Tiara's Reign

Brewing Storm

TIARA POV

"Good morning, beautiful, you're early," Jackson, the security greeted.

"Good morning to you too Jackson and yes, I have work to finish, so I had to come in early," I replied, handing him the extra coffee with me.

He took a sip. "Hmm, tastes good. Thank you."

I laughed, "you're welcome"

"Have a nice day at work," he shouted.

I waved at him and headed for the elevator.

"Will do, you too"

Hopefully, I do have a nice day. We will be closing a major deal today, and being nervous is an understatement.

I feel like running away. The pressure really is a lot. Quickly, I arranged everything orderly before Mr. Reign arrives.

The buzzing of my phone distracted me. A message from Mr. Reign.

"Meet me at Westford. Taylor will take you there."

I thought we would be going together? Well, even if he had told me to sort myself, it wouldn't have been a problem.There was no need to send Taylor to pick me up.

What is wrong with you, Tiara? You should be grateful and not be a b***h.

Language!

Not to keep him waiting, I began to pack my things. Taking important files for today's pitch.

My phone rang as I walked out of my office. Nada?

"Hey, Nada. Need something? How is work going?” I asked, surprised she called because she's usually busy around this time.

Seconds went by and she didn't say anything, instead sounds of her rough breaths filled my ears.

I stopped dead in my tracks. "Nada, are you okay? Talk to me." I urged, getting impatient, with thousands of thoughts clouding my head

"Tia, I've messed up. I just found out the guy I hooked up with last night is a hard-core criminal and I've been assigned to apprehend him," she breathed out at a go.

"Wow. This is a first," I blurted and continued towards the exit.

"Listen to me, Nada. There are no feelings involved. You are good at your job. I mean the baddest police officer in the whole of Washington DC. He's not a big deal, you are. So go out there and whoop his ass," I smirked.

She laughed out, "did you just say whoop his ass?"

"Yeah, I did" I chuckled

"I'm such a brilliant teacher. Well done, Nada," she replied.

As I stopped at the front door, Taylor, the driver, opened the rear door. I looked at him, confused.

"Boss instructed that you should sit in the back seat," he informed. Without questions, I sat and the back and whispered a thank you as he closed the door.

I then brought the phone back to my ear, "sorry about that. I trust you’ll do a damn good job, now go break a leg, baby girl," I cheered.

"Thank you, love, and you too. Hopefully, everything will go smoothly," she prayed.

"Yeah. Bye for now." I blew her an invisible kiss and hung up.

I looked out of the window, enjoying the view as the car moved at a steady pace.

My stomach churned at the realization that I'm minutes away from representing Reign and Co., in this pitch. I clutched onto my phone for dear life.

"We are here, ma'am," Taylor announced our arrival, and I nodded, but I couldn't bring myself to step out.

After a while, with all the courage I could gather, I stepped out, and an attendant led me to the conference room.

I know I'm always nervous, but this... feels different. I have an eery feeling. I shook my head lightly not to attract attention. We will definitely win this pitch.

"There she is," I heard Mr. Reign's voice. His signature stony face relaxed yet calculating. Dressed in a custom made black suit, his hair perfectly styled back with one hand tucked in his pocket.

I walked to where he stood with another man, whom I assume to be the Judge to give the final verdict.

"Good day sirs," I greeted and bowed.

"This must be your new secretary. Capable Tiara, is it?" he chuckled, while Mr. Reign said nothing.

I returned the smile, "thank you sir for the compliment"

The man was about to speak up when someone interrupted. I turned around to see an older man with a potbelly so big his buttons looked like they would make a big explosion all over the conference room soon wearing a sly smirk.

"It's understandable that you are nervous and that you are not confident but you shouldn't be forcibly making an effort on Mr. Mark, it makes even you look desperate”, he said letting out a humorless laugh.

If I'm not mistaken, this is the CEO of the company we are competing with today, Tom Morgan.

"See you later, Mark," Mr. Reign said and walked away, completely ignoring Tom's misbehavior while I followed suit.

We sat with me beside him. "Is everything ready?" He asked.

I nodded, "yes sir"

Soon two devils walked. Unfortunately, one is on our side. She eyed me as usual before flashing Mr. Reign a flirtatious smile.

She urged for me to move so she could seat beside him, but I ignored her. Grumpily, she moved to another.

The anticipated time arrived, and it was time to start the presentation. The representatives of other companies pitched their idea, and it was time for us.

I stood before everyone and went to the folder I had saved the work.

A wave of panic hit me as I couldn't find the file, instead there was a foreign one. Sweat was rapidly beading on my forehead. My breathing became shallow.

Where is it? Hesitantly, I raised my gaze, and all eyes were on me, including Mr. Reign's. He furrowed his eyebrow.

"We are waiting, Miss Jones," one of the judges said.

I nodded as I clenched and unclenched my fists. Fortunately, I can still remember some things, but I don't know how I'm supposed to convince the board without a detailed PowerPoint presentation.

My lips trembled as I spoke. Everything was wonderful and well not until Tom Morgan the devil spoke up.

"Is this a joke to you or whatever company you are representing?" he scoffed. "Without adequate preparation, you want to win the pitch? Reign and Co., is doing a poor job," he added.

My lips pressed into a thin line, my nose flared. Did he just say inadequate preparation? For four months, I have poured my soul into preparing for today.

"Since you have nothing to say, you may go back to your seat," Mr. Mark said, and just like that, I took a walk of shame. My head hung low as tears clouded my vision.

Murmurs filled the room.

How did you get here, Tiara Jones? I guess this was what the bad feeling was all about.

Someone set me up.

By the time I got back to my seat, Rosanne was already there. To avoid embarrassing myself further, I sat on another.

How do I explain myself to Mr. Reign? Even though he doesn't trust people easily, he entrusted this presentation to me and I failed him.

Tears rolled down my face as I continuously pinched myself.

Soon, it was time for Mr. Tom's company to present. Still, I didn't look up as I lost interest in everything.

When I heard the words rolling off the person's tongue, something sparked in my brain.

At the speed of light, I snapped my head in his direction. My project was staring in front of me. I rubbed my eyes with the back of my palm, while Rosanne gasped beside me.

Before I could stop myself, I shouted, "how the hell do you have my project with you!"

The room became silent for some minutes, followed by an ugly laughter. "You're such a joker woman," Tom scoffed

I felt the veins in my neck pulsing. My eyes saw red. Is he kidding?

I was about to speak up when Rosanne chipped in, "shut up Tiara, stop embarrassing us. Better come back with us and explain why you betrayed us!" she hissed

My skin paled. What is she talking about?

My eyes fixed on Mr. Reign as he stood up and walked out, both hands tucked in his pocket, His face void of emotions.