Reign Abbot is a reporter, who is trying to navigate through life while in a toxic work environment with Bethany, who seemed hellbent on making life miserable for her. Driven by ambition and the overwhelming urge to surpass Bethany, she covers a story on the billionaire, CEO, Ivan Hamilton without further verification. The news was later debunked, however Ivan's reputation had already hit rock bottom. All hell breaks loose as Ivan is hellbent on having her pay the price for her actions. ******************************************************** “ Why? ” he smirked. “ Do you feel wrong? You think it's unfair? ” I felt tears fill my eyes at his words. I hated how easy it was for me to cry. If I was sad, I would cry. Angry? Cry. Happy? Cry. Overwhelmed? Cry. And I had never hated it as much as I did in that moment, especially when my oppressor looked delighted at the sight of my tears. I hate this man. “ What do you want me to do? ” I asked, admitting defeat. There was no need to hold on to hope that was not there. Ivan was not a nice man and it was my mistake for thinking otherwise. “ Good, that's what I want to hear. ” he said, standing up and burying his hands in his pocket.
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“ Get your fat ass up and go do something. ” A voice bellowed. Usually ‘fat ass' could mean two things. One, the person was impressed with the voluptuousness of your backside or the person was simply calling you fat. Staring into the disdain filled eyes of Mr Cobbs, I was sure his statement had nothing to do with my behind. I pushed my chair backwards and stood up, wringing my hands in nervousness. I wondered if I would ever be able to stand up for myself in front of this man. “ I was not sitting idly, Mr Cobb. ” “ Oh, I am sure, ” he muttered sarcastically. “ You just sit there and write reports that no one would ever care to read instead of going out to get me some juicy news. ” I stayed quiet, like I always do. I had no idea what he wanted me to say. Mr Cobbs sighed and rubbed his forehead, while murmuring words that I was sure were not pleasant. “ The CEO of Allure Ventures is holding a press conference today to explain his sex scandal, you know what to do. ” He said and turned to walk away. “ But sir, ” I followed him, “ Bethany was supposed to be the one attending that. ” “ I am sure you are not blind to how busy Bethany usually is. She has an impromptu TV program. Why am I even explaining this? If I say you say you should cover for Bethany, busy or not, you do as you are told. „ He spat out and stormed off to his office. I watched his back before he disappeared into his office, trying to hold back the tears that were pooling in my eyes. I should be used to this, I was used to this. It was not like I could ever fight back. It would just add a dent to the career that I had been building for years. This career was the only thing I've got and I could not lose it. I walked back to my desk, wiping my eyes even though no tears fell. I sighed as I packed my compact camera as well as other equipment that I needed. If I did not want to be late for the event, I had to leave immediately. New York's traffic was not a joke. When I got to the hall where the conference was taking place, I was not surprised to see that many other journalists and reporters also arrived early. The scandal of the CEO could be said to be the scandal of the century. It was simply too shocking and I wondered what excuse he was going to come up with to wash himself from it. He must have come up with something to explain why he was naked with another man in a hotel room. I moved to one of the set up chairs in the center of the room and started to arrange my tripod. I usually wouldn't worry about this if I had a partner to take the necessary pictures but I unfortunately had to go solo. I glanced at my watch repeatedly, wanting to be done with it already. I still have an unfinished report that I had to complete for the production tomorrow. Fortunately, the CEO entered the hall and flashes immediately went wide from all corners. I had to squint my eyes as I snapped away as well. Setting the camera to video mode, I sat down to focus on writing, even though my recorder was on. It was like a two factor authentication that I always carried out to make sure I miss nothing. “ I am deeply saddened that my reputation and the company had taken a hit due to this fake and made up scandal. ” The CEO was talking and he really looked sad. His eyes were red, his cheek was hollowed and his face was unshaven. He really knew how to pull off a pitiful look. As I expected, he claimed the video was fake and was AI generated. I almost laughed. The advent of artificial intelligence was really making it easy for people to get away with things. The CEO also provided evidence of the video being fake. I did not believe him but it was also none of my business. When did my opinion matter anyway? The CEO was smart, I had to give him that as he successfully answered some of the questions and evaded the ones that were tricky. I heaved a sigh of relief as the conference finally ended. I stopped the video the camera was recording and made sure it was properly stored before I started dismantling the tripod. I was one of the last journalists to leave. I had not looked around the hotel when I had walked in as my mind was fixed on what I wanted to do. Now that I was done, I had the liberty of feasting my eyes on the five star hotel that screamed money and elegance. I kept my hands to myself, afraid of accidentally breaking something that was worth millions of dollars. I might have to work for the rest of my life just to afford the chandelier alone. I stopped in front of the elevator, nodding at the people that were already there. It arrived quickly and I stepped in with the other people- two girls who were giggling and laughing excitedly. “ I heard he's in the garden. I got a glimpse of him when I was coming up. He's so handsome. ” The first girl gushed. “ It is such a pity that he is engaged. I bet Mel sleeps and wakes up with a million dollar smile on her face. ” the second girl sighed dreamily. They burst into another fit of giggles and I had to resist