Share

Chapter Five

Author: Normani
last update Last Updated: 2024-06-15 07:14:05

 Darian arrived at the party and blended in with the crowd. He was acknowledged by a few business elites who knew his father and brother and that was it. He hated it, hated that he was always in their shadow. But at the moment, it did not deter him, since his main goal was to meet with the famous Ivan Arthur who was the most influential businessman at the moment, throwing his asshole of a brother of the position without even lifting a finger. Darian was impressed, he slipped a glass of wine past a waiter who walked past him and waited tensely when he saw Arthur approach his table.

 "Hello to you there," Mr Ivan waved at Darian who was still scrutinizing him.

 Darian suddenly lost the ability to speak as Ivan smiled crinkly at him. The most influential business magnate cared to acknowledge him. It was too good to be true.

 "Hello," Darian said inspite the giddy feeling that raked through him. On second thoughts, he put his hand forward for a handshake.

 "It's an honor to finally meet you. I'm Darian Brown."

 Ivan smiled, a knowing one "Ivan Arthur. It's nice to see you too."

 One of Ivan's men walked forward and whispered something to him, and Ivan was led to the heart of the garden where he gave his speech. Darian stared on long after he was gone, in disbelief. Ivan had smiled at him, shook hands with him, and acknowledged him.

 "Good evening, esteemed business elites and CEO's. It's a pleasure meeting all of you. It is not a new thing that Arthur's group just emerged in Manhattan. We are interested in the development and maintenance of relationships with key stakeholders and hope that you will extend your warm hands to us..."

 Arthur finished speaking shortly after making a toast to unity and relationships, and a thunderous applause rapt the air. After talking with more prospective stakeholders of his company, and proposing new projects with the many CEOs that were willing to collaborate with him, Ivan retired to the estate.

  "He is back and demands your presence, Miss Olivia. Shall we?" 

 Olivia was flanked by maids as she took the tour downstairs to meet Ivan who had a big smile plastered on his face.

 "Olivia, how are you holding up?"

 "Better than I expected, Uncle. The books are brainstorming and my tutor is quite thorough." She fell silent and then blurted out a second later "How did the party go? Did Darian make it? Did you manage to convince the elites to collaborate with you on the recent project?"

 "All of that took place, my dear."

 "You got an invitation card," She stretched the fancy envelope towards him and he raised a brow.

 "A charity event that will take place tomorrow."

 "This is quite impromptu. I have to meet up with the delegates from Australia tomorrow. How about you stand in for me?"

 Olivia tucked a piece of stray hair behind her ear and stared ahead before thoughtfully saying "I'm quite certain that Damian will be there tomorrow, I do not want to reveal myself yet."

 "That's true," Ivan nodded "Talking about disclosure, I already finalized plans for the unveiling party."

"It's just a matter of time." 

**************

 Damian shot a glare at his secretary who had a pathetic expression on her face. 

 "Leave it on the table and get out."

 Willow did just that, unwilling to incur the wrath of her boss who had a temper as short as the skirts she wore to parties in sophomore year.

 Damian opened the envelope and skimmed through the card, it was an invitation to a charity event. 

 As he predicted, he met with several other elites in the business world. Men and women, whose dresses spelled splendor, were gathered for a charity auction, and since the most influential businessmen were philanthropists, it did not take long before a substantial amount of money was generated. The highest amount was generated by Ivan Arthur.

 Damian narrowed his eyes at the mention of the name and positioned well to see the man who had made waves in just a few weeks of invading Manhattan. He was a bit awed and also angry for not receiving an invitation to his Introduction party. 

 Ivan Arthur exchanged stares with Damian as he gave a brief speech before retiring to his seat. As he did, fury seared in his chest cavity like fire as he thought of the poker-faced man he had seen minutes ago. The same man who treated Olivia badly for five years, used her... 

 The event ended much later to Damian's relief. As he walked out, he came face to face with Ivan Arthur. The latter was having a conversation with a well-known businessman who acknowledged him immediately. 

"Look who we have here" The man waved at Damien who slowed down his pace and went to join the men. "Mr Arthur, meet Damien Brown. He's the..." 

 "I'm familiar with his titles," Mr Ivan said, cutting him off with an easy-going smile on his face. He turned to Damien and offered his hand for a handshake. "It's nice to meet you, Mr Brown" 

Damien accepted his hand and tried to mask his shocked expression. The man knew him, he was familiar with his titles but still didn't extend an invitation to him. That was the first bombshell that shattered Damian's value, decreasing it in a matter of minutes.

 Damian remained silent, he tried to read no meaning to Ivan's words but it still hit when he thought about it. Was there any special reason for omitting his name or did the man not know him at all? 

 "Owner of Ace companies and most influential business magnate, well until..."

 "Until the title became mine?" Ivan laughed "There's no need to worry. These things happen, and you might surely regain your title in a short while."

