyes lit up when he saw her, but then something flickered across his face—a momentary flash of regret.
"Sit down." He gestured to the chair in front of his desk.
Nicole took a seat, her posture composed and watchful.
Micah cleared his throat with a slight cough. "Ms. Nicole, you're very pretty. No wonder Grant was willing to disregard so many objections and forcefully push you into this position."
"Thank you," Nicole replied simply, refusing to engage further.
Micah scoffed at her lack of reaction. "Do you know that your position was originally reserved for Samantha Lindt?"
*Is he trying to intimidate me?*
Nicole paused for a moment before responding carefully. "Ms. Lindt is certainly capable, but I'm more suitable for this position."
Micah's face darkened instantly. "Young people who are arrogant in the workplace and have no respect for their elders will suffer."
Nicole smiled and stood up. "Then I can only prove myself with my capabilities. Mr. Zielinski, if there's nothing else—"
"Sit down." His voice was cold and commanding. "I want to see Samantha Lindt added to J&L Corporation's project team."
Nicole's smile widened. *So it really is him... Samantha Lindt's backer is this miserable old man? Did she think I'd be intimidated by this old geezer? How laughable.*
Micah saw that Nicole was only smiling without responding, and his face grew even darker. "Did you hear what I just said?"
"Yes..."
Micah's expression eased slightly, but Nicole continued, "But I can't do it."
"What do you mean?"
"It wouldn't be fair to the others."
"Nicole, do you think that you're safe just because your uncle is Grant Stanton?" Micah's voice rose with barely contained fury. "If you don't listen, I can get you fired."
Nicole met his gaze without flinching, her eyes cold and clear. "Fire me? I don't believe the board will fire me because of Samantha Lindt. I suppose Ms. Lindt didn't tell you what I have on her when she came crying to you. Please tell her not to mess with me."
With that, Nicole swept out of Micah's office, leaving the old man shocked and speechless.
As soon as she was in the hallway, she dialed Grant's private number.
"What's wrong, N?"
"There's something fishy with Micah Zielinski. Samantha Lindt is one of his people. He must be the one who wanted to prevent our cooperation with J&L Corporation in the first place."
Grant chuckled on the other end of the line. "You caught on quick."
"You already knew about it?"
"How could I not know of the dissent among my company's board of directors?"
Nicole breathed a sigh of relief. "Then I'm relieved."
"That old fox is not easy to deal with, so I'll handle him. You should just focus on following up on J&L's cooperation. By the way, I heard that Eric Ferguson plans to personally take charge of this project."
Grant's warning landed like a stone in the pit of Nicole's stomach. Eric would be directly involved. The one person she had hoped to avoid.
But Nicole straightened her shoulders, a determined fire igniting in her chest. Let him come. She would not be shaken.
---
## Reader's Impressions & Star Rating
This chapter was a masterclass in Nicole's character development. Watching her handle Ian Carter's romantic advances with such ruthless finality was deeply satisfying—she's not playing games, and she's not interested in stringing anyone along. The confrontation with Micah Zielinski was electric; Nicole stood her ground against a board member without flinching, and her cold warning about having something on Samantha was absolutely chilling.
The undercurrent of tension with Eric's impending involvement in the J&L project adds a delicious layer of dramatic irony. Nicole thinks she's prepared, but we all know the chemistry between these two is far from dead. The way she's been systematically dismantling obstacles in her path—from unwanted suitors to corporate rivals—shows a woman who is fully in control of her destiny.
The subtle chess game between Grant and the board members, and Nicole's rapid rise through the ranks, keeps the business plotline compelling alongside the romantic tension. This chapter perfectly balances personal growth, corporate warfare, and the lingering threads of a complicated past.
**⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Rating: 4.7 / 5 Stars**
## Next Chapter Prediction
The J&L inspection tomorrow morning is going to be explosive. With Eric personally taking charge of Ferguson Corporation's involvement, it's only a matter of time before he and Nicole come face to face. The question is: will this be a cold, professional encounter, or will the unresolved tension between them finally boil over? Meanwhile, Micah and Samantha are clearly plotting their revenge—Nicole may have won this round, but the war is far from over. Expect sabotage, power plays, and a confrontation that could change everything between the two ex-lovers.