Revenge in Silk and Gold.

Chapter Five

It’s been a year since I left San Francisco.A year since I left the version of me who believed love was enough to keep a man like Damian Frost.

A year since I walked away with nothing but trauma and a name which wasn't meant for me in the first place.

The Black Widow of San Francisco.

They said I murdered my wealthy husband.

They said I seduced him for power.

They said I disappeared to escape the scandal.

They said everything except the truth.

My butler kept me updated on everything happening in my absence, every desperate stunt Audrey pulled, every business deal Damian failed to secure, every board member who prayed I would never return.

They all prayed I would never return..But I am coming back stronger.

Damian. Audrey. Janet.

All choking on the consequences they created.I had made sure to cut down expenses of all the members of the Blackwood family.

They still didn't know who the new Mrs Blackwood was..The adrenaline rush..i couldn't wait to reveal my identity.

“Ma’am, we leave in an hour,” Jess said from the doorway.

My PA. My shadow. My butler’s daughter.

A girl who followed me without hesitation when my world burned down.

I studied my reflection

cold eyes, red lips, hair slicked into a perfect chignon.

I had changed.I didn’t need affirmations to know I did.

Claudia Miller was dead.

San Francisco wasn’t ready for who I became.

Claudia Blackwood.

Heiress. Widow. Threat.

A storm wrapped in silk and diamonds.

And today, the world would finally meet her.

Our plane landed in San Francisco by midnight, the weather cold and chilly as though sensing my presence.

The butler along with the driver arrived just in time to get us.

Our ride back to the villa was filled with updates on all the board members…and how the executives had run the business so far.

The board meeting was scheduled for the next day but I wanted them to wait….

Did you let them know I was coming today..i asked.

Enough for the right ear to hear ma’am he replied.we both knew who the right ear was..The housekeeper I had promised to kick out when the time was right had fallen right into the trap I had set for her.

News sure does travel from my Villa…and that was what I wanted..

The media platforms got a hint of my arrival and I could bet my life that I'd be all over the tabs before I got home.

Exactly how I planned it..Their anticipation while I stay all through tomorrow training my b***h face.

The villa looked exactly the same, yet nothing felt familiar.

It wasn’t the home I once hid in—it was a battlefield waiting for its queen.

Jess disappeared upstairs to unpack while the butler supervised the staff, their eyes wide, nervous, scanning me like I had descended from some throne carved in ice.

Good. Let them tremble.

I headed straight to my room.. Laid down on my bed. For the first time in a year, I allowed myself a breath. Not resting. Just a breath.

Tomorrow was war. Tonight, the calm before the storm belonged to me.

Jess knocked softly.

“Ma’am, the press is outside the gates already. And… Janet tried calling the villa line twice.”

A slow smile curled on my lips.

“Let her choke on her curiosity.”

I took a long bath, steam rising around me, rehearsing my expressions in the fogged mirror.

Cold. Untouchable.

A face that said: I am not here for peace.

By noon, the villa was almost too quiet. That was my first warning.

My second came from the butler rushing into the living room, breath hitching ,something he never did.

“Ma’am… Janet Blackwood is on the phone.

Of course she was.

“She’s demanding to speak to you.

How bold of her to make demands I thought.

Tell the maids,” I said icily, no calls from the Blackwood family would be entertained till the board meeting”.

He nodded and hurried off.

But I wasn’t done.

I pressed the intercom.

“Send the housekeeper to me. Now.”

She walked in minutes later, fumbling with her apron, eyes already shimmering with guilt.

What happened to the rude, nonchalant lady from a year ago. She looked pale but I didn't care..

I had her where I wanted.

The old me would have thought twice..but I was done giving second chances and allowing the world to play me for a fool.

I slid the folder across the table.Legal documents. Photos. Screenshots. The lawsuit.

“You’re relieved of your duties,” I said softly, dangerously.

“And my lawyer will be in touch. Consider this a warning to never try to spread rumors.”

She sobbed. I didn’t blink.

Security escorted her out through the back entrance, she was presently the least of my problems.

I sat down and just like those days in the one year I've spent out of San Francisco the thought of what would have been if everything hadn't crumbled came running back in.

My baby would have been here in my arms..pain Hatred..and the taste for revenge clouded my mind once more.

My hand muffled the pendant from my mum..The woman I fought so hard not to talk about..Days like this made me miss her even more.

Death had taken her away from me.

The proud look on her face if she were here to witness me get an MBA from Harvard.

I couldn't bring her back and a part of her I had inherited was also lost.

The world had taught me..Damian and Audrey had completely shut down any ounce of love or care I had left.

Now I am Claudia Blackwood..The infamous Black widow of San Francisco.

I wasn't going to clear any narrative,what the world thought about me did not matter anymore.

Ma’am the meeting has been scheduled for 8am tomorrow.Jess said before leaving.

Tomorrow the board will see me.

The Heiress is back.