 Damian could not tell if Ivan was truly sympathetical or just being sarcastic. There was something peculiar about the man that he could not pinpoint and he was eager to talk some more with him. To unravel his intrincate nature.

 "I didn't see you at the Introduction party. Were you not in attendance?" The man standing between them asked. 

"Let's say I wasn't invited"

 Ivan's eyes twinkled with mischief. How did his niece end up with such a bastard?

 "You were omitted?" He frowned, acting quite ignorant "I didn't realize that. Besides, who would host a party and not invite you?" 

 "All things being equal, I hope to work with you in the future," Ivan said again, bracing up to take his leave. The presence of Damian irritated him greatly and if no one was around, he would have ordered his men to throw him into a creepy dark dungeon forever, where no one could get to him.

 "Same here," They exchanged handshakes before Ivan took his leave.

  "It's just a matter of time, Damian. I will crush you." Ivan muttered once seated at the rear of his Tesla Model 3, his most recent vehicle.

With her uncle gone, Olivia busied herself with watering the flowers in the garden when she was done with the tutor set up for her. She was being groomed for what awaited her and she felt alive for once, important.

 "Olivia,"

 "Uncle Ivan," Olivia dropped the can and wiped her hands, approaching him.

 "How did it go?"

 "I met him. You were right, he is a proper asshole."

"What's the plan?"

 "What we discussed, of course. There will be slight changes in the plan though. Send out the invitation cards today. I need to rile up that bastard."

 "I can't wait," Olivia tucked a corner of her lips above. She knew the man she married, one filled with self-inflated ego. He would rage and probably burn down his estate with his temper if what they were planning finally fell in place.

****************

 The next morning, Damian sat in his office while his assistant, Francis made reports and filled him in on everything that was happening in the company, as well as the business world. 

"Arthur's group is hosting an unveiling party. He will reveal the next person to head the group tonight."

 Damian remained silent.

"Another invitation had been sent out but it seems you didn't get any just like the last time."

*****************

 Evening covered rapidly and soon, Olivia, Ivan, and their men arrived at the event before Ivan could be called to give his opening speech.

 It was a lavish ballroom, filled with tuxedo-clad men and women in sheen gowns. The scent of luxurious perfume, and sound of polite conversations, and the tinkling of wine glasses pervaded the air.

 Olivia descended from the McLaren F1, by putting out a sleekly heeled foot first before the next. The guests all turned to stare as she walked in with the lethal grace of a lioness. Her beauty was ravishing, it made the elites gape in wonder.

  She was exceptionally beautiful and her hair bounced as she confidently walked to the seat meant for her.

 She watched proudly as Ivan opened the ceremony and acknowledged important people present, including the prime minister.

 Meanwhile, Damian stood in his study with a glass of wine in hand as he stared at the television. He was angry that he still didn't get an invitation meanwhile his twin, Darian was in attendance. He was also a bit curious to see who would take over from Mr Ivan whom he found to be a cunning yet pragmatic man.

 "And now, to the main purpose of this gathering..." Ivan dished one of his genuine smiles at the camera and continued "Ladies and gentlemen, it is with great pride that I stand before you today to announce the transition of leadership at our company. After many years of hard work and dedication, I am pleased to hand over the reins to my niece, who has proven herself to be a worthy successor. I do not doubt that she will lead this company into a bright future and make something even more solid come from Arthur groups."

 Darian who was in attendance wondered who the lucky lady was while Damian raised a brow in perplexity and took a sip off his glass.

 "Here comes the next heir to Arthur groups, Olivia Davidson!"

 Few gasps could be heard from the crowd while a thunderous applause rapt the air.

 The curtains behind Ivan parted slowly to reveal Olivia who was draped in a sleek Chanel dress, silver heels, and a subtle diamond brooch. She moved gracefully to the podium with a smile and the applause intensified as the lights poured on her.

 Darian's eyes grew into large circles as Olivia was unveiled, his mouth forming into a mute O. He was flabbergasted and kept staring in a catatonic stupor.

 Damian, on the other hand, felt his muscles stiffen the instant he saw her gloriously emerge from behind the curtains. He stood unblinking, obviously struck speechless, and he did not know when the glass slipped out of his grip.

 It shattered into many tiny fragments.

Continue to read this book for free
Scan code to download App

Latest chapter

  • High stakes payback: Ex wife becomes a CEO   Chapter Twenty One

    "Isn't... Isn't that Amelia Cobbs?" Rosie asked no one in particular in a strangulated voice. "I suppose so," Olivia calmly responded, and leaned backward on her seat. In her head was a whirlwind of thoughts on why Amelia, a devoted and lovely worker, would puncture Rosie's tyres. She knew Rosie since they were in high school, and apart from their college days when Rosie was a badass and would stick her middle finger in your face for trying to get in her way, there was nothing really unpleasant about her. They separated when Rosie went to an acting academy and she, to a business school. When they finally met with themselves after Olivia's marriage and Rosie's debut movie that threw her into the limelight, Olivia observed that Rosie had grown, much reasonably, in a positive way. She always had a warm smile on her face, would give kids sweets, and had a lovely demeanor. She still dealt with assholes properly, but overall, she never asked for trouble without being stimulated. "W

