Heels Of Revenge

Chapter 5 – confrontation at the boardroom

The alarm rang at exactly 6:45am.

Zara rose up from the bed with half sleepy eyes, stretched out her hands with a long yarn… it's morning already. Let's get prepared for the day. It's sure going to be a long day today.

She stepped into the bathroom, brushed her teeth, reached for the shower and slipped into the bath tub. It was already 7:00am, and she hurriedly came out of the bathroom. Walked into the closet and then her eyes caught sight of a brown blazer. Perfect. She paired it with brown pants and wore beige-colored heels. One of the company's latest designs. The confidence that came with the dress she wore was top-notch. Every single thing was on point.

"The aura."

"The looks."

Then, the slick ponytail to crown it all. When styling a masterpiece outfit, every little detail counts. From the hair, to the lipstick shade, the eyebrows, color combination. The perfume has to keep people's noses up, not too strong, or too plain, but sophisticated enough to make them stop and stare.

She walked into the company with undeniable confidence. Every stamp on heels portrays class and fashion.

The staff couldn't look away. Mouths were wide open for a few seconds. Some stopped to breathe because their CEO took it away. The gossipers' association turned to exchange glances at each other. Some scoffed out of jealousy and envy, while others merely admired the gracefulness that she emitted.

Zara's personal assistant came right through the door with a tablet after admiring his boss's appearance.

Good morning Miss Zara. Morning Jacob. What's my schedule for the day? Did you see the email I sent to you last night? Yes I did, ma'am, and I sent a refined copy to every board member as you instructed. Okay, good. Here's your coffee ma'am, just the way you like it. Creamy with less sugar. Thank you!.

The boardroom doors opened slowly.

Conversation immediately died down.

Adrian Cole walked in with the same controlled confidence Zara remembered too well.

Tailored black suit. Cold expression.

Sharp eyes that missed absolutely nothing.

Their eyes met across the long conference table.

For one dangerous second, the rest of the room disappeared.

Zara hated how familiar he still felt.

Even the board members sensed something unusual between them.

The tension was impossible to ignore.

She had to listen to the voice in her head and look away as if nothing happened.

And then composed herself to focus on the agenda of today's meeting.

Mr Bryan Hart, one of the board members with the least shares in the company. Greeted Adrian with dreamy eyes, trying to strike a conversation with him. He's known for being corny and greedy.

Adrian cleared his throat. He greeted everyone present with a cold aura.

The board members caught hold of his aura and there was a bit of silent tension in the air.

They made eye contact with each other, some whispered under their breath, saying, “He's acting like the CEO of the company."

Zara welcomed him, and they began discussing the purpose of the meeting. After a while, a professional argument erupted. They were both trying to prove a point. About whose idea is best for collaboration and growth of the business. But none of them were backing down.

Adrian said, “Your expansion proposal is risky.

Zara replied,“ No. It's innovative.

Adrian replied,“ Innovation without structure fails.

Zara then fired back:“ Control without vision destroys growth. The business world today follows new trends , and here at Eclipse Heels Enterprise, we make the trends. Then others follow.

She kept her expression calm, but inside, frustration burned hot beneath her skin.

Adrian always did this.

Challenged her. Pushed her. Tested her patience.

Zara made a shocking sentence that made everyone go quiet. “Then perhaps this partnership was a mistake from the beginning." She said coldly.

Silence crashed across the room.

Nobody moved.

Adrian leaned back slowly, his gaze unreadable.

Be careful, Zara.

His voice remained calm. Too calm.

Walking away from this deal may affect more than just this meeting.

He stood up, walked to the door and paused.

Then he looked back at her.

You should know better than anyone.

His eyes darkened slightly.

I always get what I want.