𝗭𝗔𝗥𝗔

𝗧𝗛𝗥𝗘𝗘

Zara sank into the deep velvet sofa in her mother’s living room, letting the warmth of the space wash over her. The room was everything she loved about home: tall windows draped in cream curtains, golden lamps that cast soft light across the polished wood floors, and a grand chandelier that sparkled like captured sunlight. Shelves lined one wall, filled with art pieces and photographs of the family’s travels, gifts from friends, and small sculptures that her mother adored. Every piece had meaning, every corner reflected taste and power.

Her mother, Adunni Adeyemi, sat across from her in a high-backed armchair, legs crossed elegantly, sipping tea. Even after all these years, she carried the same air of poise and authority Zara had inherited. But unlike her mother, Zara felt a little wild today; energized, exhilarated, and still simmering from the events of the board meeting.

“So?” her mother asked, raising an eyebrow, the corner of her lips tugging into a small, knowing smile. “First day as CEO. How was it?”

Zara exhaled slowly, leaning back. “Intense. Exactly what I expected… but more.” She let her gaze wander to the city lights beyond the window. “The board… some of them were ready to challenge me. Some were polite. Some… well, I think they were quietly terrified.”

Her mother’s eyes sparkled. “Terrified? That’s good. They need to respect you from day one.”

Zara smirked. “Respect, yes. But some of them… I can feel their doubt. And then there’s Kunle Lawson.”

Her mother raised her teacup, eyebrows shooting up. “Oh? And who is he?”

Zara laughed softly. “A new senior analyst. Bold. Presumptuous. He didn’t even flinch when I corrected him in the boardroom. Didn’t even look intimidated. And he dared to speak back to me.”

Adunni set down her cup with a soft clink. “He dared, did he?”

“Yes,” Zara said, leaning forward, her elbows on her knees. “He looked me in the eye, like I was just another person. Not the CEO. Not the heiress. Just… a person. And I hated it.” She paused, a small smile tugging at her lips. “But also… I don’t know. I can’t stop thinking about him.”

Her mother’s lips curved knowingly. “Ah, the fire you feel… I remember that. You always notice people who challenge you. You like a good fight, Zara. Always have.”

Zara rolled her eyes but didn’t hide the small grin. “A fight, yes. But I’m going to enjoy putting him in his place.“

Adunni laughed lightly, shaking her head. “Ah, my fierce little lioness. You’re already plotting your revenge, aren’t you?”

“Of course. I’m going to make him respect the chain of command. Subtle, strategic… just enough to remind him who’s in charge.”

Her mother leaned forward, resting her chin on her hand. “Subtle, huh? Hmm. Don't be too hard on the poor boy.“

Zara chuckled softly, the tension of the day easing slightly. “I’ll try, Mother. But only after I deal with him,” she chuckled.

Adunni raised an eyebrow. “Ah, I see. The mysterious Mr. Lawson. Well, you have fun with that. Just… don’t get too carried away.”

Zara smiled, feeling lighter than she had all day.

————————————————————————————————

Kunle arrived at the office early, coffee in hand, hoping for a calm start. The open-plan office was quiet, only the hum of computers and soft footsteps. But his hope evaporated the moment Zara Adeyemi’s heels clicked against the floor.

“Mr. Lawson,” she said, arms crossed, sharp gaze locking on him. “I see you’re… trying. How cute.”

Kunle froze. “Uh… yes, Ma'am.”

Her eyes skimmed the spreadsheet on his laptop. “Interesting choice on the margin assumptions. Bold. Very… bold. Did you make that decision all by yourself, or did someone whisper in your ear?”

He clenched his jaw. “I followed the parameters you gave me this morning.”

She tilted her head, smirk tugging at her lips. “Parameters? Oh, how adorable. Parameters are for amateurs. Try to remember that next time you decide to ‘follow orders.’”

Before he could respond, she leaned closer. “And this number…” She tapped the screen. “…almost perfect. Almost. You should try harder. I can tell you can do better, Mr. Lawson. Don’t disappoint me.”

Her heels clicked away as she left. Kunle rubbed his temples, muttering, 𝘚𝘩𝘦’𝘴 𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘦.

After she left, Tolani slid into the seat next to him.

“Hey,” Tolani whispered, glancing around to make sure Zara wasn’t watching. “She’s really going after you, huh?“

Kunle gave her a tired look. “You could say that. She’s… relentless.”

Tolani chuckled softly. “Relentless? Try insufferable. I’ve seen her do this before and she wasn't even the CEO at the time. Most people crumble in a day or two. You’re holding up surprisingly well.”

“Thanks,” Kunle muttered, though it wasn’t thanks he wanted. “Do you… I don’t know… does she always treat everyone like this?”

Tolani shook her head. “No. Most people she just tests quietly. But for you, I think she sees something… or maybe just enjoys having someone to push around. Either way, brace yourself. It’s only going to get worse.”

Kunle ran a hand over his face. “Great. Just great.”

By midday, Zara returned, her presence alone making everyone tense. She leaned on Kunle’s desk, eyes scanning his work.

“You’re taking longer than I expected,” she said, voice sharp as ever. “Why?”

“The calculations are complex,” Kunle said carefully. “I’m making sure they’re accurate.”

“Accurate?” Her lips curved into a sarcastic smile. “Cute word. You want accurate, I want perfect. I want speed. I want results. And I want them today. Understood?”

“Yes, Ma'am.”

“Good.” She straightened and left, heels clicking like a metronome of authority. Kunle exhaled, rubbing his temples.

Later, Tolani stopped by again, leaning casually against his desk. “She just walked past me and gave me that look. You know the one.”

Kunle scowled. “The one that says, 𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘳𝘶𝘪𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘥𝘢𝘺 𝘪𝘯 𝘢 𝘴𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘥?”

Tolani laughed softly. “Exactly. She’s like a storm you don’t see coming. Don’t let her get to you. Just… keep doing your work.”

Kunle muttered, “It’s not the work. It’s her. She's exhausting.”

“I know,” Tolani said sympathetically. “But you know the weird part? She doesn’t even have to try. People start sweating just walking near her. And you… you just grit your teeth and keep going. I’m impressed.”

Kunle stared at his laptop, typing mechanically. “Thanks… I think.”

Across the office, Zara returned to her desk, posture flawless, eyes scanning her tablet with calm precision. A faint, satisfied smirk tugging at her lips—not playful, not kind. Just dominance. Control. And for her, that was enough.