Chapter 117: Trouble at work

Selen sat in complete silence for a long moment, staring at the executive as the sheer weight of his promises settled over her.

She had walked into this building expecting a strange administrative error or a corporate trap, but Mr. Vance’s words were transforming the discussion entirely.

A guaranteed path to owning the estate meant a literal, unshakeable sanctuary for her babies like her home in Spain, but larger and healthier.

A global educational trust meant David, Daniel, and Diana would have their futures secured without ever being in a position where she had to compromise her principles.

And the promise of direct, private medical access took an immense emotional weight off her shoulders. It felt incredibly surreal.

She looked at the Vanguard letterhead at the top of the page, her mind swirling with questions about who had really pulled the strings to put her file on this desk.

But she knew she could not let her confusion blind her to how perfectly this corporate framework could protect her children if a formal contract actually materialized.

"I appreciate your willingness to be so accommodating, and these promises are quite profound", Selen said softly, maintaining a professional tone.

"I will need some time to look through these initial parameters. I cannot make any quick decisions, and I would need to see a full, formal proposal before I can truly consider anything.

And I have a project that I came here for as you already know, and I can not even think of living it unfinished. That does not set a good record for me" she said.

Mr. Vance stood up and nodded with a respectful, warm smile. "Take all the time you need, Ambassador. We will wait for your availability" he said.

Selen stood up and offered a polite farewell before walking out of the boardroom, her mind completely racing as she headed back home.

She had a free day and wanted to spend it with the kids before her meeting with Calus Sterling and his people the following day.

***The following day***

The following morning, Selen walked into the boardroom for her second meeting with the National Gallery’s core committee, her expression was calm and completely focused.

After her sharp confrontation with Mr Mas during her first day, she expected the misogynistic fellow and his cohorts to be on their guard, but she did not expect the atmosphere in the room to shift so drastically.

The low murmurs instantly died down the moment she took her seat at the table, the committee members watching her with a newfound level of professional wariness.

Before Mr Mas could even open his briefing file, the heavy double doors at the back of the room swung open.

Calus Sterling walked in, he did not look like his representatives, his posture was entirely strict as he walked straight toward the head of the table.

He had explicitly avoided the first session, but he had arrived today precisely because he had heard that the new Spanish art world ambassador was a woman of strong footing who could not be intimidated by corporate pressure or condescending commentary.

"Good morning, committee", Calus said, his deep voice cutting through the now silent room as he sat down. He did not look at Mr Mas or the legal team, instead, he locked his gaze directly onto Selen with a smile.

"And good morning to you, Ambassador Williams. I must apologize for my absence during our initial session, but it appears my representatives handled the introductory parameters poorly. Word reached my office that you completely dismantled our transport defense within fifteen minutes" he said.

Selen kept her arms crossed, her posture perfectly rigid as she met his gaze without a single trace of hesitation. "Your representatives tried to reduce my dual doctorate and my ministry appointment to my appearance, Mr. Sterling", Selen stated evenly.

"I am here strictly to manage the logistical pipeline for the Prado collection and ensure total compliance with international cultural law. If you are here today to actually discuss the multi-million pound indemnity contracts, then we can begin" she said and opened her file.

A soft chuckle escaped Calus’s lips, his eyes brightening with genuine amusement as Mr Mas shifted uncomfortably in his seat.

Calus leaned forward, resting his forearms on the table. "That is exactly why I came today, Ambassador. I prefer dealing with professionals who stand their ground, and it is clear to me that the ministry sent the exact right person to handle this logistical crisis." he said.

The next four hours moved with an intense pace, but unlike the first meeting, the discussion was entirely productive.

Calus Sterling was exceptionally sharp, matching her legal knowledge line by line, but he treated her arguments with total professionalism, acknowledging the validity of her compliance requirements.

He did not try to undermine her authority, instead, he ensured that the gallery’s legal department adjusted to match her specific requirements.

By the time the meeting had concluded for the day, Selen packed her laptop and her files in silence.

Calus stood up as she gathered her things, offering a formal handshake. "Thank you for your clarity today, Ms. Selen. I believe this exhibition is going to be a massive international success under your direction.

I will see to it that the revised compliance reports are on your desk by tomorrow morning" he said.

"Thank you, Mr. Sterling", Selen replied politely, offering a brief, professional smile before walking out of the boardroom.

****

When she finally got back home later that evening, the triplets who had just finished their very first full week of classes at the new academy, and their laughter was echoing softly from the upstairs playroom where Sarah was helping them settle down before dinner.

She walked into her study, gently setting her files and bags down on the desk, but her mind could not stay focused on the gallery documents or the successful negotiation she had begun in London.

Instead, her thoughts drifted entirely to the emotional discussion she had shared with JK over the phone, and the memory of Rose and Jimmy Avelino completely broken and pleading on their knees in the mansion foyer flashed clearly through her mind.