NEW COMPANY

For the first time in what felt like forever, I was doing something that I would consider normal.

There were no cameras around me or chaos, just me having lunch with my mom.

I pulled up in front of my parent’s house and let out a slow exhale before stepping out of my new luxury car. The engine purred silently behind me, and it was smooth and expensive in a way I still hadn’t gotten used to.

And apparently, neither had my parents. The door opened before I could knock.

“Vera!” My mom squealed and pulled me into a tight hug so quickly that I was beginning to suspect that she had been hiding behind the door.

“You look different and stunning,” my mom pulled back as she began to carefully scan me.

I smiled faintly and hugged her back, “That’s because everything is different now.”

Her brows furrowed instantly, but she quickly rushed back inside, picked up her purse and immediately led me out of the house. I didn’t ask where dad was, I already knew he was at work.

My mom didn’t speak much as I led her towards my car, but I could feel the questions sitting right on her tongue.

I opened the door for her, and waited till she was settled in before I walked over to the driver’s side and got in.

“So,” My mom asked as she turned to face me, “Where are we going to eat?”

I flashed her a smile, “It’s a surprise,”

She chuckled just as I started the engine and drove out into the street. The drive to the restaurant was easy and freeing. I spent the entire ride talking about little things at first. From my mom’s new favorite meal, to the neighbors pestering her and even a random argument she had with one of her sisters.

I laughed when needed and smiled when she started cursing out her noisy neighbors.

It was only when we were getting to the tail end of the ride that my mom suddenly got serious,

“So,” she turned to face me, “What exactly are you doing now?”

I glanced at her with furrowed brows, “What do you mean, mom?”

“I know you are married and all,” My mom said, obviously hesitating, “But what does that make you? What is your life like now?”

I kept silent because we had reached our destination. It was only when I pulled into the parking lot of the restaurant and turned off the engine that I turned to face her.

“If you had asked me yesterday, I would have said I was still figuring it out,” I started, “But I had a conversation with Sylas today and we have both decided on the best spot for me. I have been assigned as the C.E.O of one of his companies.”

My mom’s brows furrowed. “Wait what?”

I stepped out of the car and she followed,

“What company?” she asked as we walked inside the restaurant and were quickly chaperoned to the top floor.

Once again, I only answered her when we were seated and had placed our order.

“My former company,” I said calmly, “Vault Incorporated.”

She blinked, and her mouth opened slightly before closing back, “The one that fired you?”

I nodded and smiled, “I had no idea either that he owned Vault.”

Her confusion deepened, “And he just gave it to you?”

“Not gave,” I corrected, “I asked for it. Because I need something to do. I am going to be running and rebuilding the company. And this time, it is going to be on my terms.”

Something shifted in my mom’s expression. It took me a second to recognize that it was pride mixed with worry.

“That’s…” she exhaled, shaking her head slightly, “That’s a lot, Vera.”

“I know.”

“And you can handle it?”

I held her gaze.

“Yes.” And this time, there was no hesitation in my voice.

Our meal was served soon after, and we moved away from how I got my new job to talking about everything else. I talked about what I wanted to change in the company, the people I was going to change and the new policies I was going to implement.

“I am not going back as the girl whom they dismissed,” I said as I picked up my food thoughtfully, “I am going back as their leader.”

My mom stared at me for a second before breaking into a huge smile, “That’s my daughter.”

I nodded, my lips parted, but just before I could speak, a shadow fell over our table.

“Vera.” My name was spoken with so much spite within it that I immediately knew who it was.

I let out a sigh before lifting my gaze, and standing right in front of us was Lyra, and beside her, Evan.

My mom stiffened immediately beside me, her eyes narrowed as she stared at Evan.

“You,” she said sharply,

Evan flinched slightly, “Ma’am—”

“You have a lot of nerve showing up here,” my mom cut him off, and I could see anger beginning to build up within her,

Lyra, however, looked absolutely delighted.

“Oh wow,” she smiled mockingly, “Did we interrupt the little family reunion?”

I did not react nor did I rise to whatever level she was.

Instead, I calmly reached for my glass of water and took a sip.

Lyra’s smile faltered at my lack of extreme reaction. Then, she doubled down on her words,

“You really think you’ve won, don’t you?” she continued, her voice rising just enough to draw attention, “Running around with your billionaire husband like you didn’t stab your way to the top—”

I raised a single finger, not at her though, but at the waiter.

He was already watching and the moment he saw my finger, he approached us.

“Yes, ma’am?”

I didn’t even look at Lyra.

“Have them removed,” I said calmly. “Now.”

Silence descended on the floor as Lyra blinked,

“Of course ma’am,” the waiter said with a bow,

Two security guards appeared right after and one of them took a step forward with their hands outstretched,

“Ma’am, sir,” one of them said politely but firmly, “We’re going to have to ask you to leave.”

Lyra let out a short, disbelieving laugh. “Are you serious right now?”

“Yes, ma’am.” the guard replied,

Evan looked like he wanted the ground to swallow him. “Lyra, let’s just go,” he muttered under his breath.

“No—” Lyra hissed, anger and rage bubbling up within her.

“Now,” the staff member said, firmer this time.

Lyra’s eyes snapped back at me and they were filled with unfiltered rage.

“You think this means anything?” she snapped as they began to guide her away, “You think this makes you untouchable?”

I finally looked at her, but I frankly didn’t care, and I made sure she saw that in my gaze.

She struggled for a second longer before being dragged away, Evan following with a tight, apologetic glance in my direction.

And just like that, they were gone.

Silence settled over the table again. My mom stared at me. I picked up my fork, took another bite, then glanced up at her like nothing had happened.

“So,” I said calmly, “Where were we?”

She blinked.

“…Your company.”

“Right,” I nodded, dabbing my lips lightly with a napkin, “I was thinking of restructuring the entire management team first.”

And just like that, we continued, like the obstruction didn’t happen.

And quite frankly, to me, it didn’t.