The Intern Punishes Her Billionaire Boss Chapter 08

The Intern Punishes Her Billionaire Boss Chapter 08 New Rules for a New Start

Watching Wendy’s hurried retreating figure, a twinge of melancholy settled in my chest. These past three years, I’d been negligent-foolishly so. I’d thought delegating power was an act of trust, never stopping to consider what unchecked authority could do to a young man who’d once been full of ideals and ambition, how it could corrode him from the inside out, turning him into someone unrecognizable. My gaze drifted back to the group, my tone hardening into something sharp and serious.

“I know some of you may have said things, done things, over these past few months. I’m sure you’re worried I’ll hold a grudge, that I’ll come after you for every little mistake.”

I caught sight of several shoulders tensing, jaws tightening, eyes darting away from mine-fear written plainly on their faces.

“I don’t have the time or energy to get caught up in such trivial nonsense.” I paused, shifting gears abruptly. my voice cutting through the silence. “But there are a few lines I won’t let anyone cross. I need to make that crystal clear.”

“First, Dreamscape Design is a design firm. Our foundation-our very reason for existing-is our work. It doesn’t matter your background, your degree, or who you know. Here, only ability speaks. Those who create value for this company will earn respect and reward. On the other hand, if anyone tries to climb the ladder by playing corporate games, by forming cliques and backstabbing colleagues-let me be clear: Dreamscape has no place for people like that.”

“Second, I respect each person’s individuality, and I encourage innovation. But I want healthy competition, not cutthroat sabotage. I want teamwork, not division. I will not tolerate bullying, exclusion, or harassment of any kind. What happened with Ivy today- I never want to see that repeated.”

“Third,” my voice dropped, sharp and unforgiving, “and most importantly-loyalty. I need partners who will stand with this company through thick and thin, not leeches who will betray us the moment it serves their own interests. Julian is a warning. Learn from his mistake.”

When I finished, the office remained dead silent. But I could feel the shift in the air-no longer the suffocating dread of before, but something else: contemplation, shock, even a flicker of hope.

“Alright,” I softened my tone, letting a hint of warmth seep through, “now, everyone, get back to your desks. The Vancove project isn’t going to finish itself. And that new client from Mr. Carter-I’m personally interested in it.”

I locked eyes with Leo, the Design Department director-a quiet, middle-aged man inhis forties, sharp as a tack when it came to design but awkward and reserved in social settings. He froze for a split second, clearly caught off guard, before jumping to his feet, his voice brimming with excitement.

“Yes, Ms. Hale!”

I nodded, saying no more, and turned toward the CEO’s Office-the space that had once belonged to Julian, and now belonged to me.

I knew the purge had only just begun. Rebuilding the company’s order, mending the rift in its culture, winning back people’s trust-these would be far harder battles. But I wasn’t afraid. Because this was my kingdom. And I was its only queen.