Chapter 47 – Her recompense, her vindication.
Emma felt her heart twist in gut wrenching pain. The scene from before remained uncomfortably etched in her mind. How could it not? Somehow, she’d managed to see the most painful aspect of her life, playing out in HD before her eyes.
They didn’t have an atom of shame. Emma was far beyond angry. She felt pissed, angry, frustrated and vengeful. Not only did they disrespect her but the betraying duo also disrespected her piece. They tarnished the beautiful piece she created with all her heart.
She did it for him? Talia did it for him?! The audacity he had to utter such insolence.
Talia was busy making her life miserable while she slaved for months in order to get that piece ready for the big night. A night that exposed the one she loved the most in the world to be a cheating prick!
To top it all off, cheating with the one person that made it her life’s job to frustrate and make life unbearable for her. The painful thing wasn’t their reunion but the fact that her work had been snatched out of her possession and was being used as a symbol of their love.
The infamous StarMaker design had shot the career of a theif and painted them as humane, talented and capable of creating such iconic piece.
Having listened to the news on the situation of the collection and the response to the designs, she got jealous, possessive and vindictive. She needed to reclaim the rights to every one of her designs.
But how?
How does she go toe to toe with Talia? How does she recover everything they’d taken away from her? Emma paced around the room, deep in thought and full of anger.
Meanwhile, at the Braxton international building, in the topmost floor which held the office of the CEO, Asher was head deep into his work. One could imagine he was desperate to attend to every atom of work ascribed to him.
While he tirelessly did his job, his mind wandered to the little one in his home. It was a case he was reluctant to look into for reasons and he couldn’t quite understand.
Knowing the sort of person he was, one who does everything to have his way, he’d managed to surprise himself. When he called for that meeting, he originally intended it to formally introduce his intentions.
He didn’t intend to answer private questions, not to talk of getting such cold shoulders or non-worded replies. His confusion compounded when he asked that she be taken care of Instead of disciplined.
On top of it all, he had about 30 hours left to turn around the situation and he was yet to come up with something meaningful. Everything was a mess that needed careful sorting.
Jason had reached out some hours ago, asking that he inform him when he was ready to get off work but as the case may be, Asher could tell he was going to be occupied.
He had no plans of getting up until his desk was cleared of work and his mind was on track. Moving at trains pace, he continued his work until his doors suddenly flung open.
Asher didn’t need to look up to know who it was. There was only one who had such guts in the face of the earth and he half expected him anyways. Jason.
” Do you know what the time is? The entire building is empty.” Jason said upon entry. ” I bet if I didn’t come myself, I’d be waiting on that call for eternity.” He remarked, taking a seat on the couch and turning on the TV.
” Turn it off, it’s distraughting.” Asher said,
” I can’t. You need rest. Are you sure you can walk? I presume you’ve been on seat all morning. Now, you need to relax and enjoy the moment. Since I was unable to get anything, it’s best we enjoy every privilege to the core. Champagne?”
” I don’t need
” Tut Tut. It wasn’t a request.” Jason tutted, Asher could tell he was in a mood and decided to play along. The things he did for him though.
” Shut your mouth or I might throw you down the window.” Asher warned.
Jason made a zip sound and kept flicking through the channels. His surf was brought to a stop when he saw a show.
” Aww… I hear public proposals are the trend these days. Look at this.” He said, pointing to the tv show. ” His fiance broke things off with him so he came on here to oh! Isn’t that CEO Colton? Hmph! I didn’t know he was such a romantic.” Jason gushed, exaggerating his reactions.
Asher looked up at the mention of that name. It sounded oddly familiar. Before the show drew to an end, he was able to finally place the identities of the couple before him.
It was Talia Steele and her fiance’. In other words, that was Emma’s far from pleasant sister, passing out her work as hers once again.
At that moment, all he could think about was Emma. What were the chances of her watching the show?
Immediately, he picked up his phone, swiftly dialing home. After multiple rings and no pick, he dropped his phone and tapped his fingers on his head, deep in thought.
” Okay? Are you going to tell me what’s wrong or are you just going to sit there, sulking like a baby.” Jason said, alternating between him and the tv.
Asher didn’t humor him with an answer and instead, got to closing his work for the day. He had to go home.
” What’s going on? Tired already? I just got comfortable!” Jason yelled behind Asher who took long strides towards the doors of his office.
” Unless you want to spend the night here, I suggest you leave. Drop the keys by security.” Asher said and finally stepped out of his office.Nôvel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.
Coming out, he realized just how dark it became and went for his car, parked a little behind the block. Asher zoomed past Jason who stood by the sidewalks, expecting to get a ride.
After a few seconds of watching Asher’s car disappear from sight, he let out a sigh. He’d come around to help take his mind off the severity of the situation but had somehow managed to pull his trigger.
Asher was a different specimen with high IQ which came at a price of zero or substandard EQ. Being his friend for years, Jason had learnt not to take certain actions as offensive. It was just his way of life.
Meanwhile, Asher drove himself home within the quickest time possible. In a few minutes he was driving through the gates of his mansion. The people greeted him as he passed them, taking fast strides into his home.
” Mrs. Adams?” He called out, already getting comfortable.
” Mr. Braxton.” She replied with a bow, hiding her surprise for his early arrival. ” I’m sorry, I was unable to receive you.”
” Forget it. Where is my guest?” He asked.
” I believe she’s asleep at the moment. Any problem?” She inquired.
” Ensure that she has no connection whatsoever with the internet or tv. I don’t want stories, see to it.” He ordered.
Meanwhile, Emma felt hungry and decided to help herself to something. It was an abomination to be angry and hungry at the same time. After long hours of mulling over the best way to deal with the situation, she came up with one solution.
A way she was willing to try if it meant she could kick start her mission. A mission which involved exposing her enemies and reclaiming everything that belonged to her while living her dreams while at it.
After an hour of self isolation, she finally decided to seek an audience with Mr. Braxton who was a critical and important piece of her master plan. She was aware it was a sensitive period but felt determined to get what she needed.
Somewhere between the time, Emma transformed from an angry woman to a driven woman. She was done having people walk over her and felt big enough to take her destiny by its horns.
Her first task was to feed the worms in her stomach and after, she was to politely ask Mrs. Adams of her boss’s schedule, after which she would prepare and present her deal.
Only that, Midway through her scour in the kitchen, she heard the arrival of a car. It wasn’t hard adding up the situation and possibility of his returning. The only thing she didn’t foresee was his asking for her upon arrival.
She couldn’t believe her hearing. Apparently, she’s returned to the dog house. He was a tad bit late though, she’d already seen everything she needed. The only thing left was her next step. Her recompense, her vindication.
Emma walked out of the kitchen while Asher was midway up the stairs. If Mrs. Adams felt surprised, she sure did cover it up well. Plastering a smile, she spoke, ” Ms. Steele. I didn’t realize you were downstairs. Any problems?”
Asher froze upon hearing Mrs. Adams. Slowly, he turned around.
” I’m sorry to startle you. I would love to speak with Mr. Braxton, if you don’t mind.” She spoke flawlessly, her eyes were fixated on Asher.