Chapter 3

Eva

I reread the name over and over, but it never changed.

This couldn't be possible. It had to be a mistake.

Shaking my head I turned back to Face, trying to ignore the sinking feeling in my chest.

“Can you repeat the name again?” I asked, my mouth turning dry. 

“Viktor Reynolds.”

The knot in my stomach tightened as I looked back at the file, seeing the name there.

Reynolds Family Corps. There was only one company with the name like that.

Throughout the six years I spent in the city I managed to steer clear away from him with little to no effort. Even as I rose up in the ranks and joined business parties I never saw him and I had avoided any news related to him, his family or their company successfully since. This city was big enough for the both of us and I thought I would go my life without seeing him.

My worst fears had come to pass.

I would have to face my ex, the man who threw me out without a second glance once again. The man who had cheated on me with the person who was supposed to be my best friend. Who suddenly turned cruel and neglected me and treated me badly in the last lap of our relationship. Who had laughed and sneered in my face before throwing me out without a second glance.

I vowed to never see his face again, but here I was with no choice but to meet him again.

I held in my panic until Dave left my office before I buried my face in my hands.

I couldn't see him again. There was no way. Someone else had to go in my stead. I couldn't…

No.

There was nobody else competent enough to do this. This was Jon's task and he had entrusted it to me. 

I wasn't going to let him down.

Sucking in my breath I put my hands down and focused on the file once more to read. The more I read, the more shocked I became.

When Dave said they had been in trouble he wasn't wrong. I never thought I would see them in this state. They had made all sorts of financial losses between the last five years of controversy and scandal brewing among them. Their reputation was declining along with their stock value. It was no wonder they were desperate enough to take the hand of this company.

There was only one person I cared about in that family. One person I missed.

I looked through the bio, taking in all the news related to them and the company. I stiffened as I read a news article.

Viktor was engaged to none other than Brienne herself, from one year ago. The news stated it as an ‘advantageous partnership’ considering that her father is one of the major shareholders of their company. It didn't seem to help them in the long run considering their situation now.

The night of my departure had shown me everything already. She was a sly conniving backstabber. That was all I needed to know.

The first meeting was today no less and looking at the communication records, it was in less than an hour from now. We're they already here?

Pushing away the news I flipped through all necessary information for the meeting for the remaining minutes.

As though on cue, minutes later a sharp knock rang. I looked to find Lucy there.

“Dave asked me to call you. The Reynolds Family are in the meeting room waiting for the President.” She said,

I flipped the file closed, standing to my feet. They were expecting Jon to appear, but he wasn't here and I was the one to represent him in his stead. How would they react when they saw me instead?

A small smirk played on my lips as I left my office towards the meeting room. I saw their figures through the glass walls as I neared the hallway, but nothing could have prepared me to see them face to face.

I entered the door to find them all turned to me. It wasn't only Victor that stood there, but the entire family. His father, mother and he even brought Brienne along. Their faces were wide and slipped agape with shock.

Victor most of all, looked washed with his face drawn. He had barely changed. His hair was slightly longer, his jaw more pronounced, but he still looked the same.

The same man who kissed me and taught me to love and trust. The same man who destroyed it all.

I shifted my gaze away from him, clenching my jaw.

Silence filled the room, but I didn't feel unsteady looking at the family I hadn't seen in years. I remembered his father's threats towards me when I was only a college student. I was never accepted for my status back then. 

Now looking at them, I was in control.

“What are you doing here? You're not the President.” to my surprise it was none other than Richard, Victor's father that spoke. His face was pale white. 

I didn't know how or why I was able to act so calmly. I smirked.

“The President isn't available. He entrusted me to handle this merger.” I said.

“And who are you to do so?” This time it was Brienne who spoke. She seemed to have recovered from her shock considering the way she glared.

“I’m the chief executive president of this firm.” I answered, ignoring the gasps and sharp inhales as I sat down, watching their shocked expressions.

I was the one who held the reins here. They had come to our company for help meaning that they would have to deal with me. For that, I couldn't help but smirk.

How the tables turned.

“Now, shall we continue?” A wolfish grin spread across my lips.