45
The morning sun spilled through the sheer curtains of the penthouse, casting golden streaks across the marble floor, I stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the cuff of my blazer. Today wasn’t just another day–it was the day we turned the tables on the Reeds.
I had barely finished fixing my hair when I felt a familiar presence behind me.
“You look dangerous,” Zaverio’s voice was smooth as silk, his reflection appearing behind mine.
I smirked, turning to face him. “Is that a compliment?”
“Always.” He adjusted the cuff of his own tailored suit and leaned against the vanity. “Are you ready to watch them choke on their own arrogance?”
I let out a small laugh. “I’ve been waiting for this moment for
years,
We left the penthouse in a sleek black Rolls Royce, escorted by a convoy of Zaverio’s men. Everything was calculated, every detail meticulously planned. I could already imagine the look on Tony’s face when he realized who he was about to bow to.
When we arrived at the towering glass building where the meeting was to take place, the receptionist immediately led us to a private conference room. The air was thick with tension, but I thrived on it.
Stefano Reeds was seated at the head of the table, his expression serious. Tony sat beside him, wearing his usual smug look. Hailey, ever the parasite, was perched next to Tony, her fake smile plastered on.
“Ah, Ciara.” Stefano’s voice was smooth but laced with condescension. “I assume you’re only here to watch?” I smiled, taking my seat beside Zaverio “Something like that ”
Stefano turned his attention to Zaverio. “You must be the representative of the new owners.”
Zaverio leaned back, looking completely at ease. “Something like that ”
Tony frowned. “We’ve been waiting. Where is this mysterious new owner?”
A smirk played on my lips as I turned to Zaverio. The room fell silent as he finally spoke.
“Sitting right in front of you.”
For a moment, no one reacted. Then Stefano blinked, his brows furrowed in confusion.
“What?”
Zaverio clasped his hands together. “I bought the company. It belongs to me now
The shift in the room was immediate. Tony’s face darkened, his jaw clenching. Stefano, ever the composed businessman, sat up straighter, trying to mask his surprise. Even Hailey, who had been feigning disinterest, visibly tensed.
“You?” Stefano scoffed, disbelief flickering in his eyes. “That’s impossible.”
Zaverio’s smirk widened. “Oh, it’s very possible. And it’s already done.”
Tony slammed a hand on the table. “You expect us to believe that some ghost of a man no one has ever seen suddenly owns this company?”
I laughed, crossing my legs. “Believe it or not, Tony, Zaverio is now your boss.”
Tony’s glare shot toward me, his fists tightening. “This is a joke.”
Zaverio tilted his head. “The joke is thinking you still have control.”
Stefano, regaining his composure, cleared his throat “This changes nothing. We came here to discuss a partnership. I don’t care who owns the company, as long as our deal remains intact”
Larched a brow. “Is that right?”
Stefano nodded. “Business is business. I don’t let personal matters interfere.”
I glanced at Zaverio, waiting for his response. He leaned forward slightly, amusement dancing in his dark eyes.
“Oh, but this is personal.”
The weight of his words hung in the air. I could see the slight flicker of uncertainty in Stefano’s gaze. He didn’t like being out of the loop, and he especially didn’t like not knowing who he was dealing with.
Tony scoffed. “You’re nothing but a nobody trying to play in a league too big for you.”
Zaverio let out a slow chuckle. “Oh, Tony… you should choose your words carefully.”
Tony’s eyes narrowed. “And why is that?”
Zaverio stood up, adjusting his cufflinks as he turned toward Stefano. “Because I’m not just some businessman. I’m someone you should have never underestimated.”
Stefano frowned. “What are you getting at?*
Zaverio met his gaze head–on, his smirk never faltering. “You should know, father.”
A heavy silence settled over the room.
Stefano’s face paled, his usual air of authority slipping for the first time. “What did you just say?”
Zaverio’s smirk widened, “You heard me.
Stefano’s hands tightened into fists on the table. “That’s impossible.”
@
Zaverio chuckled darkly. “Is it? Do you remember the maid you discarded like trash years ago? The one who had
your child?” He leaned closer, his voice dropping to a lethal whisper. “That child was me.”
Tony stiffened beside his father, realization dawning on him like a slow–moving nightmare. “You…”
Zaverio turned to him, amusement flickering in his eyes. “Ah, so you do remember me.” He straightened,
adjusting his suit. “You’re the one who tried to kill me two years ago. Left me for dead.”
Tony’s face twisted in disbelief. “That was you?”
Zaverio turned to him, amusement flickering in his eyes. “Ah, so you do remember me.” He straightened, adjusting his suit. “You’re the one who tried to kill me two years ago. Left me for dead.”
Tony’s face twisted in disbelief. “That was you?”
Zaverio nodded. “And now, I’m back. Stronger. More powerful. And I own what you thought you could control.” Stefano’s mask of confidence shattered completely. His knuckles were white against the table, his mind clearly racing.
“This… this doesn’t change anything.” Stefano said, his voice laced with forced control. “We still have the upper hand ”
I couldn’t hold back my laughter. “Are you sure about that? Because from where I’m sitting, you’ve already lost.” Tony shot me a glare, his anger barely contained. “You knew about this?”
I shrugged, enjoying his turmoil. “Of course. I am his wife, after all.”
Hailey gasped, her eyes wide. “You really married him?”
I smirked, tilting my head. “Why? Are you jealous?”
She huffed, crossing her arms. “No. But this is insane.
Tony looked like he was ready to explode. “You really think this changes everything?”
Zaverio smirked. “Oh, I don’t think–I know.”
He turned his attention back to Stefano, who was still reeling from the revelation.
“You wanted to partner with this company?” Zaverio said, his voice mocking. “Then you’ll be the one answering to me now. And right now, I don’t think I need new partners
I grinned, “Cheers to that ”
