16!Hello Zara. It's Good To See You!

ZARA

I continued to try to loosen up the bow at the back of my dress, but my stylist kept tightening it the more.

Somewhere Inside of me I knew it wasn't the bow. It's the feeling I have been having ever since Matthew asked me about Hazel.

“Is that okay?” The stylist asked, and I sighed.

“It's perfect,” Vic said, and I rolled my eyes. 

“Of course you think it's perfect,” I said to her. “I feel like a circus freak,” I said, and she gasped playfully. Then looks at me with a serious face.

“I know you are anxious about Hazel being in school for the first time today, and about the comment Matthew made,” she said, and I groaned.

“You know me too well,” I said. 

“Of course I do,” she continued her numerous touch ups on my face. “But you have to handle it. You provided round the clock security, and everything she will ever need. That girl is the happiest in the whole world. You made that happen, not Matthew but you,” she said, and I smiled. Vic always finds a way to lift up my spirit.

“We are up in five,” the TV news director said to us, and we both nodded. 

This is my first press conference introducing myself to the world as Zara Taylor, a new partner, shareholder of Zenith Law Firm. 

I'm telling the world we will be taking more pro bono cases, not just the ones that will make us rich. 

“What if Monica finds out about Hazel through Matthew?” I suddenly asked Vic, as the countdown to my press conference began.

“You are going to deal with it then,” she said, and disappeared.

“In five, four, three, two, and one,” The camera light blinks red. I was live.

I took a deep breath, straightened my back, and smiled.

“Good morning, everyone,” I began, my voice calm but firm. “My name is Zara Taylor, and I stand before you today not just as a new partner of Zenith Law Firm, but as someone who believes that justice should never have a price tag.”

I looked into the camera like I was speaking to one person—one person who needed to hear me.

“For too long, our firm has been known only for its high-profile clients and expensive cases. But starting today, that changes. We will be dedicating a full division to pro bono work—offering help to those who can’t afford it, but need it the most.”

I paused, letting that sink in.

I thought of my father. What he would say if he saw me now.

He would smile. He would say, “That’s my girl.”

I cleared my throat and continued, “Zenith will no longer be a place only for the wealthy. It will be a place for the voiceless. A place where truth matters more than anything.”

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Monica standing near the back of the room. Her arms were crossed. Her eyes narrow.

Good.

Let her see.

Let the world see.

I wrapped up with a steady breath. “This is not just a rebrand. This is a rebirth. My name is Zara Taylor. And I’m here to fight for what’s right.”

Applause broke out as soon as the director called “Cut!”

People clapped, some even stood. Reporters raised their hands, wanting interviews.

But I was done talking for now.

I stepped off the stage, heading straight backstage where Vic waited with a huge grin.

“You killed it,” she whispered.

“Did I?” I asked, still trying to calm my heartbeat.

“You did. The media's already buzzing. T*****r is going crazy,” she said, showing me her phone.

I smiled. But deep down, that ache about Hazel still sat heavy in my chest.

Just as I was about to speak, I noticed Monica walking towards me. She looked different.

I stared at her, and noticed. She wasn't wearing her usual suit, and skirt. Instead she has opted out for something else.

Something worse than her usual, clothes that made her look like a slut less of a lawyer.

“Nice speech,” she said as she got close to me.

“It wasn't just a speech Monica, and I intend to show the shareholders just that in our next board meeting,” I said, and walked up to her.

“You know, the ones you haven't run out yet,” I whispered to her, and smirked.

“You started this,” she said behind me. I turned to look at her.

“No, you, and your father started this. You just didn't have an opponent until now,” I said, boldly and walked away.

“Damn girl, that was hit,” Vic squeaked as we exited the building. “I really hope I caught that.”

“No,” I stopped her. “Do not put our fight on the internet for now,” I said to her.

“Girl, if Monica thinks it will benefit her she will,” she said, and I understood.

“I know that,” I said to her. “But the internet can be a scary place,” I said to her as we walked towards my car. “I have to protect Hazel from all of this as long as I can. Which means no internet,” I said, and she nodded.

“Understood,” she said, and faced Evans. “The office please,” she said, and I looked at her surprised.

“What?” She asked as soon as she saw me.

“The office please,” I mimicked her. “You never do that.”

“Do what?” She asked nonchalantly, like she didn't know what I was talking about.

“You like him,” I whispered, and she scoffed. “You like him,” I tickled her. 

“Stop, stop, stop. We have a lot to do, and this isn't helping,” she said blushing.

I inhaled, and rested my head on the cushion of the seat in the car. If Vic is right, that means the press conference went well, and I can't wait for more good news to come my way.

We got to Zenith Law Firm, and went straight up to the fifth floor. I already started construction, and rearrangement of three of the empty offices to use for Vic and me.

The elevator to the fifth floor opened, and I was received with a standing ovation. 

“My goodness,” I walked out of the elevator shocked, surprised, and happy. I didn't think anyone in the firm would be happy with my new policy.

“Great job ma'am.”

“You killed it.”

“It's been a long time coming,” another one said.

“Thank you all,” I said as the claps died down. “I'm glad you are just as happy as I'm. I can't wait for the work we are going to be doing together,” I said. As I walked away the applause continued.

I continued smiling, feeling good about everything, and myself until I saw a shadow in my new office.

“Who do you think it is?” Vic asked, and my heart skipped a bit. I haven't seen Matthew since he asked about Hazel.

But I don't think it's Matthew, this person looks older, and has a lot of grey hair. 

I walked into the office with a bold face, whoever it is I'm going to have to face them.

“I'm sorry, this isn't the visiting area,” I said as I walked in.

“I know,” the person said, and turned around. “I used to work here,” he said, and I held my breath.

“Hello, Zara. It's good to see you.”

“Mr. Howard Dewitt, Monica's father.”