Havoc is here.

She knocked on Mira's room.

And Mira opened it.

Mrs Thompson was shocked that Mira was already dressed for work.

She was also happy to see Mira's devotion to her father's company, just like Andrew.

A sense of pride swelled within her.

She was sure Mira would make a good CEO.

"I want to talk to you briefly," Mrs Thompson said calmly.

Her voice was measured.

"Oh, good morning, ma'am. Please come in and have a seat."

The words hung in the air.

When Mrs Thompson was seated, she invited Mira to sit beside her.

Mira sat down.

Her eyes locked onto Mrs Thompson's.

Sensing what Mrs Thompson was about to say.

Mrs Thompson's calm demeanor was unlike her usual self.

"I want to talk to you about something," Mrs Thompson began.

Her words trailed off.

"I just hope you'll take it calmly, okay?"

The silence stretched out.

"I'm listening," Mira replied.

Her voice was steady.

Mrs Thompson picked up Mira's hand and held it in hers.

"Look, I know this isn't what you wanted to hear," she said gently.

Her eyes searched Mira's.

"I've seen how hard you've tried for him, but he doesn't see it."

The words lingered.

"He doesn't see it. I want to call off the engagement between you and Andrew," Missus Thompson stated firmly.

Mira's eyes widened. "You want to call off the engagement? So I'll return to my father's house, facing shame and humiliation?"

Astrid's pregnancy loomed large.

"Look, Astrid is pregnant, and there's nothing I can do about it," Mira spat.

Missus Thompson's expression hardened. "Who gives a damn? Astrid's pregnant, so what?"

Her voice rose. "Because she's pregnant doesn't mean I can't marry Andrew! She can be a surrogate. Ian pay her off! You can pay her off! Andrew can pay her off!" Mira's anger boiling with each breath she took.

The Thompsons don't—and won't—accept illegitimate children."

"Does that make any sense,even to you?"

Mrs Thompson's slap silenced Mira.

"This has been a rule, handed down generations," Mrs Thompson hissed angrily.

Mira reeled, stunned. Mrs Thompson stormed out.

A card on Mira's bed caught her eye. An invitation to the canceled engagement. Scheduled for that week.

Mira shredded it, fury blazing.

Hatred for Astrid consumed her. Tears filled her eyes, gazing at her wedding dress. Memories flooded back.

"Nothing will part Andrew and I, we're meant to be together till death do us part, Astrid is just an obstacle I need to overcome by all means." She thought as she held the wedding dress.

Her phone rang interrupting her thoughts,it was her father, she knew she had to be at work.

When she arrived at the office, she could sense the hard glance from the workers and they were whispering 'poor her.'

"She must have gotten on Missus Thompson's bad side.

That's why they want to pick her sister.

Like she has lost such a golden opportunity due to her bad character.

"What a pity.

I wouldn't miss such opportunity for the world.

"I agree."

Mira walked towards them as if she was going to the tea room but she diverted her attention and stood in front of the lady who had such guts to utter such nonsense.

"Come here," she commanded.

Everyone was in shock.

The lady had no other choice than to obey while the rest scrambled and went back to work.

Suddenly, Mira gave the lady three hard slaps on her face and the workers gasped in shock.

"Is there anyone else who would like a taste of my palm?" Mira asked loudly and everyone pretended like they were busy.

"That's what I thought.

Now I hope you all know why you are hired.

You meant to work and not gossip.

Okay, gossiping is bad.

Refrain, refrain from it."

Mira said as she walked away, swinging her hips and her hair with each step she took.

She met her father in her office.

"What was that about?" He queried.

"What was that about?" Mira asked, feigning innocent as she sat down.

"You're not entitled to lay your fingers on any workers here."

"Are they entitled to gossip about my affairs?"

Her father took a deep breath and understood that they were wrong.

Both of them were wrong, but he didn't want to drag it.

"What exactly happened with the Thompsons?

What exactly did you do to offend them?

Everything was going well.

You were almost getting married, and now they are breaking their engagement.

What's going on?"

"You think I offended them?

How petty?

You think so low of me.

How petty?" Mira exclaimed with a scoff.

"I did nothing to them, but Astrid played the slut.

Got pregnant for Andrew, and I am being kicked out.

Maybe I shouldn't have played the good girl part, right?"

Mira said as she let out a loud laugh.

Critical matters like this aren't meant to be heard by outsiders, or else...

"DAD, I am sick and tired of everything.

Astrid is taking my place while I sit here and stare at the screen all day.

It isn't fair.

Andrew was meant to be mine, right from the very first day I was born.""

Mr Walton walked away quietly, leaving Mira stunned and amused.

She let out a hysterical laughter because she couldn't believe her father just walked out on her in the middle of a conversation.

A critical conversation.

*****************

George gazed out his window, beaming. "Havoc's arrived," he thought, smiling.

His mother emerged from the car, catching his eye. They exchanged warm smiles.

The gatekeepers and security personnel must've alerted Father, George thought, but it's too late no one can drive her out. She's here to stay.

Descending the stairs, George's smile broadened, eager to welcome his mother.