070. Viktor's Fall

Raven

The boardroom door shut behind us with a soft click. We had walked in silence, but not too uncomfortably, unlike earlier, and I had struggled to say something.

What was I even going to say? The only thing I can do right now ,is compensate him for keeping him hanging. Apart from that, I don't know what else to do, nor do I know what's going on in his head.

I sighed heavily.

The room was empty and the television was already on.

I hadn’t noticed it at first,my attention had been on Killian’s back as he crossed the room with that arrogant confidence of his. But then a familiar voice came through the speakers. I watch the news a lot so I know the voice of Daisy Hopper, the anchor.

“…continuing coverage on the sudden collapse of Markov Industries’ market value…” Daisy's voice rang through and I stopped in my tracks, standing directly in front of the television.

Killian didn't, though. He moved toward the wide desk at the head of the room, pulled his chair back, and sat lazily.

The anchor’s face filled the screen, her hair pulled in a high ponytail. “…shares have dropped by nearly thirty per cent following the abrupt withdrawal of major investor,Jonathan Lott a few weeks ago.”

A small smile crept on my lips. Now, this is the kind of news I like.

The camera cut to footage of Viktor fucking Markov stepping out of a building weeks ago, a tight expression on his face. I knew that look. I had once learned how to soften it with nothing but a hand on his chest and little grinding on his hips.

Not anymore, though.

“Sources close to the company suggest a heated internal disagreement preceded Lott’s decision,” Daisy continued. “Reports indicate that Mr Lott withdrew his entire stake after what insiders describe as an ‘irreconcilable conflict’ with Markov.”

I heard Kilian chuckle lightly behind me and I could only make my smile wider. I turn to look at him and he only nods at me.

On the screen, a graphic appeared with red arrows plunging downward beside Markov Industries’ logo.

“Analysts are calling this a critical blow,” the anchor said. “With one major stockholder already out and another rumoured to be considering the same move, many are questioning whether Markov Industries can recover.”

Satisfaction burned its way into my soul. I hope he is somewhere bashing his head against the wall. This is just the start of my revenge, I'm going to make him regret ever choosing Holly over me and wanna know what my next plan is?

Marriage!

Yes, what better way to ruin Viktor completely than announce my engagement to his bastardly rich brother while his company turns to dust?

I'll talk to Killian after the meeting. We should hasten the wedding. I want to see Viktor's face when I send him the invitation card.

I put my attention back on the television and listened to the sweet voice of Daisy Hopper.“…some critics have gone as far as to call this Markov’s ‘reckoning,’” she added, voice dipping slightly, as if savouring the phrase. “Citing his highly publicised divorce from former wife Raven Markov, many claim the company’s decline began when she left.”

I snorted, of course my absence was Viktor's downfall. An image of me appears on the screen, looking lavishly beautiful as usual. I flipped my hair over my shoulder, turning around to glance at Killian who was already smiling.

“She was widely regarded as the backbone of the company,” Daisy went on. “A strategist, a stabilising force and several former executives have suggested her absence left a vacuum that has yet to be filled.”

Daisy deserves a hundred golden daisies. We have met more than once in public conferences and I knew her she had takem a liking to me…she had said so herself.

A faint, humourless smile tugged at my lips.

Backbone?

They had no idea how literal that was.

Killian shifted in his seat, one brow lifting slightly but he still didn’t interrupt.

The screen changed again.“Adding fuel to the fire,” Daisy continued, “questions are now being raised about Markov’s personal life. Many are asking what role his current partner, Holly Emmons, is playing during this crisis—if any.”

“Ms Emmons has not been seen publicly for several days,” she said. “Coincidentally, her disappearance aligns with the same day Jonathan Lott withdrew his investment.”

The camera cut to a blurry photo of Holly stepping out of a restaurant months ago, laughing, Viktor’s hand possessive at the small of her back and the kids tagging along just like the perfect little family.

“Unconfirmed rumours suggest Ms. Emmon’s may have left the city entirely,” Daisy added. “Leaving Markov to manage not only a failing company but his two young children.”

Killian burst out laughing.“ I thought she was going to stay with him for better or worse.”

I laughed too but it didn't reach my ears. My smile dropped the moment I turned to face the television again and my chest had tightened.

“…with sources confirming that the children are currently without a legal guardian, public concern is growing,” she said. “Many are urging Markov to set aside his pride and seek help for the sake of his family.”

The segment ended with a polished smile from Daisy and a transition to the next headline.

I exhaled slowly, not realising I’d been holding my breath. The television droned on about something else…politics, maybe but it faded at the back of my mind.

Satisfaction curled in my chest, but that disturbing feeling was still there. I had my revenge, in a matter of days Viktor will be left with nothing and yet–

My gaze drifted back to the screen and to Daisy who was reporting on the headline. I wasn't seeing her, the reflection on the screen was a reflection of two young faces, confused and hurt.

The burning sensation in my chest increased. Killian stood then, pushing his chair back, and turned toward me fully. “You okay? Shouldn't you be happy?”

I nodded automatically.

“I should be,” I said. My voice sounded distant. “I thought I’d feel… lighter but it was only for a brief moment.”

He crossed the space between us slowly, stopping just close enough that I could feel his body heat and intoxicating cologne. “And?”

I glanced back at the television, “I…I'm satisfied” I swallowed. “But the kids…”

Killian’s expression remained the same, as if he knew I'd say this.

“They didn’t ask for any of this,” I continued, the words coming faster now. “They didn’t ask for a father who uses people like tools , they don't deserve to be affected by Viktor's actions or mine either.” I broke off, my jaw tightening. “ I didn't even know Holly had left them for weeks, they had been without a mother figure since then ….they are just kids.”

Killian studied me carefully and I was growing annoyed by his lack of comment on the issue. “So… .what are you going to do about it?”

I hesitated, my breathing growing unsteady.

The idea had been sitting heavily in my chest since Daisy's last sentence but I'm not sure if I was being stupid or if I just have a stupidly nice heart.