Chapter 16
Andera’s pov.
Rosa is waiting for me when I walk into my office, holding two cups of coffee in her hand. Her expression mirrors that of my
employees, who glance up from their workstations with surprise etched on their faces.
In the five months since our company launched, I’ve never been late. But today, I had to tackle mommy duties, sorting out issues with my two little angels, one of whom is now aspiring to be a model. A warm smile spreads across my face.
When I was Tiffany’s age, I couldn’t dare dream of another thing beyond my daily routine. Pa Eugene, though very well-
intentioned, and a good guardian,
he was always strict and had every second of my life planned, leaving no room to play or for friends.
I was meant to go to school, come back home, study, and do the same thing again the next day. And sadly too, life didn’t improve
when I moved in with the Renihardt’s. Only Thane’s father showed me love; the rest family members kept their distance.
Rosa’s frown deepens as she hands me one cup of coffee
“It was the kids, Rosa. “I defend myself
“Don’t you dare blame my munchkins for your tardiness” she chides with a hint of playful scolding.
I hide a smile. Whenever we talk about the kids, Rosa drops all her acting as the perfect, work–focused, official COO and talks to
me normally, as a friend would, which, by the way, is a huge relief.
Fine.” I roll my eyes in mock affirmation.
“You’re lucky it’s your company, or else, you would have been fired by now.”
“Yeah, I’m one lucky woman. Aren’t I?” It is her turn to roll her eyes. Rosa hands me some files as I sit down.
“What is this?”
“We’ve got a new client on board ma’am. The Department of Environmental Conservation. The DEC is seeking our expertise in developing sustainable energy sources for their headquarters. They a transition to renewable energy and reduce carbon footprint.
“Back to the honorifics, Rosa?”
“Yes ma’am.” She replies mechanically.
“This is our fourth client this week. This is good. “I say, scanning the files. Rosa nods in affirmation.
“You’ve been doing a good job here, ma’am. People are bound to notice.”
“Thank you, Rosa. This is a fantastic opportunity for us. What’s the scope of the project?” I inquire.
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“They need us to supply renewable energy sources for three months to power small towns in Washington DC.“. She pauses and
smiles.” This contract could make our company thrive.”
“Indeed, it will. “I read through the file, then something suddenly clicked inside my mind
“What about the logistics? Would we need to provide the necessary infrastructure to support the project?” I asked.
Rosa’s forehead wrinkled, as she let out a short sigh.
“That’s
hat’s where Renihardt’s infrastructure comes in.
My gut twisted at the mention of Thane’s company.
“Isn’t there a way we could take this deal without adding the Renihardt’s infrastructure to it?” Even as I asked the question, I
already knew what the answer would be.
OR
“We can’t do that. The partnership you signed with Thane Renihardt states that they would be the sole source of all the materials
used in implementing our energy sources.
My eyes drop back to the files spread in front of me. This is supposed to be a cause of celebration for me, instead, I feel trapped.
Accepting this deal with the DEC would mean having closer proximity with Thane for the next three months, and rejecting
it….well….that would be the same as dragging my company through the mud.
But if I go ahead, I won’t be able to strike Thane where it hurts, not until the three–month duration elapses.
I muttered a curse.
Rosa’s expression turns sympathetic.
וי
Well,
on the bright side, Renihardt’s infrastructure supplies the best materials in Washington, DC. And it’s only going to be
three months; after that, you can continue your vendetta. ”
She encourages me as if reading my worrisome thoughts.
“Rosa, I don’t think I can keep this facade up for three months, whenever I see him, whenever I think of the fact that I’m
business partners with the man who made my marital life hell, my skin crawls.”
She sighs and walks over to the huge desk that separates us; reaching my seat, Rosa pats my hand lightly.
“You just have to try Andera. It may not be easy for you but you have to. This is the Development of Environmental Conservation
we’re talking about here, you don’t want to mess this up.
1 exhale loudly.
“I won’t.
“Good. Your father would be proud of the progress you’re making.
A faint smile tugs on my lips.
2/4
+20 Bonus
Thank you, Rosa. I can’t wait to tell him how good things are going for me.
“But you’re aren’t going to inform him about Thane, right?” She asks skeptically
“Of course not! He’d be on the next flight here if I did. Do you know just how much he despises Thane?” I huff
“The day he found me, if not for my pleadings, he almost went over to Thane’s to demand why he would throw out his wife on
the streets.
Okay.” Rosa straightened up.
I take one look at the file in front of me again, a potential breakthrough for my company and a stagnation to my Revenge.
“Alright, ma’am. You better inform your partner now; maybe you could discuss it along with your rescheduled meeting. ”
“Oh yeah, Thane and I still have an unfinished meeting concerning our merger details. ”
I start typing on my laptop just as Rosa goes back to her workstation.
After Thane’s improper behavior during our last meeting, I made it very clear that the next one would happen in my company. I like to see how he tries to pin me against the wall here. If Thane does lose the remaining shreds of his sense and repeats that nonsense, I’ll have my securities give him a lesson, business partner or not.
‘Hello Mr Renihardt. I believe we still have a meeting to conclude.‘
I send the message. Less than a minute, Thane’s reply comes in. My eyes snapped wide as saucers when I read his response.
“I’m here.
What the hell? He’s…..here?
My fingers flew over my keyboard while I chewed on my lower lip to keep the rage that was already coming at bay.
I’m business partner with my ex–husband, whom I hate; I have no choice but to put up with his insufferable, overbearing ass till I get my revenge and end our partnership, and on top of that, I’m also considering co–parenting with him, for my kid’s sake.
I bite hard into my lip.
You’re one unfortunate bitch, Andera.
“What do you
do you mean you’re here?‘ I sent it to Thane. He responded to me almost at the same time
I sent the second message. My hands ball into a tight fist.
‘I’m at your company Andera. Get ready. We have to talk. ‘
