Chapter 012

12.

Samantha folded her arms with a smirk. “Hi, Bianca.” she called with a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.

“What are you doing here?” Bianca asked again.

“Last time I checked, this company doesn't belong to the Sullivans, does it? So I don't think you have the right to ask me that question, baby girl,” she drawled, the smile on her face remained unfaltering.

Bianca was about to answer, but Samantha raised her palm to stop her. “Save your explanations for those who want to hear it. You can step out now so I can go in.”

Bianca balled her fists. She felt like Samantha was behaving like a god and even though the fate of their company was in her hands, she wasn't going to allow Samantha to control her.

“You!” she seethed, her expression hardening. “You're so rude and pompous. Do you think the world rests on your shoulders?”

Samantha chuckled. “Yes, I do.” she replied, causing Bianca to boil in anger.

“You're just an illegitimate child. You aren't even Mr. Salvador's real daughter, and you have the guts to raise your shoulders and talk back at me.” she snapped, doing everything in her power to get on Samantha's nerves.

“Why are you pained, dear Bianca? Are you angry that this illegitimate child is more responsible than you? Just admit that you're jealous and scared. Stop hiding your fear. If you're humble enough to beg, I might take it easy on you.” Samantha smirked and Bianca became furious.

“This is the reason Nathan chose me over you!” she snapped, knowing that bringing Samantha's ex-husband into this would make her win the argument. “He deemed you as incapable and had to go for someone better and that was me. Have you forgotten how I slapped and threw you out of the house?” she asked, her voice laced with venom, aimed at Samantha's ego.

Samantha knew Bianca was trying to get to her, but she wasn't going to allow that to happen. Nathan was her past, and she wasn't going to allow anything about him to disturb her anymore.

She looked up at Bianca, her eyes flashing with a hint of anger, but her voice remained calm and collected. “You know, Bianca, I'm surprised you would stoop so low as to bring up my ex-husband, but I suppose that's what happens when you're desperate and have nothing else to cling to. Nathan chose you, did he? Well, congratulations, sweetheart. You won the prize of being with a man who was emotionally and physically abusive. I'm sure that's exactly what you wanted—to be with someone who made you feel small and insignificant.

But let me tell you, Bianca, I'm not that same woman anymore. I'm not the vulnerable, naive girl I used to be. I'm stronger, wiser, and more powerful than ever before. And you know what? I'm not even going to dignify your comment with a response. You can keep trying to get under my skin, but it won't work. I am not scared of you, so if you think you can run this race by playing dirty with me, be my guest.”

With that, Samantha turned on her heel and walked into the elevator, leaving Bianca seething with anger and frustration. She knew she had won this round, and she was determined to keep it that way. She wasn't going to let Bianca or anyone else bring her down again. She had had enough and had vowed to repay them for what they had done to her.

Bianca couldn't control her anger. She had tried to deal with Samantha, but the lady had gotten back at her. All she had to do was make sure Samantha swallowed her words, and she would definitely make sure of that.

She scoffed and walked away too as she made her way to Mrs. Thompson's office. She knew Samantha had come to strike a business deal with Mrs. Thompson, and knowing how tough of a woman Mrs. Thompson was, she was certain that Samantha hadn't won her heart.

This was her chance to do it and make her father proud as well. She walked into Mrs. Thompson's office and greeted the woman with a slight bow.

“If you're here for a business deal, sorry, but I already have a partner.” Mrs. Thompson spoke up, her face buried in the files she was working on.

Bianca blinked. “Huh? But you asked me to come today.” she said, her expression turning sad. She had come to meet Mrs. Thompson the previous day, and wasn't able to answer most of the questions the woman asked her. The woman had gotten angry and sent her out, asking her to return when she had gotten the answers. She couldn't believe Mrs. Thompson found someone else already. How was that even possible?

Mrs. Thompson looked up from what she was doing. “I told you to come back after pulling yourself together. But you're late. A lady just left here a few minutes ago. She impressed me and is the one I'm willing to work with.”

Bianca needed no one to tell her that the lady was Samantha. “Samantha,” she seethed, her fists tightening. How on earth was Samantha able to convince the almighty Mrs. Thompson in one attempt? “But, ma'am, it isn't fair.”

“This is business, Ms. Sullivan,” Mrs. Thompson replied, her voice firm. “Fairness doesn't exist here. Only the strongest and most capable survive. And from what I've seen, Samantha has proven herself to be a formidable businesswoman. You, on the other hand, still have a lot to learn.” she returned her attention to her files. She wasn't one to mince words, if she's said it, she's said it, and there was nothing anyone could do about it.

Bianca felt anger and frustration course through her veins, but she knew better than to lash out at Mrs. Thompson. She took a deep breath and tried to compose herself. “I understand, ma'am. But please give me another chance. I'll do anything to prove myself.” she clasped her hand together, hoping that the woman would reconsider.

Mrs. Thompson looked at her with an annoyed expression on her face. "I'm afraid it's too late for that, Bianca. Samantha has already secured the deal, and I'm not one to go back on my word. But don't worry, there will be other opportunities in the future. Just make sure you're better prepared next time.”

Bianca nodded, her mind racing with thoughts of revenge and determination. She would not let Samantha get the best of her. She would come back stronger, and next time, she would be the one on top.

