Chapter 3

A year later…

/-Claire-/

I couldn't say my life was terrible. I ran three charity organisations which focused on helping neglected children and orphans. 

I had a foundation for abused women and three restaurants that were fast climbing to fame. 

You could say I have achieved a lot for myself and now I was working on paying back what I stole.

It was a whole ton of money, and I knew it would take a while to clear the debt, t but I was giving it my best. 

That singular act of compromise haunted me every night in my sleep. After I stole from him, my first instinct was to flee New Jersey before he would use his connections to prevent me from leaving the country.

Tonight, I was officially opening my clothing line so I made sure to look my best. 

The turnover was better than expected. I was honoured that most of the dignitaries I invited had shown up. 

I've never felt so proud of myself. I managed to achieve so much within a short period of time. 

With a drink in hand, I leaned on the bannister, looking down at the guests enjoying themselves. 

Life was finally moving in my favour, at least. 

After a successful night, I returned home, eager for the morning to come. I had closed a few partnerships and major investment deals, and I was very confident it was going to bring a big breakthrough for my company.

The next day, I woke up early and made breakfast, after which I got dressed and headed to work. 

My phone pinged, and I checked to see a text message. It was my manager reminding me of the clients seeking partnership with one of our companies.

Sighing, I headed to my company. 

On getting there, Aria, my secretary, listed my schedule for the day.

After signing a few proposals and documents, Aria came to inform me that the clients just arrived. 

“Usher them in,” I told her. 

I continued signing the papers until I heard the door open and close. I raised my head to see the middle-aged man. 

There was something familiar about him that I couldn't really place a finger on, at that moment. 

“Ma'am, Mr Craig here is from L&V Transits,” my secretary informed me.

My body stiffened at the mention of the company name. It was one of the companies I rejected a partnership with earlier. 

Why was he here again? I wanted nothing to do with that company. Anything that linked me with Regal was a no-no.

“Thank you, Gloria,” I smiled. “Have a seat, Mr Craig.” 

My plastic smile remained even though the company he was here for was already disapproved.

“Thank you for the audience, Miss Peters,” he said. “I am Henry Craig, manager of L&V Transits, here to represent my boss, Mr Regal Henshaw,” he said. 

Now it made sense why he was so familiar. Regal's manager. 

“Mr Craig, I want to thank you for making time to come here in person, but I feel this meeting is rather unnecessary. I already told you that my company cannot partner with yours. Not only are we highly incompatible because it does not have the target market we're looking for, but your company is offering way less than any others,” I told him as politely as I could manage. 

“All those reasons were stated in the rejection email,” he said. “But we are here with a different proposal. Trust me, you will not be able to get past this offer,” he said. 

I took the documents from him and went through it. Their offer was good but partnering with them was not going to be profitable. 

“I'm sorry, your offer is tempting and all, but our company has certain criteria for consideration that your company does not meet. We offer ageing population services and eco-friendly baby products, and you are focused on rentals and transportation. Our target audiences are completely different,” I explained. “Also, your market analytics are not very clear, and your profit margin is not what we are looking for.”

His shoulders sagged in defeat.

“You are not going to change your mind no matter what I say, are you?” He sighed. 

“I'm sorry, Mr Craig,” I gave an apologetic smile.

“Very well then, I will be on my way. I really hope you don't regret this too. It is a one-in-a-lifetime offer, you know. Do have a lovely day.” 

“You too.” 

Relief washed through me the minute he was gone. I didn't give much thought to his words and returned to my desk. 

Later that day, the office phone rang. 

“Yes, Gloria?” 

“Someone wants to speak urgently with you, boss but he wouldn't say his name,” she informed me. 

That was quite strange. 

“Alright, you can forward the call, Gloria,” j told her. I was curious to know who it was. 

I picked up the phone, waiting for the call to connect. 

“Miss Peters…” he drawled, and my heart skipped a beat. How long has it been since I heard this voice?

“My manager made me understand that you rejected our partnership proposal once again..”

His tone was cold and calculating, almost like the night he abandoned me to die. 

But I refused to let him intimidate me. 

“Yes, Mr Henshaw and for very valid reasons,” I answered confidently. 

“Do you have any idea how cruel the business world can be, especially to new businesses like yours?” He asked and my throat went dry. I didn't like where this was headed. 

“What is your point, Mr Henshaw?” I snapped. 

“Without strong backing, your frail little company wouldn't last three months in the business world. You need strong and established businesses like mine to umbrella you. Which is why I am going to give you one last chance to consider our proposal…” he drawled.

“Well thank you for your concern, but we don't need you to protect us. We already have others doing that,” I stated and a dark chuckle ensued. 

“Very well then…” something dark lurked in that tone. “Just be careful, though. You never know which company may push you out of business. It might just be L&V Transits. Who knows?”

My fists clenched around the phone. 

“Are you threatening me?” 

“Of course not, sweetheart. I could never. Have a lovely day.” 

Just like that, the line went dead.