She Who Laughs Last

Chapter Sixteen: A Calculated Comeback

5 years Later

The plane moved through the air with a grace. A woman with an aura of quiet intensity, sat in the first-class cabin. Her face, partially hidden by a wide-brimmed hat, remained focused on the horizon. A steaming cup of coffee sat on the small table in front of her, the scent wafting through the cabin, mingling with the faint scent of leather and metal.

The woman was dressed in a tailored black gown, her posture a testament to the years of discipline and training she had endured. Her gaze was fixed on the in-flight entertainment screen, where a news channel was broadcasting live.

"Breaking news! Executive Cole Vale is set to take over as chairman of Vale & Co. Watches," the news anchor announced, her voice filled with excitement. "After the tragic loss of his wife and daughter five years ago, Cole Vale has worked tirelessly to rebuild the family empire. Now, with his father, Roland Vale , stepping down as chairman, Cole is set to take the reins."

The newscaster continued, her voice filled with the kind of enthusiasm reserved for the rise of corporate titans that grated on the woman's nerves. "Just one year after the devastating loss of his beloved family, Cole Vale found solace in the arms of Khalia Yales, his late wife's cousin. The couple married four years ago, and today, as Cole ascends to the role of chairman, there's speculation about an imminent announcement of a new addition to the family."

The woman's hand tightened around the coffee cup. A slow, predatory smile crept across her face, hidden beneath the shadow of her hat. Five years. It felt like an eternity, and yet, in the grand scheme of things, a mere blink of an eye. She had waited patiently, biding her time, honing her skills.

The newscaster continued her commentary, her voice a distant echo in the woman's mind. Cole Vale. Khalia Vale. The names were like poison on her tongue. A perfect family, a fairy-tale life, built on the ashes of her own world.

The woman leaned back in her seat, her gaze fixed on the small screen. She glanced down at the sleeping figure beside her, her daughter, Kaia, oblivious to the storm brewing within her mother. The woman reached for the call button, summoning a flight attendant.

"Puis-je avoir un verre d'eau pour ma fille quand elle se réveillera ?" Serenity asked in French, the words slipping from her lips effortlessly, though tinged with her American accent. (Can I have a glass of water for my daughter when she wakes up?)

The flight attendant nodded kindly. "Bien sûr, madame." (Sure, madam.)

"Merci," Serenity said with a nod, her eyes never leaving the screen. The flight attendant retreated, leaving her in silence once more. Five years of hardship had transformed her. Her once long, braids were replaced by a long sleek, wig, framing her now scar-marked face.

She had scars on her lip, neck and on her eye and some faded on her body yet the scars were a testament to the fire that had been set alight by Cole's betrayal, a constant reminder of the woman she had been. Her teeth, once slightly crooked, were now straight, a testament to the luxuries her new life could afford. Despite the turmoil of the past, she had found a way to maintain a healthy lifestyle, her body curving in all the right places, a stark contrast to the lean skinny figure she had been in the hospital.

Kaia, now thirteen, had grown into a beautiful young girl. Her curly black hair, once a cascade of soft ringlets, had thickened into voluminous curls that framed her face. Her mixed complexion glowed softly under the dim cabin lights, and her big brown eyes, though closed in sleep, still held that same mix of innocence and depth. Kaia was still petite, but her once childlike features had matured slightly.

Serenity turned her attention back to the television screen, where the image of Cole and Khalia beamed back at her. Cole's hair had grown slightly longer, now swept back in a neatly styled manner, his features more mature yet still carrying that familiar warmth. His brown eyes sparkled under the studio lights as he waved to the camera.

Khalia, on the other hand, had gotten rid of her braids, the golden cuffs gone, replaced by a sleek bob wig that gave her a more polished, modern look. She wore a tailored white blazer over a pastel blouse, her style now exuding a sophisticated elegance. A wave of nausea washed over Serenity, but she forced herself to maintain her composure. She had waited five long years for this moment. A bitter smile crept across her lips. It was time to return home.

