Chapter 9

9.

Estella's face twisted with anger, and she looked like she was about to explode. But then, she suddenly turned and stormed off, leaving Samantha feeling shaken but relieved. She took a deep breath and walked into the study, where her father was sitting, looking worried.

“Are you okay, Samantha?” he asked, concern etched on his face.

Samantha nodded. “I'm fine, Dad. But I think we need to talk about Estella. She's not stable, and I'm worried about her.”

Her father sighed. “I know, Samantha. I've tried to help her, but she won't listen. She's too far gone, and I don't know how to reach her anymore.”

Samantha went to him and patted him on the back. “Don't worry, Dad. Everything will be alright. I'll try talking to her,” Samantha advised her father even though she knew the last person Estella wanted to see was her. She was still going to try her best to talk to her.

Mr. Salvador looked up at her and smiled. This was why he loved Samantha so much. She was different from the rest. Even though Estella was her stepsister, she still loved her and tried her best to get along with her. This was the reason he entrusted the company into her hands. He knew that with Samantha as the CEO, everything would definitely be fine.

“Thank you, Samantha, why don't you take a seat,” he pointed to the chair in front of him and Samantha smiled and sat down. “So, how did the event go? I wanted to be there to announce you as the heiress myself, but I had a lot of things to take care of here. I will definitely be there on the day the company is to be handed over to you because I will do it myself.”

Samantha smiled, “The event was a huge success, Dad. The shareholders and investors were impressed with my speech and the plans I have for the company's future. I think we've gained some valuable support.”

Her father beamed with pride, “That's great to hear. I knew you'd do great things. Now, let's talk about the shareholders you need to meet with. There are a few key players who can make or break our plans. I want you to meet with them, gain their trust, and secure their support.”

He handed her a list of names and contact information. “Start with Mr. Johnson and Mrs. Thompson. They're the most influential ones, and if you can win them over, the others will follow.” Samantha nodded, taking the list and studying it, determined to do whatever it took to win them over.

“I won't let you down, Dad. I'll make sure to secure their support and make this company thrive.”

Her father smiled, his eyes shining with pride. “I know you will, Samantha. You're a true leader, and I have no doubt you'll succeed.”

Samantha stood up and gave him a slight peck on the cheek before walking out of the study. Mr. Salvador smiled as he watched her leave. Truly, she was his daughter. She had his fighting spirit, and he loved how she changed from the girl who ran away from home three years ago to a strong woman, who will not be taken for granted.

*

After Samantha left the study, she decided to head to Estella's room and have a word with her. Whenever she thought it through, she would realize that Estella was actually insecure and felt the love of their father was being taken away from her. She knew Estella felt that her mother left because of Jessica and that's why she hated them so much, but that wasn't the case.

She didn't hate Estella and wanted them to be good sisters. With a sigh, she took the stairs to Estella's room. Before she got there, she could hear hip hop music playing.

She placed a knock on the door, but there was no response. After two more attempts, she turned the doorknob and to her surprise, the door was unlocked. She opened it and stepped into the room only to be greeted by the stench of alcohol and drugs.

Samantha's eyes widened in shock as she took in the scene before her. Estella was slumped on the bed, surrounded by empty bottles and drug paraphernalia. The music was blasting from a speaker in the corner of the room, and the air was thick with the smell of smoke and alcohol.

Samantha's heart raced as she rushed to Estella's side, shaking her gently. “Estella, wake up! What's going on here?”

Estella groggily opened her eyes, looking up at Samantha with a mixture of anger, resentment, and hatred. “Leave me alone, bitch. You've taken everything from me. What do you want now?”

Samantha's face became filled with concern for her. She knew the effects of these drugs. “Estella, I want to help you. I know you're not happy, and I want to be here for you.”

Estella laughed bitterly. “You want to help me? You? The perfect daughter who's always trying to steal the spotlight?” she laughed hysterically. “Oh please, spare me the pretense and drama.”

Samantha took a deep breath, trying to remain calm. “Estella, that's not fair. I'm trying to help because I care about you, not because I want to steal anything from you.”

Estella snorted, rolling over onto her side. “Save it, Samantha. I don't need your help. I don't need anyone, now do my eyes a favor and get the fucking shitty hell out of my room.”

“But-”

“Get out!” Estella growled, throwing a bottle on the floor, shattering it to pieces immediately. One of the shards pricked Samantha's hand, leaving a small cut. She stood up and faced Samantha. “I hate you so much, do you know that? You keep acting as if you're some sort of angel and deceiving everyone, but I know your true colors. You're just a chameleon who wants to take everything away from me!”

Samantha stared at her bleeding hand and released a long breath. “What do you have that I would probably want, Estella?” she asked calmly.

“Everything!” Estella snapped. “Every damn thing. Your mere existence is already a threat. When you left three years ago, I was the happiest person on earth, but then you had to show your ugly face here again. Get out of my room right now before I do something drastic to you.” she picked up another bottle.

“Fine then. I wanted the two of us to get along like sisters would, but you aren't ready for that.”

“I'd rather have a pig as a sister than you, girl. Avoid me. Don't ever come close to me or try to talk to me. The day you try this nonsense again, I will stab you in the eyes with a fucking pocket knife!” she snapped, her eyes holding nothing but hatred for Samantha.

“I got your message. I won't bother myself with you anymore. If you don't want to be helped, you can stay away from me as well.” she turned and walked out of the room, slamming the door hard.

Estella screamed and broke another bottle while breathing heavily. She wasn't going to let Samantha take everything just like that.