Chapter 4 Her Return to the Company

The reason why Kiera slated their meeting for Friday was because she needed to go to work in her family's company—Campbell group the next day.

In her previous life she had used a big sum of money to save the Relish group from decline but in turn jeopardized the future of her own company, accelerating its decline.

Not long after, her grandfather fell ill and was hospitalised, his health deteriorating further.

On his last day, he had wished to see the face of his granddaughter once more before passing on but even that became impossible.

Back then, her love for Nicholas was so strong that when her grandfather had called her number, she had offered to leave home to get pastry for her husband, missing the call and in turn, missing her grandfather's last moments.

With her rebirth, Kiera felt she was sent not only to save Campbell group from its ultimate end but also protect her grandfather.

Stepping into the company, Kiera made her way into her office at Campbell Group, her footsteps echoing through the spacious room that held so many memories.

It had been a long time since she had returned to the company, and a strange sense of unfamiliarity washed over her.

She could not blame anyone to be precise. Everything that happened came from her decision, her choice—one that was influenced by her die hard love for Nicholas.

Although she had put her career on hold since her marriage, she still held the title of vice CEO, a position she had earned through her hard work and dedication.

She knew she had a daunting task ahead of her—to change the course of the Campbell Group's future and ensure its prosperity once again.

As she settled into her office, trying to find a sense of belonging, the sound of heavy footsteps approached her door, stopping by the entrance.

Instinctively, Kiera lifted her head from the documents on her table to the entrance only for her eyes to be met with her uncle, Ray Campbell.

Ray was her blood relative, but his greed and lack of business acumen had played a significant role in the decline of Campbell Group in her previous life.

To shape a different future for the company, Kiera understood that she needed to confront Ray's arrogance head-on.

"Why the sudden return, Kiera?" Ray asked, his voice laced with a mix of curiosity and condescension.

"And why not, Uncle Ray?"

"Isn't it obvious?"

Kiera scoffed. Obvious, really?

He was always quick to undermine her capabilities, believing that her role as a housewife had rendered her incapable of handling the complexities of the business world.

Taking a step away from her desk, she folded her arms underneath her chest and with a unique smirk plastered on her face as she decided to help clarify things.

"What is more obvious to either of us is that I, Kiera Campbell am back in the company."

Kiera met his gaze, her eyes filled with determination. "I am the main person in charge of the new project, Ray. Grandfather has entrusted me with this responsibility," she replied firmly, refusing to let his mocking words deter her.

A derisive smile tugged at the corners of Ray's lips.

"You've been playing the role of a housewife for far too long, Kiera. These matters are not suitable for someone like you. It would be better if you stayed at home and took care of your husband," he taunted, his arrogance shining through.

Unfazed, Kiera fired back with her own question, her voice dripping with subtle sarcasm.

"And how is your collaboration with the Greenberg Group going, Ray?"

Her words struck a chord, and Ray's expression instantly soured. It was a deal he had failed to negotiate, one that could have brought much-needed opportunities for the Campbell Group.

"If you have the time to come here and tell me what to do, perhaps you should channel it somewhere else and be more concerned about your own career," Kiera retorted, her voice holding a note of authority.

Ray's eyes widened in surprise, the realization hitting him that Kiera was not the same person he had underestimated.

The determination in her eyes, the unyielding spirit, it all made him realize that she was a force to be reckoned with.

"Nicholas would never agree to let you start working again," Ray challenged, a hint of desperation creeping into his voice.

"A successful man needs women who have nothing to do, who are solely dedicated to his needs," Ray added and placing both hands in his trouser pocket.

Kiera's lips curled into a defiant smile.

"Thanks for your unneeded concern, dearest uncle but," she paused, spreading both hands to the side, "My marriage to Nicholas is ending, Ray. It will no longer tie me down," she declared, her voice steady and resolute.

She had made up her mind, determined to reclaim her independence and forge her own path.

"Now, if this is how you run Campbell group by indulging in idle and useless bugging gossips, forgive me. Alot of changes needs to be done to correct that, starting now."

She turned half way and paused, then cast a side glance at him, a dark glint flashing in her eyes.

"If you'll excuse me, I have so much work and cleansing to be done."

*********

As Ray left Kiera's office, he clenched his hands into fists as his thoughts ran in turmoil.

He knew he had underestimated her, but he couldn't let her actions go unchecked.

With a sense of urgency, he reached for his phone and dialed a certain number.

"Hello?"

"Mr Ray, to what do I owe the pleasure? It's not everytime you call a private detective," the man stated from the phone.

"Yes. I need your services. I need you to uncover the truth about Kiera and Nicholas's current situation. Everything about it."

"Right on it, Boss."

********

After a long day at work, Kiera pa ked up and decided to call it a day.

Since she was known in the company, the few workers left in the premises greeted her on her way out with smiles on their faces.

That alone told her she needed to fix thungs.

She emerged from the building to find Nicholas waiting for her, leaning casually against his car. His presence brought a sense of dread and her heart skipped a beat.

Taking a deep breath, she took a step forward.

She knew deep down that she needed to stand on her own and protect herself and remain unmoved by him.