As the day unfolded at the Novelle headquarters, Yuri's presence rippled through the company like an undercurrent, powerful and undeniable. Her speech had left a strong impression, and her decisive actions throughout the morning meetings had established her as a leader not to be underestimated. Yet, with her reputation preceding her, whispers among the employees echoed in hushed tones, amplifying the mystique surrounding her.
In the break rooms, corridors, and even the quiet corners of the office, conversations bubbled beneath the surface.
"Did you see her in the boardroom? She didn't even flinch when Volkov questioned her plans," one employee whispered to another, eyes wide with awe.
"Of course she didn't. She's Lady Novelle, The Lady of the Mafia in Korea," another chimed in, leaning closer as if sharing a dangerous secret. "I heard she took down a whole rival faction on her own. Just imagine having that kind of power."
"Yeah, but can you imagine working for her?" a younger employee whispered, glancing over their shoulder nervously. "She's our boss now. It's not like she's running a mafia operation here…right?"
The older colleague chuckled, shaking his head. "You'd be surprised. Business and the underworld aren't so different when it comes to power plays. She's not just here to run the company—she's here to dominate. And if you ask me, she'll do whatever it takes."
Down in the cafeteria, another group of employees huddled together, their voices barely above a murmur. "I heard she brought her own team from Korea. That Sebastian guy? They say he's not just a secretary. He's her personal bodyguard and enforcer."
"And what about that other one, Kai? He's pregnant, but still, he's not just some executive assistant. He's got ties to her operations, too."
"Lady Novelle's got eyes and ears everywhere. You can bet she's already got a handle on who's loyal and who's not. I wouldn't want to be on the wrong side of her."
Amidst the hushed conversations, the employees exchanged uneasy glances. The aura of Lady Novelle was not just about her business acumen; it was about the unspoken power she wielded, a power that came from a life steeped in shadows and secrets. To many, she was a figure of both fear and fascination—a leader who commanded respect, but also kept them on edge.
Upstairs, in her new office, Yuri was oblivious to the buzz her presence had stirred. She was focused on the stack of reports on her desk, each one detailing the company's current standings and areas that required her immediate attention. Despite the whispers, Yuri had one goal in mind: to elevate the company and secure its position as an industry leader.
Kai entered her office, carefully balancing a tray with two cups of tea. "Here, you should take a break. You've been going non-stop since this morning."
Yuri looked up, accepting the tea with a grateful nod. "Thanks, Kai. It's been…a lot, but we're making progress."
Kai sat down across from her, a knowing smile on his face. "You've already got them on their toes. They're all talking about you, you know. The employees—they're not used to this kind of leadership."
Yuri sipped her tea thoughtfully. "Let them talk. They'll see soon enough that I'm not just here to make an appearance. I'm here to change the game."
Sebastian entered the room just then, his expression serious as always. "The board's reactions were mostly positive, but there are a few who might need more convincing. Volkov seems supportive on the surface, but I'd keep an eye on him."
Yuri nodded, setting her cup down. "Noted. We'll deal with any dissent as it comes. For now, I need to show them results. That's the only way to get everyone on board."
She glanced out of the large office window, the city of Moscow stretching out before her. The view was a reminder of how far she had come—from the streets of Korea, where she had first earned her title as The Lady of the Mafia, to the boardrooms of a powerful conglomerate in Russia.
"Do you think they're scared of you?" Kai asked suddenly, breaking the silence.
Yuri shrugged, a faint smile playing on her lips. "Maybe. But fear can be useful, Kai. It keeps people in line, makes them think twice before crossing you. I don't need them to like me. I just need them to respect what I can do."
Sebastian smirked, folding his arms. "And you've already got that covered. Just keep being yourself, Yuri. You've got the instincts of a leader and the heart of a fighter. They'll fall in line soon enough."
Yuri returned the smirk, confidence radiating from her. "Good. Because this is just the beginning. There's a lot more to come, and I plan on showing them exactly why they call me Lady Novelle."
As she turned back to her desk, Yuri felt a surge of determination. The company was hers now, and with each move she made, she would carve out her legacy—not just as a mafia leader, but as a formidable businesswoman in her own right. The whispers behind her back were just that—whispers. In time, they would be drowned out by the undeniable reality of her success.
And as Lady Novelle, The Lady of the Mafia, she was ready to rule both the boardroom and the streets, with an iron will and a relentless drive that would see her rise to the top.