chapter 3: A slap on the face

Sonia woke up as early as five dressed in a tank top and pants as she descended the stairs. The distance from her house to the gym was quite far, and she was going to jog there.

Arriving at the gym, she chose the treadmill machine as she increased the speed at intervals. Her current body is limiting her ability, and she needs to be in shape to achieve her aim.

Annoyed with her limited ability, she angrily increased the speed and was sent flying from the treadmill.

Sonia closed her eyes anticipating the pain, but none was forthcoming as she slowly opened her eyes.

“I am your knight in shining armor.” Vincent said as he grinned sheepishly, releasing his hold on her.

“I went to the hospital and was told you had been discharged, and you didn't deem it fit to inform me.” he said with feign annoyance.

Sonia glanced at him before she sat on the chair as she picked a hand lifter, continuing her exercise. “What was your performance in the last exam?”

Vincent gave a lopsided grin when he heard her. “As a good friend I picked up your grades.”

Sonia shook her head in self-pity. He had indirectly said he came last. Since she wasn't in school, there was no doubt that he would claim her position.

Sonia stood up and patted him on his back saying “In the future you have to pay more attention to your studies if you still want to hang out with me.” as she walked out of the gym with a smile.

Sonia made her way home as she thought of Vincent. He was the only one she could rely on apart from her grandfather. Their bonds grew stronger over the years as they often got each other back. Now that she had turned a new leaf, she couldn't help but carry him along.

Sonia put on her shoes as she checked out herself in the mirror. She was making an official appearance and wanted to leave a long-lasting effect on everyone in the company.

She flagged down a taxi as she headed straight to the company she had been restricted from.

“Where is the boardroom please?” she asked the receptionist who had her head buried with work.

“May I know who you are and why you are going there?” she questioned back her eyes scanning her.

“Sonia, Sonia knight. Can I have the directions now?” she asked again.

The receptionist looked surprised before she plastered her professional look back on. The name was not an alien to her and everyone in the company, but seeing her appear was surprising. Wasn't she rumored to be a liability?

“Third room on the fifth floor.” she said simply returning to her work.

“Thank you,” Sonia said courtly as she moved to the elevator.

Arriving at the fifth floor, she took elegant steps to the third room where the meeting was currently being held. She had stayed up all night to stuff the Internet and keep herself updated about the happenings in the company.

The board members were surprised by the entrance of a third party. Only Mr Knight and his daughter had an annoyed look on as his eyes bored daggers at Sonia who entered the room gallantly.

“I would be taking this seat.” she said, simply ignoring the eyes glaring at her.

Laura quickly stood up when she heard her. They were in a public space, and she had to keep up her good girl facade, or she would be at loss.

“Of course, you should. I won't want you standing throughout the meeting.” she said with a smile as she vacated her seat.

“You should continue.” she said to the man standing. He was giving a report before her unruly appearance.

Sonia's little action didn't sit well with the board members as one of them, who was obviously hot-tempered, hit his fist on the table as he pointed at Sonia.

“You're only good at causing problems and having the company trend for your ill luck. Have you come to jinx our efforts again?” he spoke up angrily.

“Accountant Zion,” Sonia called calmly, unfazed by his words. “You shouldn't bother about me. You should be more worried about how to explain to everyone why the company's account didn't tally with what's at hand and why you decided to move the company's profit to your personal account.

“What! How dare you try to slander me. I am a man of integrity and I would do no such thing.” he said enraged as he moved to hit Sonia.

Sonia moved her seat backwards and stretched out her leg and accountant Zion was sent flying as he crashed on the shareholder beside her.

“Enough!” Mr Knight thundered as he faced Sonia. “You have caused enough ruckus and should leave.”

“Why? Is it because I exposed your incompetence?” she asked, making no attempt to leave.

Mr Knight turned pale when he heard her. His daughter had actually called him incompetent in front of everyone. Wasn't that a slap to his face?

Sonia ignored him as she continued, “You will be seeing me more, so you guys should better adjust and be on your best behavior.” she said as she picked her bag, standing up dramatically.

“Also, I will be managing accountant Zion’s position from now on. The best position befitting him is behind the bar.” she added as she left the boardroom with her shoulder raised the same way she came.

Sonia laughed menacingly immediately as she left the boardroom. She could already picture her stepmother's reaction when she found out she had threatened his brother.

Her mother's competent and loyal workers had been laid off and all accountant Zion activities were being oscillated by Benita.

Sonia stood outside the company as she waited for a taxi under the scrounging hot sun. She regretted not having a vehicle which would have made movement easier for her.

“Finally!” she sighed in relief as she saw the incoming taxi.

Sonia stared out of the window as she took in the views of America. She had always wished to explore, but the cult never gave her a chance to.

She returned her attention to the taxi driver as she noticed he had taken an unfamiliar turn.

She smirked as she launched an attack on the unsuspecting driver.