Whisper Destiny

Chapter 77

~ Catherine ~

Thank you so much, Anne, for your time. And again, I'm truly sorry for canceling our meeting two weeks ago," I said, my tone sincere as I leaned toward the screen.

Anne-Marie, the CFO of Valifax, offered a warm, measured smile that seemed to ease the lingering guilt clinging to my words. "It's all right, Cate. Family should always come first. I hope your wife is feeling better now."

I nodded, the faintest hitch in my breath betraying me before I managed, "She is, thank you."

Before I could elaborate, the faint hum of distant chatter outside my office door grew into a commotion. A moment later, Natalie stormed in, with a flustered Astrid following closely on her heels.

"Sorry, Cate," Astrid began, her tone frazzled. "I told her you were in a meeting, but—"

I raised a hand, a silent signal to stand down. "It's all right."

Pivoting back to Anne-Marie, I offered Anne-Marie an apologetic smile. "It was lovely speaking with you. Let's catch up soon on the details proposal. I'll have my team reach out to coordinate. Take care." With that, I ended the call with Anne-Marie to address the commotion in front of me.

"Come in, Natalie," I said, turning my attention to her. "It's fine, Astrid," I added gently, watching as she gave a quick nod and retreated.

Natalie wasted no time. Without waiting for permission, she dropped into the chair opposite my desk, her eyes blazing with frustration. It was the third time this week she had burst into my office unannounced, her dissatisfaction with her team dynamics evident. Ever since I swapped her and Chase to a new team last week, she'd been at odds with Tommy—over every detail, from designs and colors to materials.

"What is it this time?" I asked, keeping my tone light. "Go ahead, spill."

I leaned back slightly, observing her as she spoke, marveling at her fiery nature. Natalie's bluntness was a rare quality I admired. She spoke her mind without hesitation, regardless of consequences or whom she was addressing. In that way, she reminded me so much of Natasha.

Natasha.

The thought of her made my chest tighten. It had been a packed day. We only managed to exchange a few brief texts this morning, but I miss to hear her voice. I made a mental note to call her this afternoon.

"Are you even listen to what I said?" Natalie's impatient clearing of her throat snapped me back to the present.

"I am," I replied evenly, bringing my attention back to her.

Natalie crossed her arms, her expression set. "Tommy really test my limit to the maximum this time. I can't work with him anymore. He's arrogant, dismissive, and refuses to listen to anything I say. Swap me back to Isa's team, or—" her voice wavered slightly, but she powered through—"I'll have to tender my resignation."

I stayed silent, letting her ultimatum hang in the air. My gaze held hers, calm yet piercing, as the seconds stretched between us.

I'd known Tommy for years. His feedback could come off as sharp, even abrasive, to those who weren't used to him. But beneath that was a precise, methodical professional. Natalie's frustration wasn't unexpected—Tommy's delivery often ruffled feathers. Still, I saw immense potential in her. Ortiz & Co. needed someone like Natalie, with her raw talent and unfiltered passion. She just needed refinement—a lesson in patience and composure that time would teach.

I knew Isadora and Chase had their disagreements too. Once, I overheard them arguing about something—a creative clash, no doubt—but it never escalated to the extremes of Tommy and Natalie. Strangely, instead of feeling worried or frustrated, I found their tension fascinating. In the middle of their discord, I could see glimpses of brilliance taking shape—like the beginnings of a masterpiece forged in fire.