Chapter 6

Thea’s POV

They were clapping as I walked to my seat. The applause started out in a fine pitch, until it rose to a crescendo. I looked around me, feeling proud of what I was able to achieve in five years. It was unbelievable but I did this.

This was the third meeting to be held this month and it was as a result of the company's sales. The company even had its name in the mouths of the top investors in Italy. It's in the good books that Booker industry was beating the odds. Today, the main discussion was to find ways to expand our business to my hometown. The place I left years ago, it seemed like yesterday; I and Cora alone, but now, I had more responsibilities.

I smiled when I sat down and took the paperwork before me. I had these thoughts since Booker industry hit limelight, but I wasn't sure how to present it to the other stakeholders. They were mostly French men with few from America. I knew they might not approve of my decision but whether or not they agree, Booker industry will hit Manhattan in few months. It was an exciting opportunity for me to bring my business back to where it all started; where I began my life from, where it ended.

I took a deep breath after the thunderous applause and began. "Good morning, everyone! Thank you for joining me today. And I appreciate your most outstanding investments in Booker industry. Without further ado, I've been considering expanding our business to my hometown. I believe it's a great opportunity for us to tap into a new market and reconnect with our roots. What are your thoughts on this?"

The first stakeholder who goes by the name Fredinard was the first to speak. He was a forty years old French man with over four oil companies in Italy and I got a reasonable amount of shares in each establishment. I knew he wouldn't object to growing another empire somewhere else. "I think it's a fantastic idea. Expanding to your hometown will not only give us access to a new customer base but also create a sense of trust and familiarity among the locals."

Another man chipped in, "it could potentially lead to increased brand loyalty and word-of-mouth referrals.."

"I agree with Mister Ferdinand. Moreover, expanding to your hometown will allow us to leverage your personal connections and local knowledge. You have deep roots in the community, and that can be a significant advantage when it comes to establishing partnerships and building relationships with other businesses."

"That's precisely what I was thinking, but..." The only black hearted man in the meeting was about to speak. He was always against my suggestions but in the end, I always won. "I believe we can make use of our network and reputation in the community to gain a competitive edge. However, your hometown is definitely not in the limelight, so are we certain sales will come from there, Miss. Booker? We should conduct thorough market research and analyze the demand for our products or services in the area."

I looked the man in the eye and was provoked to say a curse word but I controlled myself.

"Absolutely!" I looked forward and saw Mister Aiden, a man of high calibre who, also counters my suggestions in the bussiness. "We need to understand the local market dynamics, including consumer preferences, competition, and any regulatory requirements specific to your hometown, do you understand those?"

His question came to me like, "as a woman, are you competent enough to handle this bussiness?" He had this way of looking down on me but I wouldn't let him ruin my mood.

"You don't think I had all these checked before bringing this up?" I directed my question to anyone else who wanted to bring in terrible suggestions. When no answer came, I continued. "Thank you all for your valuable input. It's clear that expanding to my hometown requires careful planning and execution. Let's form a dedicated team to conduct market research, analyze the logistics, and create a comprehensive business plan. We'll reconvene in two weeks to discuss our findings and take the next steps towards making this expansion a reality."

I got up without wasting time and I was out in no time. This done, the rest will follow.

***

"I don't think that's such a good idea."

I turned back to Cora and dropped my hairpin. The growth she had encountered was intriguing, she looked really beautiful. I was proud of myself for making her this kind of woman.

"What is not a good idea?"

"Going back home. I mean, what's the point, you have a life here, your whole life here and you want to go back where you lost everything, left to me, I wouldn't set foot in Manhattan again, there's nothing there to go to."

"What about father?" What was ought to come out was, "what about the father of my daughter?" Deep down, the only reason I want to take my empire to Manhattan was because of Blackwood, I wanted to look him in the eye and trample on his chest with how successful I had become. I wanted to watch him crumble and beg me to save his bussiness just like I did and he took advantage of me.

"Father left us. What use is he to us now? I'm not interested in seeing him."

"Cora, I've thought this through and it's a good decision."

Cora shook her head. "I'm not feeling good about it, I'm really not, it's quite pointless and you being on it like this means you have other things you want to achieve other than money."

I walked to my dressing table to add finishing touches to my make up. I was wearing a black see-through shirt with a slited black skirt and black heels. I looked like a dangerous harlot going on a date with a friend.

"I don't know what you're talking about, Cora. But, I've got a date to attend. Do yourself good and sleep early. Love you." I said and ran out before she questioned me again.

I got to Ristorante Italia, a charming and authentic Italian restaurant located in the heart of Italy. Nestled in a picturesque town, this restaurant offers a delightful dining experience that showcases the rich culinary heritage of the country.

My friend, Sebastian has high taste in food. I got in and was amazed by the interior part of the restaurant, it was tastefully decorated with rustic elements, creating an inviting atmosphere that reflects the traditional Italian charm.

"This place is amazing!" I commented after briefly hugging him. I loved his scent and particularly his eye colour, it was a mixture of green and sea blue. Blue when he's elated and green when he's shy or angry. I knew him to that extent.

"This place is amazing, but you look ravishing."

I flushed. "Oh, stop it man. I'm hungry."

"And I got what you need." In no time, nourishing food was placed before us and I helped myself to a cool dinner.

"Sebastian, this is good." I said as I ate.

"More than good. Classic favorites such as bruschetta, caprese salad, and prosciutto e melone are expertly prepared, that's why I love here, the antipasti selection also includes regional specialties like arancini from Sicily or baccalà mantecato from Veneto. You'll love it."

"I will come here often , you've opened my eyes to this massive , irresistible taste."

"Glad you love it."

"So, Sebastian, I've been thinking of something." I took a deep breath and began explaining the plan I had been formulating for weeks. As I spoke, I could see the concern etched on Sebastian's face. His brows furrowed, and his eyes darted around.

"But Thea," he interrupted, his voice filled with worry, "I don't want you to get hurt. This plan seems too dangerous. Going back to Mahattan? What if he finds out?"

"I don't care, really. He doesn't own the place, does he?"

"No, but..."

I felt a surge of anger rise within me. I spent countless hours strategizing and preparing for this moment. I had considered every possible outcome and had taken precautions to minimize any risks.

"You both underestimate me," I snapped, my voice laced with frustration. "I am capable of taking care of myself. I've thought this through, and I won't let anything happen to me."

Sebastian's concern deepened, and he reached out to hold my hand gently. "It's not that I doubt your abilities," he said softly. "I just care about you and don't want to see you in harm's way."

I pulled away abruptly, feeling a mix of anger and disappointment. "I need some time alone," I muttered, barely able to contain my emotions. Without waiting for a response, I stormed out of the room and into the cool night air.

Feeling a whirlwind of emotions coursing through my veins, thinking about the sweet-painful sex I had years ago and how I was tricked, I found myself walking aimlessly through the dimly lit streets.

Spotting a nearby bar, I decided to drown my sorrows in a drink. As I entered the dimly lit room, the noise of chatter and clinking glasses filled my ears. I made my way to the counter and ordered a strong whiskey.

As I sat there, a man approached me, His eyes were filled with malice, and his intentions were clear. My heart raced as I realized the danger I was in. He came closer and I lost it.

In a split second, I grabbed the nearest bottle and smashed it against the man's head with all my strength. The sound of shattering glass echoed through the bar as he rumpled to the ground, unconscious.

"Gosh!" I exclaimed, fidgeting. Without hesitation, I sprinted towards the exit, adrenaline coursing through her veins. I ran as fast as my legs could carry me not daring to look back. And as I ran, I cried.

Did I just kill a man?