Chapter 4

Serena’s POV 

“Yes,” I said. “I agree.”

I nodded, my mind already calculating how quickly I could pay off the loan sharks.

Dr. Kane gently pushed the folder to me and opened a pen, placing it right in front of me. “This is the contract. It shows the medical procedures, your responsibilities, and the payment terms. I’ll go over the important parts, but you can take your time to review it as well.”

I found myself nodding to everything he said. He pointed to a few paragraphs, explaining the payment schedule, the confidentiality clause, and the medical commitments. I was so focused on the parts he highlighted that I barely glanced at the rest.

“Are you satisfied with everything, Miss?” He asked, holding my gaze. 

“Yes,” I said quickly.

“Excellent. Then we just need your signature here… and here… and initial here.”

I signed exactly where he pointed and kept thinking of one thing. My freedom from those men. 

When I finished, he smiled, closing the folder and placing it neatly on the desk. “Welcome onboard, Miss Serena. We’ll begin the medical preparations next week.”

I exhaled slowly, feeling a weight lift from my shoulders. For the first time in days, I could breathe without panicking. 

As I stood to leave, Dr. Kane handed me a plain white envelope. “This is the initial payment. I understand you have urgent matters to settle. Do consider this a gesture of good faith from our side.”

I opened it just enough to see the cheque signed in my name and my knees felt weak. 

“Thank you,” I murmured and walked out of the office. 

~

That afternoon, I ran to the bank and transferred the money to my account. 

I sighed in relief, knowing I had the complete amount. All I needed to do was give them everything when they came over. 

I returned home happy. Maria met me at the door, her eyes widening when she saw my expression.

“Did you…?” she began.

“Yes,” I said simply. “It’s handled.”

I didn’t tell her the details. Some things were better left unspoken.

The next morning, I called the loan sharks. My voice didn’t tremble this time. “I have your money. All of it.”

There was silence on the other end, then a low laugh. “We’ll be there in an hour.”

When they arrived, I didn’t invite them inside. I walked out and wrote them a cheque. 

 The tallest one looked at the cheque and smiled. Then he gave a short nod. “Looks like we’re done here… for now.”

He wished. There was never a now. I closed the door the moment they walked off the porch. My hands shook as I locked it behind them, but my chest felt lighter.

I had paid them everything. I was free. 

For the first time since my father’s death, the shadow over me began to fade.

“Good riddance,” I hissed. 

A Week Later: 

My life was starting to look nice, but there were still issues with the company. The board members fired almost everyone and fought on who would be the new Chairman.  

I sat there watching them, and when I tried to assert my dominance, they silenced me. 

“We can't give you the company just because you're his daughter. So what if you have the same blood?” One of the executives lashed out. 

“She knows nothing about the company. Isn't she used to partying and shopping?” Another joined. 

“This is for mature people, not idle minds. We won't be in support of your ascension. You have never worked here and just because your father owns this company means you get to have it too. It's not for waste!”

I blinked, my hand squeezing my suit skirt as I hadn't expected any of this to happen. Uncle Gabriel had warned that they would be brutal, but not in a million years did I expect this. 

They were right. I knew nothing about Dad's work. I had been spoiled rotten and never saw the need for it until Dad was ready to retire. 

“All in favour of Mrs. Serena Vale being the new Chairman of Vales Global Holdings raise your hand!” A middle aged woman in glasses spoke. 

I dared to look around and saw no one had raised their hand in my favour except uncle Gabriel. 

He smiled at me and I returned a weak smile. 

“I know she's your niece but the company will not sacrifice its hard work to a child,” the woman announced. I took it, she was the C.E.O because everyone seemed to respect her the most. 

“You haven't given her a chance,” Uncle Gabriel spoke calmly. 

An older man spoke. “We don't take foolish chances. The former Chairman was kind hearted and hardworking. But his kind heart almost drove us into bankruptcy.”

“We want efficiency not mistakes. The board will have a vote among ourselves next month to appoint our new chairman,” the woman announced and the rest nodded. 

“Grace, isn't that too much?” Uncle Gabriel complained. 

“No, as the chief executive officer. It is my duty to make sure this company survives. And I am ready to go any lengths to ensure that,” she announced. 

“But…” Uncle Gabriel argued, and she cut him off with her hand. 

“That's enough for today. The meeting is dismissed,” she said and everyone stood. 

I had my face in my hands as they walked out. I felt a soft hand rub my shoulder and I looked up to see Uncle Gabriel smiling warmly at me. 

“Don't listen to her. She's always been a bitch.”

I nodded, trying to get hope, but I knew it deep in my heart. I was screwed. Grace wasn't going to make it easy for me to get the company. 

So, I had to act fast. “Let's go home,” Uncle Gabriel breathed. 

He turned to leave, and I held his hand, stopping him. He turned to face me, surprised and I blurted out. “ Please, take the company. I trust you.”

“What?” He asked, startled.