REBORN FOR REVENGE

CHAPTER SEVEN - DINING WITH THE ENEMY

Going forward in the story, Mara will be known as Vanessa meanwhile Clara who is impersonating her is now Mara. This is to avoid any confusion as you continue this book.

If you are still unclear on the names, please leave a comment.

Vanessa’s POV

“Mr Carlson, what a surprise to see you here?” Mara said with a wide smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes.

“Oh don’t act so surprised, I was invited here as an investor you see,” Carlson replied while I tried not to glare at her.

“No one is disputing the fact that you are meant to be here sir,” Mara said calmly, “But as you can see this is a professional event so you can’t just walk up to the stage as you please.”

Carlson scoffed as two guards walked up to us and led us away from the stage towards our seats.

“Well that didn’t go as planned,” I commented as we sat down.

“Don’t be too certain,” Carlson replied, seeming unmoved as he grabbed a glass of wine and tilted it to his lips. “Our aim was reached, your sister is obviously shaken.”

I looked up to the stage, smiling in satisfaction as I watched Mara continue to fiddle with her note where her speech was written.

“Let us raise our glasses in a toast,” Mara said smiling brightly as one of the guards handed a glass of wine to her. “To the new empire that the Anderson Corporations is building.”

I raised my glass and cheered while watching her coldly as she emptied her glass and stepped down from the stage.

Enjoy the start of your empire for now, Mara Anderson because by the time I am done with you there will be nothing left, I thought to myself as I emptied my glass.

“You know people can see your expressions right?” Carlson asked me as I grimaced in annoyance watching Williams hug Mara tightly as she returned back to her seat.

“Yeah well, I also wish people could read my mind,” I said spitefully, grabbing another glass of wine.

“And if they could they would just think you are crazy, I don’t want you to draw attention to yourself for the wrong reasons tonight so I suggest you relax on the wine and pay attention to the rest of the gala.

“What for though?” I asked him, feeling irritable. I was not handling seeing Mara again as well as I thought I would.

“We have achieved what we came here for, we heard the big announcement and we have also managed to shake Mara a bit so why can’t I keep drinking and besides, to anyone else I just seem like a french heiress with an alcohol problem,” I replied, downing the glass of wine in my hand and reaching for the bottle to pour myself another glass. Suddenly, Carlson grabbed my hand gently, removing the wine bottle from my grip.

“Stop drinking for a second and hear me out,” he said and I turned to him fully, wondering what he had to say.

“The big entrance into your old society isn’t the only reason we are here today,” he said in a low voice and my eyes widened.

“Really?” I asked, completely shocked. “Why are we here then?”

“Let’s just say that we are going to reenter your company,” Carlson said with a reassuring expression that calmed my unease.

As the gala came to a close, Carlson stood up with me following behind him, as other guests started to trail outside of the ballroom.

He approached William, catching him just before he could leave.

“William?” Carlson called out warmly and my father turned to face us.

My heart raced uncontrollably as I looked at his familiar face, it had been too long since I saw him unclose like this. For some reason, his hair seemed whiter and he looked like he had aged ten years in a few months. I guessed that was what losing a child would do to you.

“Carlson Grey,” William greeted coolly. “We didn’t think you would show at all and then you did, with a new bimbo on your arm.”

Ouch. not my father thinking I was some blonde bimbo.

“My name is Vanessa and I have heard a lot about you sir,” I introduced myself enthusiastically, stretching out my hand.

William acted like he didn’t even notice my hand. “So why are you really here Carlson? We both know you wouldn’t show up here without a real reason”

“You know me well, “ Carlson smiled, stepping closer to him. “I do have a reason for coming here, it has to do with the new changes happening in the company. For some reason, I wasn’t made aware that you will be stepping down before this party and now that I know, I will like to take on a more vocal role in the company.”

“Vocal?” William blinked.

“Yes, I have been a silent partner for far too long and now that the company is changing hands I will feel more confident that my money is in safe hands if one of my people is involved.”

Before William could respond, Carlson shoved me in front of him. “This is my fiance Vanessa Moreau, she isn’t just any bimbo, she has a degree in business management and I would like her to join your board of directors.”

I stared at William’s shocked face, forcing an innocent smile. Carlson hadn’t prepared me for this, when he said that we were reentering the company, I assumed that he would have a more vocal role inside it and we would take care of things together.

“I am so excited,” I waved at him. “I just love business-y things.”

“You want her to join the company?” William echoed in disbelief.

“What is going on here?” Mara’s voice suddenly called out from behind us. William seemed to sigh in relief as she walked up to him.

“Mr Carlson here was just telling me that he wanted his fiancee to join your board of directors,” William repeated.

“I see…” Mara replied with a cold and assessing smile and I stretched a hand to her.

“I’m Vanessa Moreau and I must say I will be honored to join your company,” I said with my brightest smile.

Mara ignored my hand, facing Carlson with an unbothered expression on her face.

“That will not be happening Mr Carlson,” she informed him.

“And why not?” Carlson asked her as his smile hardened into place.

Mara leaned closer to him. “Because Anderson Corporation will no longer be needing your investments.”