ZAIA.
THREE YEARS LATER…
I lace my fingers together, resting my elbows on the sleek marble of my top- floor executive office. Scoffing as the man before me rambles on.
Cocking a brow, I finally intervene. “Mr Santoni, time is precious, and I have places to be, deals to close, and money to make. So, shall we get to the proof that these company records show?”
His face pales as he presses his lips into a tight line. “You are gravely mistaken, Ms Toussaint! I can assure you the miners’ project was something that we handled correctly! Those poor folk are trying to con the company! They are snakes!”
My eyes flash as I slam my hand on top of the file, making him flinch as I stand up.
“Mr Santoni. I will not tolerate you antagonising me. You embezzled millions of dollars from this company, which was set aside for the family of the deceased miners abroad after the accident two years ago! Did you really think that I would not look into it?” I ask sharply, my voice dripping with authority and warning him to dare deny the truth that is laid before us.
He lowers his head, swallowing hard. A drop of sweat trickles down his face and he takes out his handkerchief, wiping it away nervously.
“P-please Ms Toussaint… the th-thing … I mean I have served this company for over twenty years, my father before me worked for the Toussaint enterprises, how can you let that all be cast aside so qu-quickly…” he mumbles his eyes darting around the office as if looking for a way to escape.
We are on the thirty-seventh floor of Toussaint Enterprises, a building that sits in the centre of the business district. There is nowhere to escape with security on every floor and at every exit.
That does not excuse the fact you took money that was not yours.” I say coldly, “Those families needed it far more than you, and when they raised those concerns, you tried to silence them.”
The scandal had rocked the empire, and it had cost the company a lot, despite the fact the manager put in charge had been careless and Mr Santoni here had only made matters worse. But ultimately the company must take responsibility for the mistakes made, and the lives lost.
I try to calm my wolf’s emotions by taking a deep breath. Although I’ve only shifted once in my life, lately her emotions have only gotten stronger, I guess being surrounded by idiots does that.
“I… I know Ms Toussaint… but I… I’m sorry! And I will pay it back, p-please please don’t press charges!” he pleads as he suddenly holds his hands up pleadingly as he rushes to the table, and gets into my personal space.
I move back, my eyes flashing as I press a button under the table. “I need security. I’m afraid you will have to take the consequences for your actions, Mr Santoni.”
He freezes as if unable to comprehend those words before he tilts his head and shakes it vigorously.
“I will never accept it!” he shouts as the door opens and two security guards come in. “I-I did nothing! I’m being framed.”
I raise an eyebrow, motioning at them to take him out. “Your confession is caught on tape, Mr Santoni. Anything and everything can and will be held against you.”
“You lied! You tricked me! No no! I will not accept it!”
I fold my arms under my breasts and turn away from the shouting man as he’s dragged from my office.
“Are you alright, Boss?”
“Of course, please close the door after you, Carlisle.”
“Yes, Ma’am.”
The door shuts and I sigh as I walk towards the windows that run across the entire wall, from floor to ceiling, behind my desk. I look out at the city that is mapped with sky-high buildings in modern sleek designs.
Cars queue along the roads and the faint sound of horns blaring can be heard from drivers impatient to get to their destinations
My eyes flick to a building far across the business district. A building that towers several storeys higher than ours. The biggest here…. the exterior is full glass, with words in matt black running along the side that you can read from miles away, set against a silver background.
ARAN KING
I look away, the pain that would once clench at my heart as a reminder of my ex, a pain that would claw at me like poison is almost non-existent…..
Almost.
I stare at my reflection in the glass. Before me is a woman with hair styled into a high sophisticated updo, a few tendrils of red hair frame her face. Sharp eyes that are winged with black eyeliner, and bold red lipstick covers her lips.
A woman who is the image of control and composure.
I’m wearing a white satin blouse that is emphasised around my breasts. I’ve gained weight there since I had the little ones. The blouse is tucked into my beige pencil skirt, that hugs my hips and waist.
Zaia Toussaint, the Managing Director of Toussaint Enterprises.
It has taken me three years to get to this position with only my father and the CEO above me. In three years, I achieved what many take decades to attain.
I fought with everything I had to get to where I am, proving myself at every corner, fighting against those who tried to thwart me and pin me with false accusations.. Annalise may have ruined my past but
not my future… Though the pain remained for years, I realised that if we had truly been strong enough, nothing would have been able to ruin what we had.
I lived in a world of delusion and fallacy, but now, now, I live in a world of wit, deceit, and power. I prefer the latter because, in this world, no one can break my heart. A knock on the door makes my breath hitch, bringing me out of my thoughts.
Turning, I walk over to the desk; I click stop on the audio recording I had been making on my laptop and look towards the door.
“Enter,” I say clearly. The moment the door opens, and the scent hits me, I realise it’s father before he even comes into view.
I sit down in my seat and cross my legs. We may still not agree on everything, and we may not be close, but we have formed a pleasant working relationship.
“Zaia,” he says, closing the door behind him. He opens his suit jacket button and takes a seat on one of the chairs opposite me. “I hear you had Santoni reported to law enforcement, and you are charging him with multiple accounts of embezzlement, abuse of power, and defamation.”
I nod, twirling a strand of my hair around my fingers.
“Yes. As well as presenting misleading and false information to the law. I understand that Santoni has been a part of this company for many years and even the board of directors are rather concerned about my decision, but this is not about loyalty, but betrayal. And I, for one, will not tolerate it.” “You are playing a dangerous game, Zaia. You do know that the Santoni family is powerful.”
“I know, and you don’t need to worry about me, father. I know what I’m doing. Santoni’s arrest will be an example for the rest. A warning that the Toussaint empire will not tolerate criminal activities.”
Dad smiles and nods slowly.” Impressive, you really are born to be a businesswoman, Zaia… or I should say a boss. I wish I had seen it sooner, but then, you are only twenty-four years old, you have your life in front of you. I wasn’t too late.”
“Thanks to me.” I say lightly.
He chuckles and nods in agreement before he glances up at me.
He’s observing me, but seems a bit lost in thought before he shakes his head and taps his knee. “Well, I have arranged a business dinner party in your honour. Make sure the weekend is free,” he says.
Weekends… I made it clear that weekends were not work time, although yes, I did work from home every week, but I didn’t like to leave the house for work.
But I don’t refuse, it’s a one-off… so instead, I simply nod. “And why are you throwing a dinner in my honour?” I ask instead.
“You will see.” He stands up and so do I as we make our way to the door.
“I look forward to it, I reply with a smile.
Dad is about to reach for the door handle when there is a knock on it and Dad pulls it open to reveal my secretary, holding a tray of hot drinks.”Oh, I’m sorry Mr Toussaint! Ms Toussaint…” She trails off meekly and I shake my head.
“It’s alright Nancy, Dad is leaving.” I say as I take my mug from the tray.
“Yes, but thank you,” Dad says to her politely before he leaves, and I return to my desk.
Now, what’s next on the agenda?