the urge to stick my fingers in my ear. The elevator arrived at the lobby and I stepped out first, happy to be free from the giggling girls. It must be nice to be so happy and carefree. “ The garden is so beautiful–” One of the girls said, her voice fading away as they moved farther and farther away. Garden? I stopped and glanced in the direction they left through. I can look around, can't I? The thought of going back to the office was not so exciting. The selection of the managing editor was coming up and I was working extra hard to get it, not like I was slacking before. However, Bethany was a worthy opponent and a huge part of me knew she was going to get it but I did not want to give up. I would really be a failure if I do that. Shoving those thoughts to the back of my mind, I lifed my bag further up my shoulder and walked down the path the girls had walked, eager to see the garden. I did not have to walk far as the smell of flowers hit me as I turned a corner. I smiled and closed my eyes as I stepped into the field of flowers, tempted to pull off my shoes and feel the soil beneath my feet. I started to feel myself relaxing and I even felt beautiful. “ You really don't want me? ” A voice floated over, startling the peaceful bubble I had immersed myself in. I opened my eyes and looked around, wondering where the sound had come from. Usually, I would turn back and leave but Mr Cobbs words refused to leave my head. Gossip. That was what Mr Cobbs wanted from me. That thought had me tiptoeing through the flowers, which was useless really as the flowers swished by me as I walked through. However, the wind was strong as well so the disturbance could be linked to it. I gasped and crouched when I finally made out two figures. I was grateful that the flowers were dense enough to cover my not so little figure. It was a man and a woman, anyone coulld tell that from a glance. The woman had her back to me, so I could not recognize her but her body almost had me fainting from jealousy. It was simply perfect. But the man….was the billionaire CEO, Ivan Hamilton. I stifled a gasp as several questions ran through my head. Ivan Hamilton was the CEO of CEOs. He was rich and powerful and always topped Forbes list of Bachelors women would like to wed. Less than a month ago, the most eligible bachelor was snagged from the market by Melanie Anderson, the daughter of one of the most influential families in New York. The news was everywhere and I could not escape it even if I had no interest. Bethany was also screaming the building down when she found out. I wondered why she had a reaction so big and out of control. Forcing my mind back to the situation at hand, I watched as different scenarios popped into my head. “ I really don't mind that you are engaged. Look– “ the woman was saying but the questions in my head distracted me from listening carefully. Why was the engaged CEO in a garden with another woman and in an obscure part of it at that? Was it a date? A rendezvous? Or worst ... .a secret affair? I had to muffle another gasp. Although I could not see the woman's face, I was sure she was not Melanie Anderson as Mel was slimmer and not as curvy. Why does her voice sound so familiar? Could she be a popular actress or model? Just as more and more questions filled my head, the woman leaned up and kissed Ivan on the lips. I gasped and fell on my butt. I had stumbled on the world's biggest scandal.REIGN’S POV No way. There was no way in hell. Ivan and I glanced at each other in disbelief. I was just joking. It was just fun remembering all the books I have read. The fact that it was happening as I said it was really creepy. Or maybe the receptionist was mistaken.I laughed. “Come on, that was funny. Are you trying to go along with my joke?”The receptionist shook her head. “I am serious, ma'am. All of our rooms are really booked except one.”Ivan glared accusingly at me. “You jinxed it.”I spluttered. “I had no idea. I was just saying. How could I have known things like this really happen?”“Throw your books in the damn river, lady.” Ivan scoffed and gently massaged his forehead. I scowled. “Leave my books out of this. What do we do now?”“We're taking it, do we have a choice?” Ivan rolled his eyes and nodded at the receptionist in confirmation.“What? How can we sleep in the same room together?” I gasped. “I would never do that.”“It's a suite, Reign.” Ivan said in a duh tone
IVAN’S POVI was pissed, fuming, infuriated, annoyed and every other word synonymous to angry. First it was that thing that referred to herself as the better Anderson sister when she can't even hold a flame to a strand of Melanie's hair, yapping her mouth and irritating me.Then it was that overly happy Henry who can't take a hint, talking to Reign when it was obvious we had somewhere to be. That was why I was upset. I wanted to go home already but they had me stand there for minutes while they talked about useless things. He wanted to get to know her better? Doesn't he have any pending work that needs his attention? At least Reign knew better than to take him up on his offer.And what? We were just acquaintances? We were more than that. We were housemates, we were business partners, if we consider the fact that we signed a contract together, regardless of the content. How dare she reduce us to mere acquaintances?Reign sneezed beside me. “Damn, who is cursing me in their head?”I res
IVAN’S POVI was pissed, fuming, infuriated, annoyed and every other word synonymous to angry. First it was that thing that referred to herself as the better Anderson sister when she can't even hold a flame to a strand of Melanie's hair, yapping her mouth and irritating me.Then it was that overly happy Henry who can't take a hint, talking to Reign when it was obvious we had somewhere to be. That was why I was upset. I wanted to go home already but they had me stand there for minutes while they talked about useless things. He wanted to get to know her better? Doesn't he have any pending work that needs his attention? At least Reign knew better than to take him up on his offer.And what? We were just acquaintances? We were more than that. We were housemates, we were business partners, if we consider the fact that we signed a contract together, regardless of the content. How dare she reduce us to mere acquaintances?Reign sneezed beside me. “Damn, who is cursing me in their head?”I res
