The Ice Princess of Fifth Avenue
The Unknown
Scene: CEO Office – Valtieri Global Holdings, Downtown Manhattan
Internal Company Messaging System – Secure Line | 9:17 AM
Celeste Valtieri
Why is my 9:00 AM appointment still not in my office?
Audrey Chase
Mr. Lambert is stuck in traffic. His driver said another ten minutes.
Celeste Valtieri
He was warned about punctuality. This is his last delay. Confirm his arrival or cancel the meeting. I don’t wait for men.
Audrey Chase
Understood, ma’am. I’ll notify him.
Celeste Valtieri
Also, cancel my lunch with those clowns from Zenith Financial. Send them a gift basket.
Celeste Valtieri
Something pathetic.
Celeste Valtieri
Nothing expensive. They’re not worth it.
Audrey Chase
Of course. Low-tier fruit basket. No nuts. No wine. Confirmed.
Celeste Valtieri
Efficient as always. Thank you, Audrey.
Audrey Chase
It’s why you pay me well, ma’am.
Celeste Valtieri
And why I tolerate small talk before coffee.
Celeste Valtieri
Bring my Americano.
Celeste Valtieri
No sugar.
Celeste Valtieri
No lecture about my caffeine consumption.
Audrey Chase
Already brewing. And your blood pressure is your problem, not mine.
Celeste Valtieri
Smart girl. You’ll live long in this company. Unlike Lambert.
Incoming Message – Private Line: UNKNOWN CONTACT
Unknown contact
Heard you’re cleaning house again, Principessa.
You missed a spot.
Celeste Valtieri
Who is this?
Unknown contact
Someone who knows the Valtieri crown is slipping.
We should talk.
Celeste Valtieri
If you want to talk, come to my tower. If you’re too much of a coward, don’t waste my time.
Unknown contact
Cowards hide behind walls of glass, little queen.
I’ll be in touch.
Celeste Valtieri
Make sure it’s worth the risk. I don’t leave bodies out of sentiment.
Audrey Chase
Your Americano is here. Should I prepare security?
Audrey Chase
You’re glaring at your screen like you’re about to declare war again.
Celeste Valtieri
Not war, Audrey.
Celeste Valtieri
Business.
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