Chapter 6

MIRANDA

“Everything is ready, Ma’am.”

I stood in front of the mirror, staring at myself in the outfit I’d picked out the previous day.

It was a stunning red gown. I’d chosen the color because red, they say, is the perfect color for revenge.

“What about the media coverage?” I asked Gia. “And the other person who’s streaming the event live?”

Gia stood behind me, responding to every question I’d asked. I wanted that night to go exactly the way I’d planned. Nothing could ruin it.

“They’re all in their positions, Ms. Wright.”

“Good,” I stepped away from the mirror and turned to face her with a smile. “That’s what I want to hear.”

Footsteps walked into the room seconds later, and it was my other assistant, Chris. He bowed slightly in respect when he saw me before announcing in a husky voice.

“Ms. Wright, the Wellingtons have arrived.”

My mood changed the moment I heard that. My smile deepened into a satisfying one, and I whispered in response.

“I’ll be downstairs in five minutes.”

I needed a few more time to breathe properly before facing the whole crowd. Tonight wasn’t just a regular night, it was a night where everybody who’d offended me was going to get their karma.

~

“Mr. and Mrs. Wellington,” I chimed when I saw them in the hall. “Thank you for accepting my invitation.”

Joanna stretched her hand forward first, grinning from ear to ear. “We’re so happy that you invited us.”

“Thanks once again, Ms. Wright,” Adrian chipped in from behind. “And congratulations on the inauguration.”

I wore a small smile. “Please, I already told you to call me Miranda. At least, until the night is over.”

They nodded, chuckling as I led them to their table. Elliot was with them, and they all took their seats while I instructed the waiters to attend to them.

I gave an instruction to Gia as well. “Get the cake out and make sure nobody cuts it.”

Gia nodded and turned around to do what I’d told her. I returned my attention to Joanna.

“As promised, I left you a cake. More than two slices though because I’m a very generous woman.”

She gave a nervous chuckle. “Seriously, Ms. Wright… you shouldn’t have.”

“Nonsense,” I waved her off as Gia returned seconds later. “Come on, Mrs. Wellington, let’s get you your cake, shall we?”

I caught the nervous glance she exchanged with Adrian. His expression hardened, but he couldn’t say anything. Joanna stood up reluctantly, and I stretched my hand forward to hold her.

Staring around the space, Joanna appeared uncomfortable and self conscious. And for the first time since I knew her, she was scared and nervous.

“There are so many people watching,” she murmured. “Can I just stay back while your assistant brings the cake to me?”

“You don’t have to be nervous, Joanna,” I coerced her. “Besides, you’re not doing anything wrong. You’re with me, okay?”

She gave a subtle nod. Without her knowledge, I gave a signal to the guy handling the livestream in a corner, and he understood perfectly what I meant.

We were a few steps away from the twelve-layers cake when someone bumped into Joanna as planned. She staggered forward and crashed directly into the cake.

Whispers erupted as people started pointing at her. I smiled silently, sending another appreciative signal to the woman who’d done the job.

Joanna pulled out her face and had the cake’s icing all over her skin. I feigned a frown to act like I was sorry.

“Oh my goodness, Mrs. Wellington,” I reached for her wrist and gasped softly. “I’m so sorry.”

She brushed off the icing with her fingers as her body trembled. Joanna stared around the hall, her face covered in embarrassment.

“I… I need to… get this off my face.”

“Sure,” I beckoned at Gia. “Please get Mrs. Wellington a towel.”

Glancing at Adrian, his eyes narrowed at his wife, and I saw the anger that glinted in his eyes.

I smiled, staring as the cameras captured every moment. Someone stepped onto the main stage and a loud voice came from the microphone.

It was my manager, Ryan Stones.

“Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to one of the biggest events in the city. We all know why we’re here, don’t we?”

A few people answered but I kept my eyes on Joanna. Gia had returned with a towel, and was assisting her to wipe off the icing that clung to her skin.

“Are you good, Mrs. Wellington?” I asked. “It’s a bad thing you didn’t get to taste the cake properly.”

“Maybe some other time,” she swallowed hard. “I need to get back to my seat now, if you don’t mind.”

“Sure.”

She walked away briskly and through the soft music playing in the background, I watched her argue with Adrian as she returned to him.

Trouble in paradise so soon? I laughed quietly to myself. The night had only begun.

“Let’s welcome the new owner of ADC corporations,” Ryan announced, his eyes fixed on me. “Ms. Miranda Wright.”

People clapped as I walked towards the stage. Through the corners of my eyes, I saw how Adrian and Joanna froze after hearing the announcement.

ADC corporations was Adrian’s company. My newest launch and the same one I’d purchased under another identity.

“She bought the company?” Joanna asked, staggering backwards in shock. “What?”

“I can’t believe this,” Adrian added, dragging his palms over his face.

I got to the stage and straightened the microphone. All eyes were on me, and I exhaled deeply before continuing.

This was it.

This was the part where I revealed my true identity and moved to the next phase of my plan.

“Good evening everyone,” I said. “Thank you for coming to my event and for joining me tonight.”

People clapped hard and I grinned. Adrian and Joanna’s eyes were fixed on me, and they refused to look away.

“As announced,” I continued. “ADC corporations is my newest launch, but that’s not all the surprise I have for you all today. Everyone knows me as Miranda Wright, but… here’s my real name…”

The cameras were in my face as I stared at the Wellingtons. My smile grew wider, and without wasting another second, I murmured.

“I’m actually Miranda Keyes.”