Watching his daughter, whom he had just reconciled with, negotiate the deal in such a way that exceeded his expectations, Mr. William Charez couldn't help but smile widely. His skin curved at the edge of his eyes due to how wide his smile was. Sure, Davina had told him she was a managing director at a certain company, which he had checked out afterwards.He expected her to have an experience, sure, but the enterprise she had been working in was nothing compared to the companies he negotiated with most of the time. “I am sorry, we can't also agree on the deal that you are proposing to us; it is of a profit so little that I am tempted to call it insignificant,” Mr. Steven’s son, Jones, said with a firm tone. Davina took her time, deep in her thoughts for a bit. She didn't take long to respond, though. “Then we can compromise a bit. How about we increase the time by three months more and increase the amount by ten percent?” Davina said to Jones. Her tone came out more as absolute t
Davina.“I don't feel like it's a good deal, though, just a decent one,” I said to him, slipping the files back into the folder.“Why do you say so?” My dad said and sat back on the chair closest to him; the chair was positioned to face me.He placed his elbow on the table, with his face resting on his palm, while keeping his gaze on me. “I'm curious to hear your point,” he added.“I could have minimized the cost and found a way to get the deal to be completed at the actual time that we wanted, not postponed a little more,” I explained to him, making gestures with my hands. “No,” my father shook his head slowly, “you're quite wrong,” he replied. “Why do you say so?” I questioned and sat back on the chair closest to me, willing to hear what my errors were. “The deal is quite better as it is; the only way that Steven kid would have agreed to the initial amount and deadline set if he has sense would be to reduce the quality of products that are going to be used,” he answered. “So yo
DavinaThe silence of sitting in the study room of this building slowly enveloped me. The screen of my phone dimmed as I set it down on the desk, but the words were already burned into my mind. It wasn't just now that it burned into my mind, it had been there for quite a while, ever since the first day that I laid my eyes on the news.“Campbell Enterprises Faces Financial Crisis—Potential Bankruptcy Looms”I should have felt relieved. I should have been satisfied. But instead I felt nothing. Or maybe I did feel something. A dull ache shot deep in my chest. A strange, heavy weight that refused to lift. For years, I had poured my soul into that company. I had walked into those glass doors every day, working harder than anyone else—earning my place, proving my worth. And yet, when the time came, they had thrown me out without hesitation. I curled my fingers into fists, my nails pressing into my palms. This wasn't my loss, nor was it my failure. I shouldn't feel guilt or anything
Davina A few days went by and I threw myself into work. Or at least, that was what I told myself. I couldn't go to the office as I haven't been introduced officially yet, only a few family friends knew of my existence which gives me the chance to stay all locked up in the study. I needed to forget about my past and the only way I could do that was actively engage in activities. Even though it seems, the harder I tried, the harder the memories pushed to be remembered. I squeezed my eyes shut, my grip tightening around the leather-bound planner in my hands.Enough.Work. Work would keep me sane.For three days straight, I had avoided everyone.Every afternoon, Alexander would knock on the study door, inviting me to lunch.And every afternoon, I’d decline.I barely ate with my family, instead requesting for my meals to be brought to the study. I convinced myself it was easier this way. No questions, no worried glances, no pressure.But on the fourth day, as I was about to step into
Davina I couldn't sleep all night. I tossed and turned severally, holding on to my belly every now and then. When I finally drifted to sleep, I was jolted right back away. I had a nightmare where I was forced to get an abortion. No. I can't let anyone take my baby from me. I glanced towards the alarm clock. Past 6. I decided to prepare for work as I was sure I wouldn't be getting any more sleep. Putting my belly into consideration, I picked a free floral dress. To conceal my dark circles, I used mild make-up.Feeling set, I headed to the dining area for breakfast. I breathed a sigh of relief when I saw Alex wasn't present, he was starting to be annoying. “Alex has a breakfast meeting” my mother said, mistaking the relief in my eyes for disappointment. “Oh- I don't really care” Greeting father, I sat in my seat. We enjoyed breakfast quietly and I was relieved my morning sickness didn't happen at the table today. “Are you ready for your first day?” Father asked as he wip
Davina Completely ignoring the whisper behind me, I followed my guide. We soon got to the main office area. “Hold on please” the lady said before entering the door to enter an office. A few minutes later, she emerged- disturbed. Masking my curiosity with indifference, I walked into the office as she said. Gagging, I swiftly exited the office as quickly as I entered. The inside reeked of cigarettes. What is this? In an office? Reaching into my bag, I brought out the nose mask I carried for situations like this. I can't afford exposing myself to smells that'll be dangerous to my baby. Carefully securing my nose, I reentered the office. The chair was backing the door and I couldn't see the face of the person sitting. Only the back of their head. The air inside the office was thick—stagnant with the acrid stench of cigarette smoke. I forced my expression to remain neutral as I stepped inside, despite the sharp burn in my nose.A single, overflowing ashtray sat on the otherwis
