Andrea’s pov.
Five years later.
I slip on my signature shades as I step out from my black Rolls Royce. It protects my sensitive eyes away from the light of the paparazzi’s cameras.
It’s been five years since I left Seattle. Everything is different but somehow, it still feels the same. I’ve missed it, the people, the air, the vibe. I missed Seattle. That’s the second reason why I chose to leave Boston and build my new company here.
“Would you like to share your story with the people Ms Campbell? Please do tell us how you reunited with your family.”
One of the reporters asked, snapping me out of my nostalgic thoughts.
My lips curved into a small practiced smile. I’ve shared the story with the press times without number, and I don’t mind doing it every day. The image of my father comes to mind, how he hugged me tightly the day he found me. I was wretched, abandoned, and three weeks into motherhood. I was a nobody, but he gave me so much love there and then my heart nearly burst. My smile stretches into a full, delightful one, I begin sharing my story.
“My family was on a cruise when I went missing as a child. I was later adopted by my late guardian – Pa Eugene, and only five years back did my father find his missing daughter.”
I keep the story very simple and concise, leaving out the painful details about my failed marriage.
“Do you think you can successfully run the Campbell Tech world just five years after reuniting with your family? I mean, for one to govern such a massive enterprise, you need to have in-depth knowledge and years of experience.” Another reporter says skeptically.
I straightened up to him, my posture and voice oozing well-calculated poise.
“I am confident in my capabilities. However, I do not oversee the Campbell industries; I am only the acting CEO. My father, Mr Campbell, remains the CEO, and as for in-depth knowledge, I believe I have achieved that, and both my degrees in business and technology can attest to it. Mind you, my company, Auraspire Energies, might be a subsidiary of Campbell Technologies, but I oversee it myself, and I look forward to taking renewable energy in Seattle to the next level. That will be all for now.”
I spin around in my heels. My Chief Operating Officer and best friend-Rosa walks closely behind me as we step into the company. My company. The thought still fills me with glee.
The reporters bombard me with more questions but the security keeps them outside. As I step into the building, I smile with pride; it’s barely four months since it was opened, and there’s so much to be accomplished here.
Walking into my massive office feels like walking into a small paradise. I had it modeled to my taste. Flowery paintings adorned the walls, and the sweet smell of jasmines, and lavender fills in the air. It’s just perfect.
I sit on my leather chair and swivel it over to gaze at the Seattle skyline. It’s time for my games to begin. Scrolling through my notepad on my phone, I read my plans
‘HOW TO GET REVENGE ON MY EX-HUSBAND. Step One. Secure Collaboration.’
A wicked smile tugs at the corner of my lips. It’s finally time.
“Rosa,” I call my C.O.O
“Yes ma’am.” She’s at my side in seconds. Looking extremely composed in her teal-green suit and low-cut hair.
“Rosa, please drop the honorifics. You’re my best friend. I don’t like you addressing me like that. It’s odd”
“Andera, once we’re at work, I cease to be your best friend. You’re my boss, and that’s it, ma. ”
I shake my head, Rosa can be a bit uptight.
” Whatever makes you happy. ” I retort and she simply smiles back.
“Has Renihardt’s infrastructures accepted our proposal yet? It’s been two days since we sent it.”
“No, they haven’t. I would advise you to give it time; for a company as well-reputed as theirs, they would want to make a proper background check before joining any collaboration.” She says matter of factly. I nod in response.
“Alright, I’ll keep waiting then.” I try not to let my frustration show. I need Thane to accept this partnership; It’s my gateway to getting the revenge I have long dreamt about.
“But if I may ask, is there any reason you chose this particular company to partner with? You seem so bent about partnering with the Reinhardt.” Rosa studies me quizzically with her onyx eyes.
A sigh escapes my lips. Rosa is kind and caring, and I’ve never had a close friend in my entire life. She helped me balance my new life as the heir of Campbell Technologies and a young mother. She’s also aware of my marriage and divorce, so I open up to her.
“The company belongs to my ex-husband. Thane Reinhardt”
Her lips form into a thin line and she leans closer to me.
“Andera, tell me what you plan on doing.” Rosa prods. Would she think my desire for revenge is unnecessary? Well, even if she does, Rosa wouldn’t be able to talk me out of it. My thirst for vengeance is unquenchable.
“I want to make him pay for what he did to me.” I deadpanned. My pulse raced as memories of that day clouded my mind.
“I want to see him grovel and beg. I want him to suffer the same pain he made me go through five years ago, and I’m going to use the thing he loves most to strike him- his reputation and his company.”
Rosa’s deep black eyes held mine intensely, studying me for a few seconds; she cupped my palm in hers, understanding and love flicking in those eyes.
“Count me in, Andera. I will support you every step of the way. The asshole needs to pay for what he did to you.”
Just as I was about to answer her, my phone buzzed with a new email.
“It’s from Renihardt’s infrastructures,” I inform Rosa.
I check it out. My eyebrows furrow as I read the message that came directly from Thane
” Just in good timing. So what did they say? ” She asks eagerly
“Let’s get some champagne first. ” My face lits up with mischief as I drop my phone back to my mahogany desk.
“Champagne? Here?” She asks incredulously
“Yes, bestie.” I smirk “It’s time for celebration.”
Rosa straightened. “Plan on motion?” She asks
“Yes Rosa, everything is falling in place. Thane won’t know what hit him.”
