Out of your league

Chapter3

Simon’s POv

I walked into the house, and for the first time in two years, it was not filled with the scent of a home-cooked meal. I turned on the lights and picked up a piece of cloth on the couch. They were her’s, I smiled, the sight of her clothes brought a flicker of joy to my falling world.

Taking the cloth to my nose I took a large sniff, the sight of her beaming smile flashed through my mind.

I raised my head, looking in the direction of the kitchen; my face fell when I realized she was gone and never coming back.

The image in my head was immediately replaced by the shock and resentment on her face when she had walked into the office.

My mind drifted back to her making me hate myself even more. My insides churned with disgust from what I had done to her.

“Ahhhhhrgh” I yelled, pushing the vase on the dining table; I was filled with rage. I watched as the glass crashed to the ground shattering.

My life was a mess without her and I knew it. I had been a weakling. I had succumbed to the calls from the stranger. I remembered just how deadly he sounded, he was bent on me leaving her.

Taz was my life and I just let her go. I felt like a coward.

“Ding ding ding”

My phone jerked in my shirt pocket, Lucas' name was sprawled on the screen. “He hem” I cleared my throat, bringing the phone to my ear.

“Sir Simon, Smith Corp just sent us a message” he said blandly over the phone, Lucas would have made a few jokes here and there but I was sure he resented me now for how I treated Tazlyn. I could not blame him. I hated myself too for how I treated her.

“Sir, sir Simon…” he called and I shook my head and blinked, realizing I was still on the call.

“I am listening” I stated. “ They are interested in buying shares in Prestige Corp”. There was a brief silence, and then It dawned on me; Smith Corp, the biggest organization in all of Birmingham, wanted to invest in my business.

*************************

“The CEO of Smith Corp will be here soon,” Lucas said, my eyes drifting from my computer screen to him. The young man was looking into his iPad.

“I got a call from her secretary. She informed me that her daughter would be coming to represent her” he said.

I furrowed my brows, looking back at my screen; I carried on with my research. “ It says here that lady Beverly Smith has two children” I said, running my hands through the keyboard, the brightness of the screen illuminating on my face.

“ There seems to be no more information about her children” I said looking at Lucas. The young man shrugged his shoulders and left.

I sighed, loosening a few buttons on my shirt. I could tell Lucas was still mad at me for how I had treated Tazlyn. If he only knew how hard it was for me to do that to the woman I love.

But right now, I have more crucial problems. I had to prepare to meet the Smiths. I had spent the whole night rehearsing my composure while trying not to think about the strange caller but it was really hard not to think of him.

Tazlyn’s POV

I took a deep breath as the convoy arrived at Smith Corp. I had not seen Simon since I caught him in the office with that blonde lady. My palm intertwined, I gritted my teeth; fighting my nervousness and the brutal urge to explode I felt.

I could not believe I was going to meet face to face with Simon this soon. I had left the office that day, convinced I was never going to set eyes on him again, but here I am two days later as Tazlyn Smith and ready to take back what is rightfully mine.

I ran my hands through my hair “I cannot be vulnerable before him” I said out loud. I didn't feel elated being a pawn in mum's games, but if it meant I could take back what was mine then so be it.

My mind drifted back to the hot betrayal, I don't think I am ready to meet Simon just yet. I spent most of the ride rehearsing my speech. If had to be in the same space with the man who broke my heart in such a despicable manner, then I am not about to go weak.

I stepped out of the car, nodding my head at the driver as he shut the door behind me. I looked around, taking in the familiar scenery of Simon's betrayal.

“good day!” I greeted, as I entered the board room. Lucas was behind me. I could tell the man had a lot of questions but I maintained my calm but bossy aura.

“Tazlyn” Simon called Just as I took my seat before all the board members, his brows furrowed. He looked completely different from the man I met with the blonde lady.

“Mr Stones” I replied,letting out a smile that faded almost immediately.

“ I am sorry everyone” I heard Simon say, he seemed destabilized by my presence. Walking towards me “let’s talk about this outside” he said, stretching his hands towards me.

“Talk about what? Mr stones” I said looking confused. The board members started to murmur and I could tell they were all puzzled.

“Listen Taz, I am expecting the CEO of Smith Corp,I want to make a good first impression, don't ruin this” he said in a low tone, Standing directly before me, gesturing for us to go outside the boardroom.

“Let him be,!” I said to my bodyguard who already had Simon in a firm grip and ready to throw him out.

“He is just confused,” I continued. “I can let that slide” I said loudly, a smile plastered on my face as I watched Simon put himself together.

“I am Tazlyn Smith” I said, raising my voice looking from his face to all the other board members. “Daughter of Beverly Smith” The woman behind the Smith Empire. Now if you are all ready to get down to business, bring in your CEO and let’s get started.” There was a deafening silence in the boardroom.

“Former CEO I mean” I added when I was sure I had all their attention. The board members all scrambled with their pens and i pads. Simon looked more uneasy, Pickles of sweat formed on his forehead. I watched him wipe them nervously.

“ What do you have for me?” I questioned my voice loud and stern. I had practiced all night and was happy I was giving Simon the heat.

“Miss Smith , with all due respect, What is going on?”. A shareholder Mr Roberto questioned.

I smiled. “Well let me make things clear,Smith corp has bought majority of the shares in Prestige Corp, making me the new CEO.” I said.

“There will be a few changes around here henceforth,” I continued “If there is anyone who is not satisfied with the new development, you are welcomed to pull out your shares” I said sternly and silence ensured throughout the boardroom.