3. A Deal

DAHLIA

Two weeks had passed since the scandal had hit the Nazari Empire, the stocks had taken a blow when the world found out about the collapse of my marriage. I had applied for a divorce on the basis of infidelity.

My failed marriage was plastered on the cover of every newspaper and business magazine, every assumption and every remark were only adding salt to the already deep wounds that Warren had left me with. But I was still trying to remain strong and composed.

True to my words I had appointed Dane Altaire as CEO, although the official signing was to take place very soon. I was not going to move from my decision although the board of directors were trying to break my resolve at every meeting. On top of that my father had summoned me, he had been abroad on a holiday when everything had happened but had returned home swiftly when he realised what had occurred.

My chauffeur Markus now drove through the gates of the huge Nazari estate, the place was larger than my own mansion which looked humble and modest in comparison. It had been an extra estate of my fathers he had given me when Warren and I got married. Just the thought of Warren made my chest tighten painfully. It was already hard enough explaining to Aria that the man she had started to call papa was not coming back.

“Thank you, Markus, wait in the car. I won’t be too long.” I said once he opened the door for me. Under my flawless makeup and a faint smile, I hid all my pain.

The eyes of the world were upon me. I could not afford to mess up. I was scared to face my father, after all, he approved of Warren greatly. But I had to face him sooner or later.

The butler allowed me inside seconds after I did the bell, bowing deeply. “Welcome home Lady Dahlia.”

“Thank you, Edward. It’s good to see you again.” I said politely before I made my way to the sitting room, taking a deep breath before entering.

“Baba, how are you?” I said smiling as I walked over to my father who was sitting with his wife Amal. She was only a few years older than me and was my father’s 5th wife. My mother had been the first but she had died in strange circumstances when I was young. My father never liked to discuss it.

“Daughter, finally you show up!” Hadid said standing up, he was quite an intimidating man in his late 60’s but he looked a lot younger than his years. He closed the gap between us and hugged me tightly, I closed my eyes just wanting to stay here forever. Protected in his embrace.

“I do apologise Baba but as you know there was so much going on.” I said, greeting my stepmother with a few air kisses.

“Hm, how about you tell me exactly what happened? I don’t think divorcing Warren was the correct thing to do Dahlia.” My father now said, looking at me seriously.

“Baba, he cheated on me. I don’t need a man like him in my life!” I exclaimed, not missing the eye roll from my stepmother.

“He is an excellent CEO, that you fired. Over something so small.” My father said gravely.

“Baba, if he is so amazing why don’t you marry him!” I retorted, annoyed that he thought it was something so small. My words made my stepmother give me a rather dirty look. Father simply sighed as he looked at me, disapproval clear in his expression. I knew this wasn’t going to be easy.

“He would keep the company at its strongest. You are a woman Dahlia, you need a strong man behind you,”

“I don’t! Baba believe in me.” I said pleadingly. I needed something to keep me focused, something to hold on to so I didn’t drown in the pits of despair and sadness over my broken marriage.

“Amal, tell the staff to bring us some refreshments.” Father said, clearly indicating he wished to be alone with me.

“Of course.” Amal said, casting me a once over before she left the room. Father sighed, taking my slender hand in his large ones.

“You know about my health Dahlia… I don’t know how long I have. I need you somewhere I know you will be taken care of. Once I'm gone, many snakes will want this company, to take that power for themselves. Warren is a man who has a strong influence in our society and in the business world.”

“Baba! What about his cheating? He put me through something no woman should be put through. Do you think I should stand by and allow it?” I asked, hurt and angry despite the sadness that I felt at the reminder of my father’s illness.

“It isn't something that is unheard of, it is common.” He said. I knew he too had been a part of many affairs in his lifetime, but I refused to let myself suffer like this.

“This new CEO is as good, in fact he may be better than Warren. Just let me handle this baba please.” I said looking into my father's eyes.

He shook his head, I knew he wouldn’t agree so easily.

“I will give you 2 months Dahlia to prove that this new CEO can stand up to Warren's level. If he fails you will take Warren back, am I clear?” His voice was cold and curt, I knew he wouldn’t listen. I clenched my jaw but nodded. I would prove that I didn’t need Warren, that this company didn’t need him. Although the company would take a hit when the Murdock’s pulled their investment it was nothing in comparison to the Nazari influence.

