Chapter 3

Kiaria’s Pov

I let out a sarcastic smile. “Leo Williams” I replied in a sarcastic tone.He smiled, trying to act familiar.

"Kiaria, it's so great to see you again. You look... stunning."

Looking at him, I couldn't tell what my emotions were playing at. Was it anger, sadness, or something else entirely? All I knew was that I wasn't happy to see him but my heart was racing, and I couldn't tear my eyes away from him.

“I said you look stunning,” he repeated,this time around, his voice became softer like he really needed me to acknowledge his compliment.

“Oh of course, I know” I had to answer him that way to let him know I'm no longer the timid kiaria he used to know.

“Oh I see you guys have already met,” Mark said with a surprised look.

Leo chipped in immediately, “Yes, she's my wife” moving closer to hold me asif I’m one of his possessions.

“Don’t you dare come close to me.”I said with a wide rage of anger in my eyes, staring at Leo. “Ex-wife,” I said loud enough that everyone in the room heard me. The tension was so thick and I could feel everyone’s eyes in our direction, but I just don’t care. I had to put him where he belongs.

Mark was just gazing at us with a surprised look. His eyes went from one person to the other. He then broke the silence.”Well,regardless of whatever relationship you both had,I’m sure we can be able to focus on the task at hand, which is why we are here,”he said, gesturing towards the proposal documents on the table.

Before Leo could say anything, the door to the conference room opened and Miriam strutted in, heels clicking against the tiled floor. The sound announced her arrival even before her presence did. She was dressed to impress as always and was wearing a self-satisfied smile that vanished the moment she laid eyes on me.

“You’ve got to be kidding me,” Miriam sneered, glaring up at me. “What the hell is this thing doing here?”

I faced her with a cold smirk. “Slut like you don't speak when my presence is involved.” Miriam tried to raise her hand up to slap me but I held it. “Don't ever dream of this act again, or else…” i dropped her hand forcefully, while Miriam is still foaming with rage.

“Well to answer your question,” I continued, my voice steady and confident, “I'm here because the company recognizes talent when they see one. Something you wouldn't understand because you don't have it.”

Miriam's face flushed red. “Mark, this woman is completely unprofessional! You can't possibly think she's the right person for this project!”

Mark chuckled and shook his head. “On the contrary, Miss Miriam, Kiara is the major person we want for this project. Her reputation speaks for itself.”

Miriam glanced nervously at Leo whose jaw was tightening. The cracks in his composure were starting to show.

I stepped closer to Miriam, my voice low and firm. “You know Miriam, you have spent years trying to tear me down, but guess what? I'm still here and thriving. You can't stop me no matter how hard you try.”

Miriam was already red and was about to rush me, when Leo grasped her wrist and said, “stop it Miriam, you are just embarrassing yourself.” he hissed. “If you don't want to be here anymore, you go home. Besides, I can handle this without you.”

Miriam froze immediately, her arms shaking in his grasp. Her mouth fell open as humiliation and shock was written all over her face. “Leo! You're supposed to be on my side!”

Leo sighed,pinching the bridge of his nose. “This is neither the time nor the place for dramas, Miriam.” he said, sounding so frustrated.

I smirked, watching the drama between the two betrayals in front of me. “Trouble in paradise? So Leo does fight Miriam? Interesting” I just soliloquized to myself and smiled in satisfaction.

Then I turned sharply to Mark and said, “I'll make this really clear, I'm not working with the Williams & Co. company. If this project involves him in any slightest way, I will have to decline.”

The atmosphere grew quiet suddenly.

Mark broke the silence. “Oh no Miss Kiara,” he began, “you are the lead designer here, we called you specifically for this project, you can't decline now.”

He turned to Leo immediately “Leo I thought your company was prepared to collaborate with the best?”

“Yes I…uh..we…” Leo stammered, he was clearly lost for words.

Mark continues “ I don't think Miss Kiara wants to work with you, so this means that we won't be needing your company for this project anymore.”

“No Mark, we can figure something out, “ Leo said.

I raised an eyebrow, folding my arms. “You mean, you'll figure out how to step aside right? I said, my voice filled with disdain. “Because if you still think for one second that your involvement is going to remain the same, then this deal is off the table.”

Leo’s knuckles became white. He could hardly speak above a whisper, his fist clenched and the frustration he felt was written all over his face. “Very well then,” he finally said. Let's have a deal.”

I smiled, seeing the cold sweat on his brow. The tables had turned and for the first time in five years, I felt truly in control and I was just getting started.