CHAPTER ONE

-Ace –

I checked the time on my watch and tapped my finger on it impatiently. I have a meeting booked today with the Stanleys.

I sighed, staring at the large office. It’s my home office, the place it all began before I was given the title of CEO, although no one would believe that. Everyone thinks I put my old man and siblings in coma just to be number one. I did nothing to clear the rumours because it could be true. A smile formed on my face. My cruel nature makes me feared and I love it.

I sipped out of my half full champagne flute and ran my eyes on some papers. “Lorelei Stanley.” I read while looking at the small head photo of hers on the side of the page which has her basic information. The one lady who had the guts to challenge me in a party held in my honour. I drank from my glass again, not taking my eyes off the page.

I’ve been studying her since that incident three months ago. When she made a fool of herself in my party. Rather, a fool of me. My jaw tightened and I dropped the file on my desk, staring at nothing in particular. It was a masked dinner party but my initials were printed on the collar of my suit jacket, everyone knew who I was so her actions weren’t justified. It’s intriguing though. For a young adult with wealthy parents to struggle with her small pharmacy business. She’s poor.

Yet her mouth runs faster than her income.

I sighed, taking a deep breath while rolling myself in the chair. It’s been three months since that encounter yet I’m still pissed. I haven’t been able to focus on one thing without that girl popping in my head and I’ll make sure she gets every bit of revenge coming to her. Starting with this meeting I organised with her parents.

Someone knocked on my door, intruding my thoughts.

“Come in.” I said icily with a bland expression on my face.

My personal body guard walked in. “They’re here. Mister and Mrs Stanley.”

A half smile crept on my lips. “Serve them appetizers. I’ll be down in a minute.” I said to him and he bowed before walking out of the door. I drowned the contents in my flute completely and stood up. My fingers fisted my tie, arranging it as I stared at myself dressed formally in the mirror.

I love that no one dares to counter my wishes. I love how uncomfortable and guarded they are when they’re in my presence. I love that they’re phased with fear. I love when adults look like they want to pee themselves to death. And I’m going to play the ruthless card today in the meeting.

I cleared my throat and walked out of my room. There’s an elevator at the end of the corridor but I feel like exercising my legs today. I descended down the stares steadily, sighting the heads of the couple. With every step I took, the more I could behold their figures. The man turned to face me when I was on the last step and stood. He looks agitated and I love it.

“A pleasure to meet you Ace. You can’t imagine the delight when I received the mail that you wanted us to dine with you.” He said and stretched his hand out for a shake, chuckling lightly. I looked at it. I don’t know if I’m wearing my ‘I want to be acquainted with you’ face or this man is just clueless.

I walked past him and sat on the single sofa opposite him. “Sit.” I said and he obeyed. Just immediately, Martha walked up to us. She’s the head of my maids. Aligned behind her are the kitchen servants holding out covered trays of dishes. She called the names of each meal before presenting it to us on the center table. The girls walked away. “Please enjoy, young master.” She said and served me then walked away. It’s my policy. My maids are not supposed to be friendly or build relationships with guests. Nor are they meant to tolerate shit from anyone. It’s why I have them here. To be mine and mine alone. Plus, shyness is something I abhor.

“Please, let’s dine together.” I said with a smile, pointing my hand at the table were the meal was set. Richard eyed me carefully. His timid reaction proved he wanted to know I was certain. I’m not a jester but the man is a smart man. Which is why I find it stupid that he has a child he physically and mentally abuses.

I took a bite from my dish. It’s just fruit salad. I don’t want to eat anything heavy right now. I watched Richard and his wife feed themselves and waited.

This is taking a whole damn time but I have something to propose. Something dire. I dropped my half full saucer on the glass table by my side and crossed my legs. My elbow leaned on the chair stand while the other rested on my thigh. This is disgusting. I thought, irritated. I have no idea why, but seeing them dine is making me sick.

Richard fed his wife with juice then himself and cleared his throat.

“I assume you’re done?” I asked with a forced smile.

“Yes. The meal was good. Thank you.”

“My pleasure.” I said distastefully. I don’t know if it was obvious in my tone but I hope it was.

“Marco.” I called, waving my fingers and my body guard arrived, strolling from behind with a suitcase. I eyed Richard as he looked confused. “Open it.” Marco did as I requested and pointed the suitcase to them. Mrs Stanley’s eyes widened.

“What is this for? If I may ask.”

I’m glad she did. “My price.” I said with a grin. “That’s two million dollars. If you want more, I will make it available. I want to buy your daughter.”

Richard looked upset. “What kind of insult is this Ace?”

“It’s Master Ace to you.” I corrected and leaned forward. “And Richard, I wasn’t proposing. It’s non negotiable.”

His brow furrowed. Marco handed him the contract to sign along with incriminating evidence I have to destroy him and everything he worked for.

“Need I say more?” I asked with a smile. I’m being generous. Because of his refusal I’m meant to reduce the price but I won’t.

He took the pen from Marco and asked him to show him where to sign. He signed. A satisfied grin formed on my face. It’s his least favourite child after all so he shouldn’t feel bad. I saved him the horror.

Marco took it from him and handed it to me. I signed and gave him back the document. “I’ll have a printed copy given to you by the end of the day.”

Richard’s wife squeezed his thighs. Is that some form of consolement? My jaw tightened. They don’t even like her. This pretense is making me mad. “Don’t look so pitifully Elaine.” I said to her and she shot her face up.

“Eh?”

“This fake act. Drop it. We both know you’re more than happy to discard her. You’re not her mother after all and I know what you do. Both of you.” I stared at them. Richard is the girl’s father so he’s the fool. “Imagine the years you’d spend in jail when it’s out.”

Her facial expression changed. She shot an icy look at me. There’s nothing she can do about it but hate me from a distance. “Bring my betrothed to me on Friday. We shall wed next week Thursday.” I stood then they did. “And none of you are invited.” I said with a smile. “Escort them out Marco. Call the fumigator later. My house has been infested by pests.” I meant them. I walked back upstairs to my office to think.

Lorelei Stanley. I will make you pay, even if it kills me.