 I didn’t stay for longer, feeling my father’s growing annoyance the darker his face became. It hurt that he didn’t seem to think much of what I have been through. I took my leave before Amal even returned with the refreshments. I had things to do, and tonight I had a dinner meeting with Dane Altaire to attend. If all went well, he would soon be the new CEO of the Nazari empire.

------

It was now evening and I was sitting in a private room of the very restaurant I had wanted to visit with Warren. I smoothed the skirt of my silk deep blue fitted dress that reached just above my knees. My mind drifted to the sweet moments of my marriage. So far, I had kept myself busy with work and had no time to wallow in self-pity.

The interior of the room was romantic and elegant, decorated in shades of browns and gold. Soft Arabic music played in the background; it was the perfect place for a couple to come to. I leaned against the backrest of the curved velvet booth, losing myself in the music, the weight of my pain ever-growing.

There was a light knock on the door before one of the waiters opened it and Dane walked in, looking rather handsome. He was dressed in black slacks and a black shirt that had a few buttons left open, revealing the necklaces that hung around his neck.

He didn’t even spare me a look as he sat down, his muscles flexing with every move. I looked away quickly not wanting to be seen staring.

The waiter poured us both a glass of wine from the bottle that stood in a bucket of ice and left the room. I had already placed the order when I had arrived, wanting to at least impress the young man. I wasn’t sure if anything would impress him. He now sat back, tilting his head as he looked at me, a cold gloomy expression on his arrogant face.

“I already placed the order but if there’s anything you would like to add-”

“No thanks.” He said icily, tossing the contract on the table. “I read the contract and there are a few things I want to be amended.”

Well, it was clear he wanted to cut straight to business.

“Oh? I thought it was rather fair. We made sure we paid handsomely. You will have your pension, insurance, healthcare all-” He cut me off again, his eyes flashing dangerously.

“I don’t really care if you think it's fair. I said I want to change a few things.” He said arrogantly. I felt a stab of annoyance. What a jerk. Why did he hate me so much? But I needed him, so I simply pouted and nodded. He gave me a look before continuing.

“I will have the final say when it comes to the way I work, even if the Nazari empire is huge. If I don’t think something is fitting, I will not pass it. If you step in and try to oppose me even once, I assure you I will leave.” He said, his hazel eyes piercing into mine. I didn’t miss the way he looked me over, contempt growing on his face. I frowned back at him.

“Sometimes I do need to have a say in the company Mr. Altaire.” I said firmly.

“I assure you I am a lot more suited for this job than you are. If you want me, Ms. El Nazari, you need to accept my condition. Stick to make up and dressing up, leave the work to me.” He said arrogantly. I pressed my lips together, annoyed. He wasn’t wrong, I did need him.

Although it shocked me how he didn’t seem to care how important a person I was. I had done a little background check on him and knew he was from a working-class family, although there wasn’t much on his family, apart from the fact they owned a small diner downtown and that he was the eldest of three siblings.

“I have also done my master’s in business Mr. Altaire, and I have years more experience than you.” I said in a clipped tone, sticking my nose up as I picked up my glass. “I completed at the top of my class in-”

“I don’t really care.” He said, sounding bored. I frowned, I wasn’t wrong, he was 26 and I was 30 after all.

“Well, you should! I’m older and wiser.” I retorted. I didn’t miss the flash of annoyance in his eyes as he leaned forward, making my eyes widen as I was forced to lean back. The same intoxicating scent that I smelt off him at the office filled my senses and I tried not to get lost in those eyes that were rimmed with the most perfect lashes one could ask for.

“Listen to me princess, I don’t care how old you are. You’re the one who wants me, remember?” His low voice made my heart race and I simply nodded, wanting him to move away. I didn’t miss the way his eyes ran over my face, lingering on my lips before he frowned deeply and moved back.

“Fine! How about this? Sometimes we will discuss things, but I will leave the majority to you.” I said frowning as I looked him square in the eyes.

“Fine.” He said, frowning. Neither of us was completely satisfied. I smiled clinking my glass with his.

“I look forward to it.” I replied, relieved we had come to an agreement. A small predator-like smirk crossed his face for a fraction of a second before he drank the wine…