Episode 4: The Game Begins
534 Words
Two days after the gala, the city buzzed with whispers.
Every business blog, newspaper, and gossip page screamed the same headline:
“Adira Cole and Ethan Grey: The Power Duo Everyone’s Watching.”
In boardrooms, men who once ignored her name now scrambled to learn it.
And in the Kane mansion, two people couldn’t sleep.
Tasha paced across the bedroom, her silk robe trailing behind her.
“She looked familiar, Leonard. I swear she did. The way she talked… the way she looked at us—”
Leonard sighed, adjusting his cufflinks. “You’re being paranoid. Adira Cole is a billionaire. Adanna was a nobody.”
But even as he said it, her voice from that night echoed in his mind.
I doubt she exists anymore.
He shook it off. “We have a business to focus on. The Greys are looking for new investors. If we get Adira Cole to partner with us, our company will finally go global.”
Tasha smiled coldly. “Then we’ll charm her.”
She didn’t know — she was walking right into Adira’s trap.
Cole Holdings Headquarters —
Adira stood in front of the window, Lagos spread beneath her like a chessboard.
Clara entered. “Ma’am, the Kanes have requested a meeting about a business collaboration.”
Adira smiled. “Good. Let’s give them what they want — slowly.”
She turned, her heels clicking like clockwork against the marble floor. “Schedule it for Friday. Make it sound urgent.”
Clara hesitated. “Are you sure you’re ready to face them again, ma’am?”
Adira’s lips curved. “Clara, I’ve been ready for five years.”
Friday came like destiny.
Leonard and Tasha entered Adira’s office, trying not to look impressed — but how could they not? The place screamed power: glass walls, white orchids, and a massive portrait of a phoenix rising from flames.
“Beautiful office,” Leonard said, forcing a smile.
“Thank you,” Adira replied. “I designed it myself. I like reminders that from ashes, greatness can rise.”
Tasha shifted uncomfortably. “That’s… inspiring.”
Adira gestured for them to sit. “So, tell me. Why should I invest in your company?”
Leonard launched into a well-rehearsed pitch about profits, expansion, and innovation. Adira listened silently, her eyes cold and calculating.
When he finished, she leaned forward.
“Impressive numbers. But I don’t invest in people who chase success — I invest in people who lost everything and built it back.”
Leonard’s throat went dry.
Tasha smiled nervously. “You sound like someone who’s been through a lot.”
Adira’s voice was like silk dipped in poison.
“Oh, I have. And I learned that revenge… is best when it’s profitable.”
She stood, ending the meeting with a handshake that lingered just long enough to make them uncomfortable.
As they left, Clara entered quietly. “Ma’am, do you want me to prepare the background file on the Kanes?”
Adira stared out the window.
“No need. I already know everything about them.”
She turned, eyes glowing with calm fury.
“This time, I won’t destroy them with tears. I’ll destroy them with success.”
- Writer
