UNTIL SHE'S MINE AGAIN

CHAPTER 13

CHAPTER 13

HEAVEN

"How did it go?" I questioned as I walked back into my company that morning. I met Jenna on the ground floor, and we decided to go up together.

Earlier, she had insisted on going with me to Belmont, but I had refused since I wanted to face Atlas and the others alone. Instead, I had told her to go check up on Oliver.

I was still bothered by his statement last night. Even though he later tried to wave it off as a joke, I just couldn't stop thinking there was some truth in it. What if there was really the possibility that Atlas punch had not been so strong to cause such injury? What if he had planned the whole thing and intentionally hurt himself?

I had found the whole thing weird from the beginning. Yeah, Atlas punch could have been strong enough to make him lose his balance, but could it really lead to hitting his head? On the other hand, why would Oliver want to hurt himself for me?

I was well aware of Oliver's love for me but, would that really cause him to do that? It just doesn't make any sense that he would go through such dangerous trouble. What if he ended up fracturing his skull or something?

"Oliver is fine. I think he'll get discharged by the end of the day or tomorrow," Jenna replied, breaking into my thoughts and I looked up at her.

"That's good to know."

She pressed the elevator button and it slid open that second so we both got into it.

"What's my schedule for the day?" I inquired, glancing at her.

"You have a meeting with the design team by 11 and a power lunch by 1 pm, then an interview by 3 and then a factory walkthrough," she briefed, and I nodded before glancing at my wristwatch.

I still had thirty minutes before the meeting with the design team, so I could still attend to some things in my office before joining them. I just hope they don't end up wasting my time like they've been doing for the past three days. I just don't understand why it was difficult for them to come up with unique designs instead of trying to recycle Belmont's style.

Stepping out of the elevator, I was met with a figure standing at the entrance of my office while my administrative assistant was trying to talk to her. Her back view seemed familiar but I couldn't be really certain. Judging from her dressing, she was definitely an elegant one, so it made me wonder if she was probably a new investor or something.

"You can't come here without an appointment," I heard Kate say.

"I already made it clear that I don't need an appointment to see her. Where is she?" The woman asked in a belligerent tone, but that switched something in me.

I could remember that voice. I could recognise it anywhere. It was the same voice that heightened my insecurities back then.

Why the hell was she here?

"Kate, what's going on here?" I asked, approaching them and the figure turned to me.

And of course, it was the gracious Helen Belmont. The woman who had tormented me for years. The one that believes everyone should worship her feet.

Atlas mother.

"I guess this is the time the CEO arrives at work. It's obvious you're not inclined to do the job," she started in a sharp tone, her eyes running all over my body. The fact that she had the guts to show up in my office to insult me still says so much about her.

"She has been waiting for a few minutes insisting on meeting up with you. I tried to get her to leave but she refused," Kate replied in an apologetic tone.

"And you couldn't call the security?" Jenna questioned.

"I'm so sorry. I'll..."

She cut in. "Is this how you train your staff?" Helen Belmont snapped, her eyes shooting bullets at Jenna.

They've never liked each other. Jenna hated her more than anything in the whole world.

"What are you doing here? What do you want?" I asked, my face morphing into a frown.

"Isn't it basic courtesy to invite me to your office?" She looked from me to the door and I let out a huff.

"That should tell you that you're not invited. Tell me why you are here before I tell them to throw you out," I retorted and she squeezed her face like I had just uttered the most forbidden thing. Was she still living five years ago? Does she think I'll still be afraid of her?

"Wow, I can see you've become so different. Is it because you were able to crawl into the Vallore family?"

"I guess you're not ready." I turned to Kate. "Call the..."

"I came with an offer," Helen shouted, cutting me short. A smirk crept up my face as I turned to her.

"I hope it's something worth my time. You have just five minutes," I said, pushing the door open. I could hear her mumble while trailing behind me.

"You can go ahead," I said as I took my seat on the couch. She furrowed her brows while looking around.

"Are we talking in the reception?" She asked in a tone of disbelief.

I crossed my legs. "You're not worthy of my office. Your time is counting," I reminded her, and her face morphed into a frown.

She took her seat and glanced at Jenna and Kate who were at the entrance. Waving them off, I turned to her.

"You can start."

"You've gotten so arrogant. Not strange to people who suddenly get rich," she said in a mocking tone, and I glanced at my wristwatch.

"Four minutes more."

Her nostrils flared then she cleared her throat.

"Anyway, I have an offer for you."

"Shoot."

“You’re too smart for petty revenge. Use your power wisely, not to destroy Atlas, but to rise above him which is why I want to offer you some money and controlling stake in a rising shoe brand under our conglomerate," she said with a small smile that she probably believed would be enough to convince me.

I burst into laughter. I couldn't believe she was still underestimating me.

"You keep forgetting that I'm no longer the naive and poor Heaven. You think you can buy me with money? Have you taken the time to look at my company and compare it with yours? Have you forgotten we are way above you now?"

She pressed her lips into a thin line, obviously not expecting the outburst.

"This is a big deal."

I let out a scoff. "Oh, Helen. You're still the same. You think money can buy everything. How much can you offer me?"

Her face scrunched up.

"Name your price."

I crossed my arms. "You can't afford me. I don't need your money and neither do I need your small shoe line. There's nothing you can do or say that will stop me from dropping Atlas charges." I waved my index finger. "Nothing."

She tightened her lips as the color drained out of her face. She must have thought I would jump at the offer like some hungry wolf or something. Sorry to disappoint.

"You have two minutes later. If you still have something else to say, lay your cards," I told her and she clenched her fist.

Adjusting her sitting position, she cleared her throat.

“You’ve made your point, Heaven. I have a better offer though."

I lifted my brows.

"I know you want to get back at Atlas. You've been trying to do that all this while. The world sees him for the mess he is now. And I can’t undo what he did to you. But I can offer you something… rare.”

My eyes glinted with anticipation.

“I’m not in the habit of accepting guilt-bribes, Helen,” I reminded her.

Her lips twitch into a practiced smile. I knew that smile well.

“This isn’t a bribe. You've rejected the money. This is a proposal… literally.”

She leaned in.

“A contract marriage. With Atlas. One year. Publicly, you reconcile. Privately, you walk your separate paths. Our companies merge, your designs, our distribution, global dominance.”

My brows raised as a chuckle escaped from my lips. At least she came up with something brilliant this time. But her selfish interest was clearly written on it. They wanted me to help their company.

"I don't think this is an offer for me. You definitely want to stop your company from hitting rock bottom. There's nothing in this for me," I pointed out, and she shook her head.

"There is. It's advantageous for both companies," she replied and I let out a scoff.

"You still haven't given me enough reason to consider it. What of Amanda? You don't want her as your daughter-in-law anymore? Have you forgotten you threw me out of the house because of her, so how come they aren't married yet? Why are you asking that of me when Amanda can also offer the same?"

I mean, Amanda's parents were rich. She was a famous fashion designer. The perfect daughter in law for her. So, how come she was suggesting a contract marriage when they could just go ahead with their wedding? Was it because Amanda's family business was also facing its issue? Are they disposing of her now? How greedy can Helen get?

She gave a dismissive wave of her hand.

"Let's forget about Amanda."

“Wow, so you want me to pretend to love your son now?”

She shook her head.

“I want the world to forget he hit a man and committed divorce fraud. I want the press to turn the page, and nothing says redemption like a love story rekindled. You both win. It would be a good look for your brand. You secure a legacy. He gets a second chance," she replied in a very serious tone.

I paused, my lips curling into a smile that didn't reach my eyes as I stared at her.