Kiara's pov
"Why didn't I think of this earlier?" I muttered to myself as I paused my walk. "Miriam..I should have added her to the list. Just imagine her in my office running all the major errands and swallowing down all the insults I will dish out to her. That would be hell for her. I can imagine her face right now"
The thought of it was so satisfying that I couldn't resist to smirk. But no, it wasn't too late. I was in charge here. Leo needed me more than I needed him, and I fully intend to get every ounce of power out of this situation.
I turned back to Leo, who was already sitting down but looking at him, he looked so sad but that shouldn't bother me.
"There's one more thing," I said, folding my arms across my chest.
"What could that be again, Kiara?" he grunted.
"Don't give me that look," I said, arching a brow. "You didn't think this was going to be that easy, did you?"
His glare didn't scare me at all. I leaned against the desk, letting my voice drip with sarcasm for maximum effect. "As I was saying, I want Miriam working under me. Running all the major errands during this project, reporting directly to me, and she follows every order I give her."
Instantly, his face darkened. "You're kidding."
"Does it look like I am?" I shot back at him, matching his gaze without blinking. "She's not contributing significantly to this company, that's part of the reason this company is in shambles, so I'm putting her where she would be useful," I said with a fake smile.
"Kiara, this isn't about justice," he said, voice taut with frustration. "I'm just trying to save my company and you know this is a professional project, not your personal revenge plot."
"Oh, don't you dare educate me on professionalism," I shot back, snapping straight at him. "Were you being professional when you abandoned your wedded wife, just to marry her step-sister huh? "
"That's in the past now Kiara and I'm sorry but you can't expect me to agree to this."
"Then the deal is off," I said as I grabbed my bag to head out. "Let's see how professional Williams & Co. looks when it's six feet under."
"Wait!" he shouted. He was obviously at his breaking point and the struggle in his expression was so entertaining.
After a lengthy, charged silence, he sighed. "Fine. You win. Miriam works under you."
"Oh, what a sweet victory," I muttered to myself. Just then, my phone buzzed on the table. I didn't realize I left it there. Leo's eyes shifted to my device as the name ALEX with a love emoji popped up on the screen.
"Alex?" he asked, voice low. "Is that... the Alex I know, or another Alex?"
I grabbed my phone immediately, trying to pick it up but the call ended. I now slid it into my bag with my eyes fixed on him. "Not that it's any of your business," I said with a sly smile, "but you'll find out soon enough."
His jaw clenched, and his voice dropped even further. "So you've really been cheating on me all this while?"
My face reddened and my eyes were filled with rage as I stepped closer to him. My tone dripped with anger. "Dare say that again to me, and kiss this project goodbye ."
"Wait," he said, staring at me with lots of emotions.
"Is that jealousy I see, Leo? Not like you have ever really loved me."
"I still love you, Kiara," he said, breaking his voice slightly.
I scoffed and shook my head. "Don't make me more upset with those word Leo. You see that version of me that lets you control her? it's long dead and gone, so get used to it."
Just then, my phone buzzed again, and I picked it up. "I'm done here," I said curtly. "You can come now."
Leo's gaze was frozen on me as I hung up. "Is that Alex Carter?" he asked like a little child, that is been denied candy.
Ignoring him, I grabbed my bag and walked out of the room. "Have a good evening, Leo," I said, leaving him to route in his thoughts.
In the parking lot, Alex leaned against his sleek black car. The sharp suit he wore, along with his easy smile, made my heart lighten a bit
"You look fabulous," he said warmly, as he pulled me into a hug. His firm arms and nice-smelling perfume made the hug more comforting.
"Thanks," I smiled and untangled from him as he pecked my cheek.
"Ready to go?" he asked, opening up the passenger door for me like a perfect gentleman.
"Sure," I replied, sliding into the car.
From his office window, Leo stood with his hands pressed on the glass as he watched us. He was not able to hear a word we said, but the sight of Alex hugging me so tight and opening the door for me was simply enough to drive him insane.