She stormed out of the company and saw Samantha about to get into her car. She rushed to where Samantha was and slammed the car door shut, missing Samantha's hand by a few inches.

Samantha turned to face her, her expression stern. “What do you think you're doing? You almost jammed my hand with the car door!” she snapped.

Bianca scoffed out loud. “That would be wonderful,” she sneered. “If I had actually hit your hand, you would be screaming in agony right now,” Bianca retorted, her eyes blazing with anger. “You think you're so smart, don't you? You think you can just waltz in here and steal everything from me? Well, let me tell you something, Samantha. You may have won this time, but I will be back, and next time, you won't be so lucky.”

Samantha rolled her eyes, unfazed by Bianca's outburst. “You're so predictable, Bianca. You always resort to threats and violence when you don't get your way. It's really quite pathetic.” she clicked her tongue, shaking her head while looking at Bianca pitifully.

Bianca's face turned red with rage, and she took a step closer to Samantha, her fists clenched at her sides. “You're pushing me to the edge, Samantha, and when I finally snap, you'll be the one who's pathetic.”

Samantha chuckled. “I'd love to see you try, Ms. Sullivan. I have always been smarter and more capable than you, that's why you couldn't strike a simple deal with Mrs. Thompson,”

“Shut up!” Bianca snapped.

“Why? Are you affected by the truth?” Samantha laughed. “Truth is always bitter, they say, but allow me tell you another one. You aren't good at this, Bianca. You know nothing about business, the only thing you know how to do is stealing other people's husbands and having them as second hand items.”

“I said shut up!” Bianca yelled and raised her hand to slap Samantha, but Samantha caught it in midair.

“Careful, sweetheart, you wouldn't want to know what will happen if you touch this face or would you?” Samantha smirked, her eyes darkening. “Let me give you a clear warning, Bianca Sullivan, I'm not some pushover or someone you think you can disrespect and go scot-free. If you continue to step on my toes, you'll find out just how capable I am of destroying you. So, I suggest you take a step back, and focus on your own miserable life, instead of trying to ruin mine.” Samantha's voice was cold and menacing, her eyes blazing with a fierce intensity that made Bianca take a step back, despite her anger.

For a moment, the two women stood there, locked in a silent standoff, the air thick with tension. Then, Samantha released Bianca's hand, and turned to get into her car. “Be careful. You're already on my blacklist. Don't make me add more punishments to the ones I already planned.” With that said, she got into the car and drove off, leaving Bianca feeling frustrated and boiling with rage.

Bianca screamed and pulled her hair. She hated Samantha more now.

****

When Samantha got home, she plopped down on the couch and took a deep breath. Bianca's words about Nathan rang in her head and she sighed.

She crossed her legs, tapping her feet continuously. Because she had been silent doesn't mean she was lenient, she was going to deal with them in a very ruthless and merciless way. She was going to make sure they pleaded at her feet for mercy.

“Daughter,”

Samantha turned to see her father and covered her restlessness with a smile. “Dad.” she beamed at him as he alighted the stairs and took a seat beside her.

“Are you okay? You look pissed.” he shifted her hair from her face to get a closer look at her.

“No, I'm fine, Dad. Just some mere issues but I will sort them out. You don't have to worry about me.” she answered. She wanted to handle Nathan and Bianca by herself. This was her personal battle. Bringing her father into it wouldn't do any good. Besides, she wasn’t some weak daddy girl.

Mr. Ray nodded, knowing how capable she was. “How did the meeting go?”

She smiled at him. “It went well. I met Mr. Johnson first. He seemed tough, but I was able to convince him. After that, I met with Mrs. Thompson and was able to impress her and get her support as well. Both are on our side, so it's a good thing.” she said, and Mr. Ray smiled, nodding his head.

“You did well. Those two are the toughest nuts to crack in this city, and you were able to win them over in just one attempt. You amaze me.” he chuckled.

“I learned from the best. You groomed me right from when I was a child and taught me all these things-”

“Then you ran away with a man and became a punching bag, and then you were thrown out, and came back here for solace. Bravo!” Estella cut in as she descended the stairs.

Samantha stood to her feet, but her father held her to stop her from talking.

“Estella, you shouldn't say things like that. You have no idea what she went through there.” Mr. Ray defended but Estella only snorted.

“Typical Dad, always supporting and defending her. She should have known what she was getting herself into when she eloped with a broke ass idiot!” she snapped but Samantha only scoffed.

She slowly pulled her hand away from her dad's grip and walked to where Estella stood, her expression calm and composed. “He deserved that insult from you, big sis. He is a broke ass idiot, like you said, which means I am way out of his league now. Would you like to rent him? I'm sure you two are a perfect match.”

Estella's eyes widened. “You…” she became speechless.

Samantha snickered. “I'll be in my room, father. Smoke is literally oozing out of Estella's head right now, and I don't want to perceive the stench.” she chuckled and walked up the stairs.

Estella looked at her father. “Dad, she just insulted me, and you said nothing?” she fumed.

Mr. Ray stood up. “Respect is reciprocal.” he patted her shoulder and left as well, leaving her to digest the meaning of what he said.