  • High stakes payback: Ex wife becomes a CEO   Chapter Twenty

    Damian calculated how much time he had to prepare for the gala in his head as he drove down to a high rise shopping outlet when he was done for the day. He briskly walked in, ignoring the stares he got from people, the coos and shrieks from ladies and the hand extended to him by a man who looked like the clothings collection manager. "Get me a collection of the finest suits." He finally told the man who in turn, dished out instructions to the ladies that waited by the counter. Damian's face remained straight, his hands were neatly tucked in his pocket as he glanced at the array of suits when they were brought to him. He needed to pick the best pairs, he needed a pair that would make him stand out. He wondered about getting a tux and remembered that he had a whole magnanimous closet allocated to his collection of suits in his mansion. So why was he here? Damian chuckled lightly at his rhetorical question. "This..." The man gestured towards an eye-catching suit, stoned at the s

  • High stakes payback: Ex wife becomes a CEO   Chapter Nineteen

    Rosie pressed the knob and the door gave way to reveal an agitated boss. She could see the way his fingers drummed on the oaken table, and the way his jaw clenched momentarily. She swallowed as her eyes travelled down an impeccable face, to his firm shoulders and finally, his abs that were visible through his shirt. "Come on in, Rosie," He told her "Do not stand by the door and watch me." "Oh..." She mouthed, catching herself just in time "Yes, sir." She moved as if engineered to do so, and soon, she was standing in front of him. Up close, she could see the rage that burned in his eyes. She could almost feel the steam of anger seeping off his skin. Oh dear, what has she done?! Her subconscious panicked. The opposite was the case in her head. She was jolly, she loved riling him up. She loved his demeanor when he was enraged, it made him look even hotter than he already was. When he said nothing but glare at her, her lips twitched, and then a witty smile broke out. "What's funny?

  • High stakes payback: Ex wife becomes a CEO   Chapter Eighteen

    THE NEXT DAY Darian walked in, in his usual demeanor. He had stayed awake the previous night, studying crucial information from his family's group. He had his plans well laid, and he was slowly putting them in action. He has not heard from his twin in ages and wondered what the devil was up to. He could not wait to see him storming into his house, trembling with rage when he discovers what his twin has done. Now, he walked calmly through the basement till he reached the elevator that would take him to the ground floor. He made a mental note to dish out instructions to his personal assistant to carry out. On second thoughts, he remembered who his PA was. His bloody pretty little nemesis. She made him uneasy, and he felt relief whenever she left his office. He could not tell why. Maybe it was because he felt guilty, he thought. Since the little drama he displayed two weeks ago, she had pulled away from him. It wasn't like she was clingy before he berated her, she was just loquacio

  • High stakes payback: Ex wife becomes a CEO   Chapter Seventeen

    Laurie was taken aback for a while, and slowly, the surprise on her face morphed into a look of hurt and betrayal, and then, desperation. "I am the problem?" "Yes," Damian stared down at her. He crouched in front of her and picked her well manicured hand. She did not resist, her pupils dilating. 'He is coming around,' She thought, hoping he was reaching to her, to kiss her fears away and assure her that he would never leave her, that everything was a stunt. Damian's face was set in a poker manner as he continued "I can't do this anymore. I need my space." Laurie's lips started trembling as she sought for the right words to say "I-I don't understand, sweetie." "Everything we shared ended in the past before I got married to Olivia. I want it to remain that way. Let's go back to being exes." "Never!" Laurie bellowed, her fear has aggravated and now, she was on the verge of losing her sanity "We are stuck together, Damian!" She gripped his hand, and put them in her clothes, letti

  • High stakes payback: Ex wife becomes a CEO   Chapter Sixteen

    "W-what other way?" She muttered, and watched him stand. Tall, and as handsome as sunset. His height was intimidating compared to hers, and she imagined standing by his side. She would look like a little urchin hanging onto her savior for dear life. Now that she was his secretary, she knew it was bound to happen. She would tail after-not before. After. Him. To. Meetings. And conferences, her subconscious added before she realized that he was heading for her. Dear Lord! What now? Is he going to kiss her? He was glaring at her like she was an unwanted guest just now! Were the Brown brothers always like this? He moved around the table to Rosie like a panther reaching for it's prey, and stopped in front of her-just before he got close enough to change his mind and do something he would regret. "This way," A chilled smile spread on his face as he placed his fingers on her shoulders and made her stand up. She stood up in a robotic manner, as though under the influence of something. H

More Chapters
Explore and read good novels for free
Free access to a vast number of good novels on GoodNovel app. Download the books you like and read anywhere & anytime.
Read books for free on the app
SCAN CODE TO READ ON APP
DMCA.com Protection Status