SELENE WOODS

CHAPTER 14

I stood by a table, hands holding a glass filled with golden, sparkling champagne . I raised my brows, eyes subtly taking in certain details.

It was still the same hall where the initial bid had been held - just with a few changes. There were no seats, just tables decorated with drinks and light desserts.

People moved around, stuck in an endless circle of socializing - glasses clinked, liquor sparkling in the light, accompanied by a soft hum of conversations lingering in the air.

"Hello everyone, can i please have your attention...?!"

I dropped my half-drunk glass of champagne on the table, watching as the previous hostess stood on stage in a bid to restore order.

The hall quietened down - everyone's attention drawn to the petite lady who stood there with a bright smile.

"It's time for the awarding ceremony." - She bowed slightly. " Before that - I would like you all to welcome the acting chairman of Reighler's construction - Mr Ezekiel Nerfer."

She made way for a middle aged man dressed in a grey,well-tailored suit. Sounds of applause filled the room as his hands motioned for the mic.

My eyes met his tall,stern figure - lingering on his cold, death like expression.

So this was the acting chairman?. I raised my brows, my interest piquing. I picked back my glass, giving my drink a soft twirl before gulping down the remaining contents.

His intimidating aura flooded the room, commanding attention without saying a word. He'd made a name for himself in the business industry, famously known as the 'Money hound'. I had heard a lot about him..... and somehow, i'm in awe.

"First of all, i would like to thank everyone. For honoring us with your presence today. I really appreciate it." - he paused briefly, his stern eyes scanning the crowd like a hawk.

" As we are all sensible business men, i don't see the need to actually dive deeper into our reason for being here today - so, i'm gonna get straight to it." - He cleared his throat, his fingers adjusting his gold-rimmed glasses.

" The winner of the bid is contained in this envelope and it's truly my honour to be the one announcing the winner of today's bid." - He raised his hands, revealing a large, brown envelope.

He handed the brown envelope over to the hostess. She clutched it with a soft smile, cutting it open with a paper knife. Then she stepped forward, placing the files back in his hands.

Mr Nerfer gave a small, appreciative nod. "After the evaluation from the committee, the acquisition bid goes to...."

My lips pursed tightly, heart pounding against my ribcage as anxiety slowly crept beneath my skin.

I often said - Winning and surviving isn't by luck but by hard earned efforts. But now, i could only silently pray for all the luck in the world.

I shut my eyes, finding the silence more deafening than the noise.

"Miss Selene Woods of the JVL construction!!!. Please a round of applause for her as she comes up stage." - He broke the silence, clapping with much enthusiasm.

My eyes fluttered open, the stunned gazes of the crowd gracing my view. But it wasn't like i could deny it, i was also stunned.

I gave a small smile....So this was how it felt to actually win. I liked it.

"Miss Selene Woods....if you'd kindly come up stage please." - Mr Nerfer called out once more.

I snapped out of it, then i walked slowly towards the podium. I passed by the crowd, quietly listening to their murmurs - feeling the disbelief hidden in their words. But i wasn't in the least disturbed, their words were just words afterall.

I shook hands with the acting chairman as he handed the mic over to me.

"So you're she...?." - He leaned in,his voice barely above a whisper. "It's my pleasure to meet you in person."

I forced an awkward smile,quite unsure how to respond. I watched him pull back, finding his delighted smile a little bit.... off-putting.

I stood, my eyes calmly settling on the people below as i gave a brief speech. It wasn't much, just some appreciative sentences and whatnot. From the corner of my eyes, i found Jason staring at me.

His grey eyes filled with disbelief as he couldn't hide his surprise.

My grip tightened, hatred coursing through my veins like adrenaline. Just wait, the game's only just beginning.

Afterwards, the ceremony ended with the crowd leaving still dazed by the strange turn of events. But i stayed back entertaining the few remaining guests while exchanging business contacts with a few people.

After a few glasses of champagne, i slipped out with the excuse of wanting a bathroom break. But i really had no intentions of going back in there again.

My heels clicked against the tiles as i walked, trying to navigate my way out of here. I hadn't gotten to the entrance when something suddenly grabbed my arm, slamming me against one of the columns.

"What's this, Selene?." Jason pressed his arm against my shoulder, his eyes darkening in fury.

"It's pleasure meeting you here, Jason." - I wheezed, coughing out a few words.

"Cut that crap!!. You leave and now suddenly, you're back..... what sort of a game are you playing at?. Why didn't you just stay lost,huh...?!" - Jason flared, a dark glint flashing through his eyes.

Wanting me to stay lost....?

I suppressed a chuckle, locking eyes with his. I might have been expecting a bit too much from him, afterall, he's cruel enough to side with his mistress and help cover up a murder case.

"Now, this is no way to welcome back your ex-wife,is it?." - I spoke calmly.

He blinked, giving me a confused look as i pried his arm off. Then i pushed him hard against the wall, my cold eyes fixated on his slumped figure.

"Y.... You!!" - He stammered, panting heavily. He tried picking himself up but kept collapsing all together.

I straightened my figure, a low smirk gracing my lips. "I'll be seeing you around, dear ex-husband. Afterall, i'm yet to receive my alimony. You owe me a lot and it's about time that you paid up."

" Don't you think?".