REIGN'S POV Ivan didn't stop, despite how much I called for him until we got to where the valet parked his car. He was really pissed this time. I was jogging while he was just walking but I still didn't manage to catch up to him. “Hey, it's not nice letting me run after you in heels.” I scowled. I sighed and bit my lips, wondering how to apologize to him. “Look, I'm so sorry this turned out to be such a disaster but I promise you if we go back in there, I'm going to sit right beside you so you can have peace for the rest of the dinner.”“No. Get in the car, let's go home.” He said, opening his car. I pushed it close and rested on it, unintentionally getting in his space. Unlike what I expected, Ivan didn't move an inch, not caring that we were almost pressed together. “Come on, let's give it another try. It would be rude to leave just like that.”“Like I give a fuck. And don't lecture me on rudeness when you've been letting that thing get away with the words she was throwing at you
REIGN'S POV I gasped as I saw the floor getting closer, however I was able to grab a hold of the door handle before my face met the ground, thanks to quick reflexes. I took a deep breath before whipping my head back to see who had pushed me. My face cracked in disbelief when I saw Matilda hugging Ivan like her life depended on it. Ivan looked frozen like he was still processing what was going on.Was she serious? Was she not aware of the kind of person Ivan was? Why did she have to push me away so violently? I was not even standing that close to him.As expected, when Ivan finally realized what was going on, he pushed her away, so hard that she staggered back and fell on her butt.I gasped and gripped the door knob tighter. Everything was going wrong right from the very beginning and shel was to blame for all of these. Who goes to hug a stranger like they were best friends?I glared at Ivan as he moved closer to me and whispered to him. “What the hell are you doing? You're ruining ev
REIGN'S POV I peeked inside the kitchen and sighed in relief when I saw Ivan sitting at the counter and working. I took a deep breath and said a short prayer. “I can do this. I can do this.” I chanted like a mantra. I adjusted my dress and finally walked into the kitchen, trying to look nonchalant like I didn't come here for him. I leaned against the counter and tapped my fingers against it while looking at Ivan through side eyes to see if he noticed me. I deflated when he didn't even look up. What do I do to grab his attention?I took the seat directly opposite him and placed my forearms on the table. I plastered a smile on my face and focused all my attention on him. The last time I was in this position was when I was interviewing for a job at Everlight publications. The situations were not much different from each other. I was willing to do anything to please my interviewer, just to get what I wanted and right now I was about to do the same with Ivan.“Care to explain why you're
REIGN’S POV I hummed happily as I waited in front of Mel's door. The week had gone by rather slowly and I was glad I was finally done with it. It was crazy I had to face that every month. I had missed Mel immensely and we had chatted often but it was nothing like seeing each other in person.I knocked again when I didn't hear a response. I started getting jittery. What if Mel was not home? I didn't tell her I was coming so it would be a surprise but it looked like I came in vain instead. I sighed and turned around to leave when I heard the door crack open. I turned back with a smile on my face but it slipped when I noticed the state of Mel who was standing by the door. Her eyes were red rimmed and her mascara was smudged down her cheeks. “Mel, what's going on?” I asked, quietly and moved closer to her. As if she had been waiting for someone to ask, Mel sagged in my arms and burst into tears. I sighed and held her in my arms, patting her back gently. I led her into the house without
MELANIE’S POV I tapped my fingers on the steering wheel anxiously as I waited for the black sedan that Christian drove to come within sight. It was crazy what he had reduced me to.A scorned woman stalking the man that does not want her.I wanted to give up, I wanted to let him go but I was unable to. I spent every waking moment thinking about him, wishing things were different than what it was. If this was what love was all about, then I was not sure I liked it very much. I hated that my mood now depended on someone else.If I had these feelings for Ivan, my life would be easier.I gasped when his car finally appeared and ducked. I only realized my silliness when I remembered my car had tinted glasses. “ Right, he can't see me. "I murmured. I pulled my sunglasses from the compartment and put them on. I waited for Christian to enter his apartment complex before alighting and jogging after him.“ Miss. ” A woman I had not noticed called out when I dashed after Christian who was about
IVAN’S POVI tapped my pen on the table lightly while Henry's assistant explained the structure of the building we were collaborating on. It was supposed to be a refuge for abused women and children. Totally nonprofit at all. I was surprised Henry was willing to do this with me. He didn't seem like the type to do things like this but I knew better than to judge people by their appearance.“ I would like it if we tone down the exuberance a bit. ” I inputted, leaning forward. “ It's supposed to be a place where they can recuperate and face life head on once again. I don't see anyone being comfortable enough to do that here, honestly. ”Henry tapped his jaw in thought. “ I think I see what you mean. I'd have team work on something new. ”“ Please contact my design team as well for any assistance that you need. ” I offered.“ Of course. ” Henry grinned. The meeting was over and he was back to his happy go lucky self. It almost hurts to see all that smiling. What was he so happy about? I
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