The plane touched down in LA with a gentle thud. Serenity took a deep breath, the familiar scent of jet fuel and tarmac filling her senses. It had been five years since she had stepped foot on American soil, and a wave of both fear and anticipation washed over her.

As they exited the plane, Serenity felt the weight of the past five years fall away. She took a deep breath, the scent of jet fuel mixing with the anticipation in the air. Kaia, now a young teenager, sat in her wheelchair, her curiosity piqued by the bustling airport. A burly figure in a black suit, pushed the chair with a practiced ease.

As they walked through the airport, Serenity could feel eyes on her, a blend of admiration and curiosity. Her elegant attire, a stark contrast to the casual clothes of the other passengers, was designed to be noticed. Yet she remained unfazed, her chin held high, and shoulders squared. Years of training had taught her to command attention without craving it, to be seen as powerful rather than vulnerable.

Once they were outside the airport, Serenity's gaze fell upon the three black cars lined up at the curb, their engines purring. Two men dressed in black exited one of the cars and helped load their luggage into a waiting car. Serenity helped Kaia into the backseat, securing her wheelchair with a practiced ease. As she climbed into the car, she couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. People seemed to be staring at her, their eyes lingering on her face. She ignored them, focusing on Kaia, who was busy looking out the window, her eyes wide with excitement.

The car pulled away from the airport, the city of Los Angeles stretching out before them. Serenity looked out the window, her heart racing. The buildings looked different, but the city's energy remained the same. The smell of exhaust and the distant sound of traffic brought back a flood of memories, both painful and sweet. Kaia chattered away beside her, pointing out the palm trees and the occasional celebrity billboard, her excitement contagious.

The car glided to a smooth stop, the engine purring to a silent hum. Kaia, who had been lost in her excitement, turned to her mother, her eyes sparkling. "We're here?" she asked, her voice a mix of awe and excitement.

Serenity smiled, squeezing her daughter's hand. "We are sweetheart. Welcome home."

The apartment building loomed before them. The men in black, carefully helped Kaia onto her wheelchair, handling her with a surprising gentleness that spoke of the respect they had for Serenity. They unloaded their luggage, placing it neatly beside the chair.

"Merci beaucoup," Serenity said, her French now fluent, a language that had been beaten into her during her years of training. (Thank you very much.)

"De rien, Mademoiselle Harper." (You're welcome, Miss Harper), one of the men responded, his voice a low rumble.

Serenity nodded her thanks, watching as the trio retreated to their vehicles, their eyes scanning the surroundings before they drove away. The sound of their engines faded into the background noise of the city.

She wheeled Kaia into the lobby of the luxurious apartment building, the click of her heels echoing in the vast space. The doorman nodded respectfully as they passed, recognizing the woman who had arrived with an air of authority and grace.

The apartment building was a modern structure, sleek and imposing. Serenity wheeled Kaia through the grand lobby, the polished marble floors reflecting the soft glow of the chandeliers. The receptionist, a young woman with a scowl, looked up from her computer. Her eyes lingered on Serenity for a moment before she took in Serenity's outfit and her whole demeanour shifted, becoming more professional and courteous.

"Welcome to the Sovereign Towers, Miss...?" the receptionist began, her eyes scanning the unfamiliar faces before her.

" Mira Harper. Apartment 24A," Serenity provided, her voice cool and composed.

"Ah yes, Ma'am we were expecting you," the receptionist said, her smile not quite meeting her eyes as she studied Serenity's face. "Mr. Mercier has informed us of your arrival. He also mentioned that your apartment has been prepared for your stay. If there's anything you need, please don't hesitate to call the concierge."

"My bags are outside, bring them up immediately," Serenity instructed the receptionist, her voice firm but not unkind. The receptionist gave a very fake smile and nodded, her eyes flicking to the luggage before returning to Serenity's scars.

"Yes Ma'am, I'll have them sent up immediately," the receptionist responded, her curiosity about Serenity's scars veiled behind her professional mask.

Serenity thanked her and wheeled Kaia towards the elevators. As the doors closed, she couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched. She glanced at Kaia, who was staring at the elevator buttons with fascination.

