CHAPTER 6

CHAPTER 6

HEAVEN

The sound from my phone woke me the next morning. Groaning, I reached for it and without checking who it was, I picked up the call and placed the phone by my ear.

"Hmm," I answered the call groggily.

"Don't tell me you're still in bed?" Jenna shouted from the other end, almost breaking my eardrums.

Quickly, I moved the phone away from my ears and glanced at the call. My eyes widened upon realising it was morning already and I was going to be late. Instantly, I threw the duvet off my body and rushed to the bathroom.

"You have a meeting in the next one hour. I'm coming over now," Jenna yelled through the phone.

"I'll be ready before you arrive." Not waiting for her to respond, I ended the call and picked up my toothbrush and toothpaste.

I had an investors meeting that morning and I couldn't afford to be late. Not when it was literally a competition.

I ended up sleeping late last night due to Amy's drama. After threatening to leave the house, everyone had to beg and persuade her not to leave. The only way she agreed to stay was because she insisted I didn't get in her way anymore or rub it on her face that I was more successful or the favorite child. She made the whole thing sound like our parents have been neglecting her ever since I returned so she made them promise to favor her more which was really childish in my opinion.

I mean, Amy was twenty seven. She had literally been living with my parents for as long as that. They had adopted her just a few days after she was dropped in the orphanage so they raised and nurtured her. They watched her grow and showered her with so much love unlike me. Thankfully, I didn't grow up an orphan, either. 

I mean, I never had an idea that my parents weren't my biological parents. I only found out because of Kyle who noticed my birthmark and bracelet and informed his aunt. It had been hard for me to accept that the parents I knew growing up had found me in the water. Actually, Dad had caught me thinking he caught a fish. So, it was really hard to adapt or choose between both parents. Thankfully, we were all living together as one big happy family now.

Due to Amy's drama, my kids had missed their bed time so I had to read to them before they eventually drifted off. The day and night had been so draining so I ended up sleeping past the clock.

Rushing out of the bathroom a few minutes later, I headed to the closet. Thankfully, the first outfit I set my eyes on was suitable for the presentation. 

A couple of minutes later, I was fully ready so I took one last look at myself in the mirror before Jenna's message came in informing me about her arrival. Grabbing my bag, I hurried out of the room. I still had about twenty minutes to go, and even though the meeting point was somehow far, I should still be able to get there on time.

"Heaven," Mom Helen, who was flipping through a magazine, greeted as soon as I got to the living room. 

"Good morning Mom." I bent down to hug her the same time Mom Clara stepped out of the kitchen with the kids fully dressed for school. I was grateful for Mom Clara always taking it upon herself to get the kids ready for school. Actually, she had refused us getting a nanny since and had decided to take on the job herself without any pay. 

My mother wouldn't possibly allow me to pay her for taking care of her grandchildren. Mom Helen on the other hand always got up early to support Mom Clara and even though she couldn't walk or move around that much, she always ensured Mom Helen wasn't the only one waking up early to put things in order.

"Mommy," my kids shouted as they rushed to me.

"Good morning, sweethearts," I greeted, stopping them from jumping on me since I was wearing white so I only bent down to kiss them.

"Anyway, I have to get going."

"No breakfast?" My mothers questioned in unison and I shook my head.

"I have a meeting and I'm late already." I made my way to the entrance before they could convince me to have some tea or a slice of bread before leaving.

____________

Stepping into the gleaming conference room of Hi-spring Towers, Kyle's five star hotel, I felt the weight of a dozen gazes settle on me. Of course, they had all arrived before me even though I was only a minute late. 

"Good morning everyone. I apologize for coming late," I started as I walked with quiet confidence to the empty chair, my heels clicking against the marble floor. 

They were investors that decided the future of billion-dollar companies, they make or break brands. And today, Vallore and Belmont were in a direct competition for a multi million dollar deal. Of course, Atlas had no idea I was coming. 

He probably thought his company was the only one that stood a chance with the deal since other companies competing were much smaller ones. And since the deal had actually been pitched to their company before others got wind of it, I had to jump into it knowing how beneficial it would be for Vallore but mostly to show Atlas I was really back for him.

Settling on the swirling chair, the moment I raised my head, the air shifted and my eyes met with Atlas's sharp ice blue eyes. His eyes locked into mine, and for a second, I saw raw shock flicker across his face before he masked it with that same arrogant confidence and nonchalance I despised. He must think we weren't a competition to them. The fact that he was looking down on us just annoyed me.

"Heaven," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.

I smiled, smooth and unreadable. "Surprised to see me, Atlas?" 

His jaw ticked. "You’re competing for this deal?"

I tilted my head. "This is a deal for everyone."

He bobbed his head and I smirked at him. The tension between us was thick and obviously noticeable among the other competitors but thankfully, the investors arrived, and the meeting began.

______

For about two hours, we presented. Numbers, projections, innovations. Vallore had been leading in online luxury sales, while Belmont relied on tradition and exclusivity. We each took turns making our case, and I knew I was winning when I saw the way the investors leaned in every time I spoke.

It was literally a competition between Vallore and Belmont, other brands were just present as the audience. With the way we tackled each other, one would think we were in a debate or some sort.

Then came the final vote.

The lead investor stood. "After careful consideration, we’ve decided to award the investment to—" He paused, dragging out the tension.

I didn’t blink. I was confident in myself.

"Vallore."

Of course. I rose to my feet, confidence and elegance oozing off my body. I was the image of success.

The room erupted in polite applause, but I didn’t miss the way Atlas stiffened opposite me. The expression on his face was a mix of disbelief, frustration and something else and when our eyes met, he quickly masked it causing me to chuckle softly. His look was just so priceless and it fueled my drive. 

Victory tastes sweet.

The meeting ended and everyone started leaving the room. I was gathering my things, rising to leave when I heard the sound of hurried footsteps approaching me. I needed no seer to tell me it was Atlas.

"Heaven, wait."

I sighed, pausing but not turning. "What is it, Atlas?"

He moved to stand in front of me, blocking my path. "We need to talk."

I rolled my eyes.

"I don’t think we do." I stepped aside, but he followed.

He exhaled sharply, his voice dropping. "I saw the lawsuit."

A laughter threatened to escape my mouth. I didn't know Ethan was that diligent with his work. It was nice to know he had sent it to him first thing in the morning. Waking up to such news would be great for Atlas, right? 

"Good."

His brows furrowed.

"Heaven—" His fingers raked through his dark hair, frustration bleeding into his features. "Is this really necessary?"

I folded my arms. "What do you think?"

"Heaven, it shouldn't get to this extent. I don't know why you're doing this but it's not necessary."

I let out a scoff.

"You didn’t think fairness was necessary when you divorced me out of nowhere with nothing, so why does it matter now?"

He let out a sigh but I wasn't interested in his remorse.

"I know I messed up," he admitted, his voice strained. "I should have fought for us. I should have—"

I let out a loud chuckle. Goo

"You should have done a lot of things," I cut in coldly.

His hand reached for mine, but I pulled away.

"I realised what I lost after you left," he confessed, voice rough. "I—"

I scoffed. "That is none of my business. Get out of my way!" 

I made to side step him but he grabbed my wrist and pulled me close. And before I could react, he leaned in—his lips brushing against mine in a desperate, reckless move.

Fury exploded in my chest.

I raised my hand and slapped him, the sharp sound echoing through the hallway.

Atlas staggered back, shock flashing across his face.

"Don’t you ever touch me again," I said, my voice low, dangerous.

Then, without another glance, I turned and walked away.