DavinaTaking a break from work, I decided to use the bathroom. The silence of the restroom was interrupted by the sound of approaching heels. I stilled, my fingers tightening against my lap as hushed voices filled the space."Did you see the new secretary?" A low, almost conspiratorial whisper."Of course. She’s gorgeous," the second voice replied, but there was hesitation—like beauty was a curse here, not a blessing.A pause. Then, the first voice dropped lower. "Did you notice how King looked at her?""Like he was already undressing her with his eyes."A sharp exhale. "I just hope she’s smart enough to stay away from him."The voices faded as the women exited, leaving behind a heavy silence.I stayed still for a second longer, their words sinking in. Traps.So it wasn’t just arrogance. King had a pattern.I needed to uncover it—fast.While thinking of my next course of action, my mind rummaged the different things King could be doing. Embezzling? Or is he just a mean boss? I can
DavinaDinner passed in a blur.I sat at the long table, absently poking my food with my fork, my appetite nowhere to be found. The spread was as elegant as always—gourmet dishes arranged meticulously, every detail reflecting the wealth and power of the Charez family. But none of it interested me.If only I could have some tacos.The thought came out of nowhere, strange and unfamiliar. I didn’t even like street food, yet the craving gnawed at me. My hand instinctively moved to my belly.My baby.The realization settled deep inside me, heavier than before. My mind drifted back to the first time I had been pregnant. Back then, Sebastian had been there. He had held me, cared for me, made me feel like I wasn’t alone. Now, he was nowhere—just a shadow lingering at the edges of my past.Masking my thoughts, I forced myself to take a bite, chewing mechanically. I couldn’t afford to draw suspicion. Not now.My father’s voice broke through my thoughts. “Join us in the sitting room after dinner
DavinaI woke up very early the next morning. It was the D-day. Today, I become Stasha Charez fully. No more hidden identities, just who I actually am. I took my bath and went into the walk-in closet.I went to the row of clothes mom had gotten for me when I first arrived, all seemed off then but now I understand why she got me corporate outfits. She was preparing for the day I finally stepped into my position as the heir to the Charez empire. I blindly picked a suit but returned it immediately. I can't wear fitted outfits, my baby bump will be noticed. After much deliberation, I settled for a pantsuit and a blazer to match. Using light make-up, I hid my stressed face behind the look of a polished lady boss. My mind conflicted on what to expect. Will they be soft on me or throw challenges my way or be outrightly mean. Well I had no way of knowing unless I got there. Taking a deep breath, I stepped out of my room. It was time to be Stasha. Break went by smoothly, not as w
Davina The table was filled with laughter and the air was celebratory.A celebration. Of me.The thought made something tighten in my chest. I had spent so long fighting, proving, maneuvering in shadows where warmth did not exist. I was being acknowledged as a daughter, as a family not as a pawn. I chewed slowly thinking of how to bring up the discussion. How to tell them the life as I lived as Davina Stewart. How I was a plaything for the people I called family, how I was discarded by my husband when he got tired of me. I wished to rid myself of the burden inmy chest. But looking at them now—at my mother feeding my father a bite of his food, at the way his usually stern face softened with amusement—I faltered.I had never seen my father laugh before.The sound was warm to the ears. I watched my mother teased, and watched respond with a smile. Since I came I have never seen them like this. It felt as if the wound they carried was healing up. Perhaps I completed them. They must ha
DavinaA knock pulled from the depth of sleep. Still dazed, I refused to open my eyes but the knock came again. “Who is it?” I screamed without getting up. “Martha ma'am”It was a maid. “What do you want?” I called out again. “It's past dinner time ma'am and the sir and madam have been waiting” I sprang up from the bed and checked the clock for the time. It really was past dinner time. “Tell them I'll be there” The footsteps retreated and I forced myself to get up from the bed. Still sleepy, I dragged my feets across the room and caught my reflection in the mirror. God I look disheveled. I decided to take a quick shower to keep clean and wash the remaining sleep from my eyes. I sharply took a shower and entered the walk-in closet to pick out an outfit. Settling for a loose chiffon gown, I wore it immediately. As I buttoned up, my eyes wandered around the room. I met my own gaze in the floor to ceiling mirror. I paused.I look different than I had been months ago. My eyes c