"Ready for a new adventure, Imani?" Serenity asked, trying to keep her voice light.

Kaia nodded, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Can we finally get the puppy?" she asked, her voice filled with hope.

Serenity smiled. "We'll see," she replied. "Maybe after we settle in."

As the elevator ascended, Serenity felt the weight of the receptionist's gaze on her back. The curiosity in her eyes had been unmistakable, but Serenity had learned to ignore the stares. She had grown accustomed to the whispers and the side-glances. The scars on her face had become a mask, a shield that protected her from the questions she didn't wish to answer.

The elevator doors slid open, revealing a spacious, sunlit hallway. Kaia's eyes widened in awe as they wheeled into the apartment. The place was bigger than their old house, with sleek, modern furniture and large windows that showcased the breathtaking cityscape. It was a two-bedroom, two bathroom with one of the bathroom being wheelchair accessible for Kaia.

"Wow," Kaia breathed, her voice filled with wonder. "This is amazing!"

Serenity smiled, a sense of accomplishment washing over her. This was a fresh start, a chance to build a new life for them both. "I know, right?" she replied, her voice filled with a hint of pride.

As they explored the apartment, Kaia's curiosity was piqued. "What school am I going to?" she asked, her voice filled with anticipation.

"Mr. Mercier has made arrangements for you to join a private school," Serenity replied.

Kaia rolled her eyes dramatically. "Of course, he has," she muttered.

Serenity chuckled. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Well, he does so much for us," Kaia said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "What ordinary man pays for a private school for a child who isn't even his?"

Serenity raised an eyebrow. "Well, let's just say Mr. Mercier isn't your average man," she replied, a playful look in her eye.

"Right, a man who all his employees are scared of," Kaia quipped, her voice echoing the scepticism she had picked up from her mother's stories. "Even you're scared of him. I don't even know why you work for him."

Serenity laughed. "He pays very well," she said, grinning. "Without him, we wouldn't be living in this apartment."

Kaia's eyes widened. "No way! You mean he's paying for this place too?"

Serenity nodded. Yep, it's all part of the package."

Kaia's jaw dropped. "He's practically a billionaire," she muttered, her voice filled with awe.

Serenity chuckled. "Something like that," she replied. "But enough about Mr. Mercier, let's see your bedroom."

As they wheeled Kaia into her bedroom, the young girl's eyes sparkled with excitement. The room was decorated in soft pastel colors, with a large window overlooking the city. A plush, white bed dominated the room, inviting cuddles and sweet dreams.

"It's beautiful," Kaia whispered, her voice filled with wonder.

Serenity smiled. "I know," she said. "Now, let's unpack. We've got a lot of settling in to do."

The apartment was quiet, the only sound the gentle ticking of the clock on the wall. Kaia, curled up in bed, was fast asleep, her soft snores punctuating the silence...Serenity sat on the couch, a glass of wine in hand, her gaze fixed on the television screen.

The news was broadcasting a segment on the upcoming Vale annual charity party. Images of the lavish event flashed across the screen, a stark contrast to the quiet sanctuary of her apartment. Serenity remembered the parties vividly, the grand ballroom, the glittering crowd, and the suffocating sense of isolation she always felt.

She used to attend those parties, wearing a grey dress that was never quite as grand as the others, and stand in the corner, her eyes scanning the room for Cole, but he was always occupied with the glittering guests. Serenity's heart would ache as she watched him, knowing that she could never be one of them, not truly. She was just the wife of the man who had built the empire, the woman who had borne his child. But that was all over now.

Serenity finished her wine and set the glass down on the coffee table. It was time to reclaim what was rightfully hers. She reached for her phone, her fingers hovering over the contact list. Then, with a determined nod, she dialled the number.

"I want you to get me an invite for the Vale annual charity party," she said, her voice low and steady.

There was a pause on the other end of the line before a voice replied, "Yes, ma'am."

Serenity ended the call, a small smile playing on her lips. It was time to step back into the spotlight, not as the invisible woman she once was, but as a force to be reckoned with. The Vale family charity party would be the perfect stage for her grand return.