Chapter Eight

-- Grizelda --

The sound of my heels echoed off the fine hardened stairs of my mansion as I slowly approached my son and sister waiting for me in the living room. It was obvious that I carried a different type of energy. Different from five years ago. I had returned to reclaim my place as the daughter and heir to the most powerful family in this city. And I was back to show them all who they had underestimated.

Anyone who hadn't laid eyes on me in the last five years would lay eyes on me now and be scared to see the woman that I had become. I wasn't just Grizelda Williams, the shy daughter of James Williams and abandoned ex-wife of Alexander Kingston that everyone once knew. I was the woman who had known real pain and betrayal and come out stronger and harder, and fierce.

I trailed my fingers lightly against the railings and kept my chin in the air. I inhaled once again the space of my new home. My son, Leo and I were back to New York from the UK about a week ago. While I was ready to reintroduce myself to the people that had no idea who I was or that thought they once knew me, my son was also ready to resume school in a different environment.

I reached the end of the staircase and my face lit up when I saw his gorgeous pair of hazel eyes already resting on me. He stood next to my sister and she held his little hand in her larger one. He was all dressed for school.

I remembered the week ago when we first returned to my family's house like it was just yesterday. Everyone was so excited to see him since they'd never met him in person before, except on video calls.

Even the maids and important guests could not stop oggling at him. I felt proud and kept blushing within myself because everyone's good thoughts about him relentlessly flew past my ears.

"Oh, my God, he's so cute!"

"Why's his skin so smooth?!"

"Wonderful! He's so handsome!"

"Gracious! How can this little boy be so intelligent?"

The only thing that no one knew except me, was that he was a carbon copy of his father. Everyday, when I looked at him, he reminded me of Alex and it would worry me to death. Of course, everyone in my family knew who Leo's father was but I didn't want any other person outside my family to know.

I never spoke to Leo about his father either and he never asked, although I feared the time would come when he would be curious to know. I feared I might never be ready.

I was desperate not to let Alex know that I had his child with me. I was sincerely done and tired of anything related to Alex. Leo was my everything and his love for me was what kept me going all the more. He was nothing like his father, execpt for the identical looks. All that I wished was for both of them never to meet. My little boy must stay clear of anything that would corrupt his kind heart and mind.

After all, his father had a whole other family to care more about.

"Mommy, you look stunning!" Leo threw me his brightest smile. One I could never get used to. It warmed my heart and I smiled back.

"So do you, my love." I ran my manicured fingers softly through his blonde hair and bent to kiss his plump cheeks. "I hope you don't mind your aunt taking you to school while I head to work."

I was referring to my sister who still stood by us. She wasn't my biological sister. She was the daughter of the deceased Mr Townsend and his wife who was a distant cousin to my mom. She'd been living with us after losing her parents at ten years old and now I was used to calling her my sister since we treated her as one in the family.

Leo shook his head to confirm he didn't mind her driving him down to his new school and the smile on my face grew wider. He was such a brave kid.

"Leo is right. You look just like an angel, Grizelda." My sister finally shared her compliments and I tried not to blush too hard. Seems like they were both trying to put me in a good mood.

"Thank you, Vicky. But I must say you look beautiful, as well. I love your dress." My nice words made a big effect and I saw the lovely smile that I missed on her face.

"We'll be taking our leave now. Goodluck at the meeting."

I nodded my head, acknowledging her encouragement. She knew exactly what I was preparing to face at work. The William's corporation had recently terminated their contract with the Kingston's corporation under my request and my father had wasted no time to agree to it. But then I needed to attend an important meeting that meant facing the board members in person rather than making orders behind my father's face.

I said my goodbyes to Leo and Vicky and went seperate ways. They drove towards school while I drove down to the Williams Corporation's headquarters. An intimidating, towering building made of the finest steel and glass, a monument to the power and wealth I had walked away from years ago. But now, I wasn't here to hide. This time, I was claiming my place.

My focus was laser sharp as I walked gracefully into the building and paid no much heed to the gaping mouths and wondrous stares after me. I took the elevator up and stepped into the conference floor.

Soon as I walked into the boardroom, gracing the atmosphere with my presence, the attention of a half dozen men turned to me, their surprise quickly transforming into admiration. They recognized me.

"Gentlemen." I greeted, my voice steady. "Let's not waste time."

At the head of the table, my father, James Williams, rose slowly. "Grizelda." He said, his eyes twinkling with delight at the sight of me. "Good to have you back in our midst."

I kept my expression neutral, knowing better than anyone that we weren't here for family pleasantries. I made my way to the seat at the far end of the table. The only seat that mattered. The one opposite my father's.

The men exchanged glances as I settled in. 

"As of today, Grizelda is officially reinstated as an active member of the board." My father's voice was low, yet commanding. He went straight to business without disappointment and he spoke with a high sense of pride.

The board members nodded their heads in approval. They had no choice. I wasn't here to just sit around and watch anymore. I was here to be a part of the decisions and growth of the company. And this was just the beginning.

"I appreciate the warm welcome but we know that's not the sole reason we're here today." I said, cutting through the room with a steady voice. "Let's talk about the Kingston deal."

My father leaned back in his chair, watching me carefully. His silence urged me to continue. His fixed gaze told me he wanted to see how well I could handle things and assert control.

"As of severing all ties with Kingston Enterprises, is there anyone amongst us who's against the sudden decision?" I asked, my eyes landing on each and every one of them.

At first, they kept silent. Then one of the board members, Mr Carrington cleared his throat, obviously about to interject. "We thought... that might be quite the bad decision, Ms. Williams. Kingston Enterprises has been a stable partner for as long as we can remember."

"Which is why I believe they have grown dependent on us. I don't see that as a good thing." I locked eyes with him, slicing through his words like ice. "I've studied the likelihoods. The Kingston Enterprises will survive the hit, but barely. They'll be forced to restructure, sell off assets, and beg for partnerships. We, on the other hand, will strengthen our position by diversifying our portfolio. It's a smart business move."

The room went silent again. Mr Carrington nodded his head and echanged glances with the other board members as they visibly had nothing else to say. There was a brief flicker of approval in my father's eyes. He liked what he was hearing. He liked seeing me take charge.

I suppressed a smirk, trying not to express the feeling of triumph I felt within. The best was yet to come.

And Alexander? He wouldn't know what hit him.