DavinaThe ride home was quiet but pleasant. My eyes followed the trail of the city as I breathed the fresh clean air. My first task was done-with a bang. Father sat beside, his eyes on his phone,but the atmosphere was less tense that other times I've been around him. I folded my hand neatly in my palms as my memory replayed what just happened. I took care of King and got rid of Christine and Smith.Father exhaled, his voice breaking the silence. “You handled today well.”The words were simple, but coming from him, they carried weight.I turned my head slightly, studying his profile. His face was unreadable but softer. “Thanks Father ” I said, dropping my gaze to my hands. “I had to do it” He hummed in approval. “But now, things will get even more serious and complicated. People now know you're a Charez and your first line of action was getting rid of a director that has seethed his roots deep in the company. Some people will like you, most won't” He added slowly. The car stoppe
DavinaThe weekend passed in a blur of quiet moments and restless anticipation.With Mom and Dad away on a trip and Alex absent- to my relief, the house had been eerily silent. I welcomed the solitude, using it to sharpen my thoughts, to plan every step of what was to come.Monday arrived with an unshakable energy buzzing beneath my skin. Today was the day. Today, Lawrence King would finally get what was coming to him.I arrived at the office before dawn, stepping into the stillness of the empty building. The fluorescent lights overhead flickered to life, humming softly as I made my way to my desk. The scent of freshly brewed coffee from the break room lingered in the air, mingling with the crispness of the morning.I sat, fingers drumming against the polished wood, my mind whirring as I waited. The anticipation curled around me, coiling tighter with every passing minute.Slowly, the office began to stir. Employees trickled in, their footsteps echoing in the quiet space, their murmure
Davina The warmth of my mother’s embrace still lingered as I made my way downstairs, my steps lighter than they had been in days. Something had shifted—something I couldn't quite name yet. A quiet sense of belonging, perhaps. Or maybe just the comfort of knowing that for once, I hadn’t been the only one reaching across the distance.I trailed my fingers along the polished mahogany banister, the coolness grounding me as I descended. The house was quieter now, save for the distant ticking of a grandfather clock and the faint hum of the evening breeze slipping through the corridors.As I approached my father’s study, the air changed. The hallway, once warmed by the golden glow of sconces, seemed to narrow, pressing in with a weight I had long grown accustomed to. The heavy double doors loomed before me, their carved patterns intricate, precise—much like the man waiting on the other side.I inhaled, steadying myself.A part of me still carried the warmth of my mother’s words, the scent o
DavinaI reached home much earlier than usual, the drive back smooth, almost too smooth, as if the universe was nudging me toward something inevitable. The grand iron gates of the Charez estate parted soundlessly at my arrival, and I pulled into the driveway, cutting the engine with a soft exhale.Stepping out, I was greeted by the familiar scent of night-blooming jasmine, the fragrance mingling with the faint hint of rain still lingering in the air. The house loomed before me, its warm golden lights spilling through the towering windows, making the space feel welcoming yet oddly distant—much like my place within it.As I walked in, the quietness struck me first. The usual hum of conversation or the occasional clatter of activity was missing. The heels of my shoes clicked against the marble floor, each step feeling heavier than necessary. A maid, petite and composed, emerged from the hallway and dipped her head slightly in greeting."Miss, welcome back. Your parents are in a dinner me
Chapter 62DavinaI knocked twice before stepping inside.The scent of cigarettes clung to the air—sharp, lingering. As always.“You called, sir?” I kept my voice even, my posture firm.King met my gaze, a slow smirk playing on his lips. “Have a seat, darling.”“I prefer standing, sir.”His expression didn’t change, but something in his gaze darkened. “I insist.” This time, there was no room for negotiation.I could have refused. Could have stood my ground.But I sat.It wasn’t time to blow my cover yet. I’d obey—for now.“Good girl” A chill crept up my spine. “I won't waste your time. I'm sure you already know how things work around here”My stomach churned. “8pm. Nandas hotel. Be there if you don't want to lose your job” My stomach churned again. He has finally made his move on me. He waved his hand signifying I should leave. I stood up and left. It was time. The moment I got to my desk, I picked up my phone to text the PI but he beat me to it. “We need to talk” his message
DavinaI went back to my desk, forcing my frustration down like a bitter pill.The audacity of those men.My fingers twitched with the urge to break something—preferably their faces—but I curled them into fists beneath my desk, pressing my nails into my palms.Lunchtime was approaching.I pulled out my phone and sent a text."Hey. It’s lunch soon."A few seconds later, my screen lit up with a reply—a photo. The PI lounged in the backseat of his car, a burger in one hand, the office building visible through the window.Perfect.Enjoy your last day as an idiot, King.I made a mental note: take Mr. Smith down with him.What better way to prove myself to my father than to eliminate two corrupt directors at once?And maybe a few others while I was at it. My gaze flicked to Christine. She wasn’t innocent either.The soft click of an opening door made me shift my focus.King stepped out of his office, Mr. Smith beside him. Their voices—low and smug—drifted across the room as they strolled to