15!How's your daughter?!

ZARA

Yes, right now the tables might have turned but I'm not going to let it last longer. I don't know what she thinks she will get trying to use Matthew to get under my skin.

“You are pathetic,” I said, while looking straight at her. She exhaled, and held unto Matthew like he was her lifesaver.

“Using a man to fight your battles. No wonder a lot of your shareholders sold their shares to me, because….”

“What is she talking about?” Matthew asked her. He knew already, but if he was going to play pretend boyfriend he had to act the part.

“It's nothing,” she said, trying to act tough. “I can take care of it,” I could see her anger in her smile.

Matthew sighed, looked at me then back at her. “Here, sit,” he led her to one of the chairs in the room. 

“Look, the reason we are together is to share the burden. I want to know what's going on,” he looked at her like she wasn't the only person in the room. Like his world rotates around her. 

There was a time he looked at me like that. My tummy would turn into a playground for butterflies, and our kiss could light up the world.

I coughed slightly, trying to evade such thoughts from going through my mind. He is with Monica now, whether it's pretence or not I don't care. I want nothing to do with him, only to get justice for my father.

“She bribed some of the shareholders into handing over their shares to her,” she cried out.

“I didn't bribe anyone,” I said, boldly. “They handed me their shares on their own will.”

“She bribed some of the shareholders into handing over their shares to her,” Monica cried out.

“I didn’t bribe anyone,” I said boldly, keeping my voice steady. “They handed me their shares of their own free will.”

Matthew’s eyes shifted back to me, questioning. “Why would they do that?”

I folded my arms. “Because they know the truth. They know who really built this firm. And they’re tired of Monica’s games, her lies, her control.”

“You don’t know what you’re talking about,” Monica snapped, standing up again. “This firm has thrived under my leadership!”

“Has it?” I raised an eyebrow. “Because last I checked, half of your senior partners were looking for exits, your biggest client is pulling out, and the interns are calling this place a circus behind your back.”

She gasped. “Lies.”

Matthew looked down, saying nothing. That silence was worse than any insult.

“I didn’t come here to play games,” I said. “I came here to finish what I started.”

Monica shook her head. “You think this is some revenge story? Some fairytale where the fallen daughter rises and everyone claps for her?”

“No,” I said, stepping closer. “This is real life. And in real life, people like you get exposed. Slowly. Publicly. Completely.”

Her lips parted, but she had no words.

Matthew stood, his hands in his pockets. “I think… we should all calm down.”

“I am calm,” I said. “She’s the one lying and crying.”

“You know what, Zara?” Monica hissed, stepping forward again. “You walk in here with your tailored trousers and your dead father’s watch, pretending you’re someone important. But you’re just noise.”

I laughed. Not because it was funny, but because it was pathetic.

“You can’t erase me, Monica,” I said. “No matter how hard you try. I’m here now. And this time, I’m not walking away.”

I turned and picked up the file from the table. “These signatures are real. The transfers are legal. If you want to challenge them, we can go to court. But we both know you won’t win.”

“You’re bluffing,” she whispered.

“Try me,” I said, walking past her and out the door.

As I stepped into the hallway, I could feel their eyes on me—staff, interns, associates. No one said a word, but I saw the shift in their expressions. The respect. The fear. The curiosity.

Let them watch. Let them wonder.

Because this war has only just begun.

And I came prepared to win. I walked out of the office building, and straight to the garage. I need to prepare for my press conference tomorrow. 

Nothing is going to stop me from showing the world that, a Taylor is back running Zenith Law Firm.

As I got closer to my car, I could feel someone trying to catch up with me. I held the door knob of my car, and turned.

“What the hell do you think you are doing?” I asked, seeing Matthew in front of me.

“Trying to catch up with you,” he said, with a smile. I looked away instantly, trying very hard not to blush. I can't have him believe he has an effect on me. 

“I can see that. I mean why are you here? We can't be seen together, especially not by your girlfriend,” I said to him.

“Don't worry she knows I'm here,” he said. “She thinks I'm trying to talk you out of your press conference tomorrow,” he said, and I scoffed.

“And she thinks you can?” I asked him.

“She's desperate. At every turn right now, she is losing, and will do anything to win. Even if that means hiding her jealousy,” he said, and looked up. I followed his eyes, and I saw a camera.

Of course she is watching. “But she can't hear us. We can speak freely,” he continued.

“We have nothing to talk about,” I said, and turned to my car.

“Hear me out, Zara,” he said, and I turned. “What?”

Matthew took a deep breath. “I know you don’t trust me. And maybe I deserve that. But I’m not here to fight you, Zara. I’m here to help you.”

I stared at him. Help me? After everything?

I crossed my arms. “I don’t need saving, Matthew. Not from you. Not from anyone.”

He stepped closer, his voice softer now. “I know you don’t. You’ve always been strong. But that doesn’t mean you have to do everything alone.”

I took a step towards him, “I agreed to work with you because of Gabriel, and the others. But don't think for a second that I'm alone.”

Matthew’s eyes searched mine like he was trying to find the old version of me, the one who used to smile at him without thinking, the one who trusted him without doubt.

“I think we are done here,” I said, walked back to my car, and got in. 

He walked towards my car, and stood feet's away. But I could hear him. “How's your daughter?” He asked, and my heart skipped a bit.

I didn't let him see the fear on my face, I hit the patal and drove off instantly. 

How does he know about Hazel? I thought I lost him the other day when he tried to follow me. 

“Damnit!” I slammed my fist against the steering wheel.