Four

"S&Lu Corp. is coming to discuss the issue of vegetable supply for our company. I've scheduled it for lunch time, ma'am. It's the only time your schedule is free."

I rolled my eyes as my secretary told me about this lunch schedule. The three hearts since I decided to take over the management of the mall where I worked as a saleswoman, had already made my schedule jam-packed beyond any celebrity out there.

My forehead furrows deeply when I realize that the partner company being talked about is Lucas'. I forgot that I was the one who made his company grow rapidly, one of which was by providing connections to this shopping center. I was also the one who got the person in charge of this company to cooperate, with my name as collateral, of course.

I chuckled in annoyance. I was the one who had put him on top. Yet, now it was someone else who was enjoying it. No way, I was going to show Lucas that without me, he was nothing. No one will accept his company's supplies but this company, and it's because of my efforts. Is this the reward I've received for my kindness all these years?

"Let them come, wait in despair, and I won't meet them." I said to my secretary.

Rachel's secretary frowned, but agreed anyway. Of course, she was working to be an extension of me in this company. Something that wasn't in her realm didn't feel necessary.

After Rachel left, I began to study the cooperation file between S&Lu Corp. and Smith Inc. There wasn't much profit to be made from this partnership. However, Smith Inc. still uses them for vegetable supplies. To be honest, this fact made me feel very regretful. A fact that made me realize that my father was still showing his love for me in this way; letting Lucas make a profit so that my life would be secured. Unfortunately, that man had the upper hand and made me a cash cow for three years.

I swear, I'll ask for everything I've been given back.

My mind was racing, but I refrained from getting carried away. I needed to calm down and think of the next step. If they were comfortable with their current state, I would make them feel great inconvenience. I will turn the situation around, and let them know who is really in charge here.

Once again, my eyes fell on the cooperation file open before me. I knew it was the right time to devise a strategy, something that would not only be profitable for me but could also break Lucas's arrogance. Solving this problem in a smart way was important. Letting the pain control me would only keep me trapped in an endless cycle of resentment.

When Rachel returned with the news that S&Lu Corp. had arrived, I stood up and stared into the large mirror in the room, making sure my appearance remained perfect even in this angry situation. I decided I wouldn't face them with annoyance on my face. I had to remain firm, professional, and unfazed.

In looked at the two people who were familiar to me. Lucas, with his sly smile that always managed to soothe people's hearts, and the bitch who had taken advantage of my life through that asshole. Lucas was dressed in a neat black suit, exuding an air of overconfidence. His eyes looking for me, and once she found me, she smiled that sweet, authoritative smile-I almost sneered at her. However, I refrained from doing so. I watched all their movements through the reflection of the glass cabinet in front of me-behind my desk.

I turned around. Instantly, shocked faces appeared before me.

The asshole glared, and the bitch did the same. The difference was that she dramatized it by covering her mouth with both hands. Both of them were silent for a while, without a word.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Lucas and Ms. Jennifer. Please have a seat," I said after a few times.

"Thank you for taking the time to meet us," Lucas said in an artificially friendly voice. I'm sure the man in front of me was struggling with a lot of questions in his head.

I just nodded slowly, gesturing for them to sit down. Rachel set tea and some snacks on the table, but the atmosphere was very stiff. I could feel the tension building between the two of them. There was no more light conversation like before, only remnants of memories that made my heart ache even more.

I started the conversation with a firm voice, trying to hide the creeping feeling of pain.

"Mr. Lucas, I think it's time we talked about the continuation of this cooperation. Of course, you know that I am responsible for the success of your company now." I said without looking at him, preferring to stare at the documents on the table.

She swallowed, as if unprepared for this conversation. "Of course, ma'am. We really appreciate everything you've done. This cooperation is very important to us."

I paused for a moment, looking at her sharply, trying to judge the reaction that appeared on her face. "However, I think you've gotten too comfortable with this position, don't you? I want a change. Your vegetable supply is no longer a top priority for us. Moreover, with prices continuing to rise, I think we can look for alternatives."

Lucas was taken aback, his eyes widening for a moment before he quickly composed himself. "But ma'am, we have committed to maintaining quality and competitive pricing. We will do everything necessary to continue meeting your company's needs."

I raised one eyebrow. "You think I don't know how you set up this game, Lucas? Rewarding me with empty promises and hoping I keep quiet. You've taken so much, while I've gotten so little. It's time you knew that I will no longer be a tool for your success." I was losing control. 

The bitch beside Lucas, who had previously remained silent, now began to speak, "But Ms., we're sure you can see that this cooperation is still beneficial to both parties. We will continue to do our best."

I cut him off with a louder voice, "Until when? Just because you feel powerful, doesn't mean I should stay quiet and be a tool for your business. I have plenty of ways to get your company into trouble. Don't assume I'll sit idly by.”

The atmosphere in the room became increasingly tense. Lucas seemed hesitant, and I knew by then, I had managed to push them to a lower position. I smiled faintly, feeling slightly relieved, although the anger inside me was still burning.

"Perhaps, the two of you should rethink your offer," I continued, "and give me a reason why I should consider continuing to cooperate.

This."

They were silent, clearly not knowing how to respond. My smile grew wider, realizing that I had just taken full control of the situation.