Chapter 7

Nadia’s POV

I wanted to say I was shocked, but I wasn’t.

Simone had always thought she knew better than everyone else, and the reality that I wasn’t some church mouse with no family backing was clearly difficult for her to accept.

She however had taken a step too far because I knew my family had my back now… and they weren’t going to let this disrespect stand.

I could hear the sharp intake of breath echoed from several executives.

My father’s face darkened instantly… I didn't even turn to stare at my brothers because I knew their expressions definitely mirrored his.

“Simone!” Damian barked, his voice echoed through the room. “Be quiet.”

The other executive began whispering, although not directly pointing their hands at me, but I could tell some were already swayed by what Simone had said.

Even my father looked too angry to speak.

I, however, found myself chuckling, drawing everyone’s attention.

Simone narrowed her eyes.

“What are you laughing at? Scared I clocked your shit so fast?!”

I shook my head.

“You.”

Her expression darkened.

“Me?”

“Yes.” I took a step forward, “Because it must be so embarrassing that after all you have heard you’d believe that I slept onto my FAMILY? And you’re making a fool of yourself in front of an entire board.”

A few people shifted uncomfortably in their seats.

Before she could respond, Eli stepped forward.

His expression was now murderous.

“How dare you?” It was funny hospice was a construct from the look on his face, “You accuse my sister of sleeping with her own father?”

Only then did realization dawn on Simone’s face.

Eli wasn’t done, “Security.”

The single word echoed throughout the boardroom and the doors immediately opened almost immediately.

Two security guards entered.

“Remove her.” He ordered angrily.

The guards moved without hesitation.

Simone let out a shriek, “WHAT?!”

“Eli! You can't do this to me!”

The guards grabbed her hands tightly as she struggled furiously.

“Let me go!” She shouted as the men dragged her away. “Don’t fucking touch me you asholes!”

My voice stopped everyone.

“Wait.” 

Eli turned to me with a flash of disbelief in his eyes, 

“Nadia.” 

Ignoring him, I walked forward towards her and she must have gotten too corky because she smirked.

“See? Even she knows that you’re overreacting.”

I stopped directly in front of her with a smile.

“Let her stay.”

The smile vanished from Simone’s face.

“What?”

I ignored her and turned back to face everyone starting at me with curiousity.

“Does anyone object?”

Silence.

No one said a word.

I nodded once.

“Good.”

Then I slowly walked to the center of the boardroom.

Every eye followed me which was a foreign feeling.

For years, I had stood behind Damian and had introduced myself as his wife or as Isabella’s and Lucas’s stepmother.

Now… I wasn’t any of that anymore.

I lifted my chin as I faced them.

“My name is Nadia Holt, no longer Damien’s wife.” I paused making sure they got the drift.

I paused.

“A shareholder of the Holt Group.”

My gaze swept across the room before settling on Simone.

“Despite your absurd accusations, I am Gerald Holt’s daughter and the future executive of this company.”

For the first time all afternoon, Simone’s confidence cracked and she looked nervous.

I had never spoken back at her before.

I turned toward Damian.

There was shock still written glaringly on her face and then something that looked suspiciously like regret.

I wasn’t sure but…

“Nadia…” he called out quietly.

All I could see staring at him was the man that had always dismissed my every attempt I had made to prove myself to him.

Every time I had brought myself down so his ex-wife could comfortably sit in my place.

If he didn’t love me, what had he married me then?

His voice sounded strained.

“Why?”

I raised an eyebrow, “Why what Damien?” I seethed, feeling as the negative emotions from the memories fill me up.

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

A bitter laugh escaped me.

“You really want to ask me that? And here?”

His jaw tightened and this son is a bitch had the audacity to look guilty.

“You never told me who you were; you lied to me all this year we've been together.” Damian said with a cold stare at me.

“Lie?”

The irony was almost laughable.

I stared at him hoping to seee someone… a glimpse of the man I had fallen in love with all table years ago but it wants there.

All I saw was a man mad that he had missed the fact thag I was heiress.

I shook my head.

“No, Damian, we’re not doing that.”

His expression darkened.

“Nadia…”

I interrupted him, “You lied first.”

The room fell silent once again.

I pointed directly at Simone, “You told me your relationship with her was over and yet after all these years, you brought her here as your wife.”

His mouth opened and then closed because he e couldn’t deny it.

Simone immediately stepped forward, all dismissive.

“Oh please, stop acting like you are some kind of victim.”

I raised my eyebrows.

“You've never done anything for Damian.” She said sharply, the confidence that must have lost was gotten so fast.

I blinked, hoping that this was just a joke.

It wasn’t.

I couldn’t help myself, I just burst into laughter.

Simone frowned, “What is so funny?”

I looked directly at her.

“Is that what he told you?”

She folded her arms and smirked, “You didn’t support him and you don’t babe to coo up likes.”

My smile disappeared.

“When Damian wasn’t home, who took care of his children? Of your children Simone?”

Simone remained silent.

“When he fell into debt, I worked behind the scenes and also helped him? I sold very damn thing I had for I… my HUSBAND and your CHILDREN!”

Nothing.

Several executives exchanged glances.

I turned toward Damian.

“When those investors wanted to pull out of your company because of the stupid decisions you had made? Who convinced them to stay?”

His entire body stiffened.

The silence was deafening.

“I did.”

No one spoke.

“I attended those meetings… I made those calls and negotiated with those investors.”

Each word struck exactly where they were supposed to.

“An now you lol at me and say I did nothing? Since your husband didn’t tell you, I will… Without me, his company would’ve collapsed years ago.”

Damian lowered his head, unable to argue nor meet my eyes.

“I sold my properties you didn’t get me, I sacrificed everything for you.”

My chest tightened as I felt years of hurt threaten to spill over.

“And what did I get in return?”

Neither of them answered.

Because there was no answer.

Only betrayal.

I took a deep breath and turned toward the board.

“As the daughter of Gerald Holt.”

I paused.

“And as the future executive of the Holt Group, I believe it’s time we reconsider our partnership with Damian’s company.”

I could feel my heart pounding as anger filled my mind.

Damian’s face turned even paler than it was already.

“What?” Damian’s head snapped up.

I met his gaze.

“This deal is officially suspended.”

“Nadia, wait…”

“No.”

My voice cut through his.

“I will personally conduct a full investigation into your company’s financial records.”

A cold sweat rolled down his face.

“We’ll decide whether this partnership continues after the investigation is complete.”

The color drained from his face completely.

Because he knew exactly what I would find.

I smiled coldly.

“And if I discover anything illegal…your company is finished.”

This time, Damian looked like he could barely remain standing