Frankly speaking, Ivan had not even the faintest idea that he was going after Stratford group all these while. He only followed his grandfather and did no background check. Moreover, there was nothing to show that Jace group was formerly Startford. The name was changed leaving no trace of the former or any legacy related the the former.
“Yes. I don’t know. You have to understand that I’m not aware that it’s the same company.”
“I don’t believe you. But whatever be the case, why are you after Startford? Why are you among those after my father’s downfall? It was because of this company and my father’s health that I got into a contract marriage with you. You have the whole of vintage but you wanted the little Startford, you bastard!”
Ivan never imagined, not even in his wildest dreams that Nelly would ever raise her voice at him. She used to be so calm and meek in front of him. Before every other person and in her company, she was the boss but once she was before him, she was no longer a hedgehog or a porcupine. She was a lamb. Now, she was more than a hedgehog. Her thorns were all out now and she was ready to strike.
“I’m sorry sweetheart. I’ll let it go now…”
“Don’t you bloody dare to call me your sweetheart. It’s too late to let the company go. You have finally killed my father and you want to remedy what can’t be solved. I promise, I’ll deal with you even if it takes my last breath. I’ll get back at you.”
She turned and stormed to the door. Ivan pressed a button on his desk and the door was automatically locked. Of course, Nelly didn’t notice this surreptitious movement. She got to the door and pulled it but it was locked. She turned back and looked at him.
“Open this damn door right now, will you?”
Ivan looked her her calmly, making her heart soften involuntarily but she quickly put herself in check.
“Come and have a seat let’s talk this out.”
“No! Open the door and let me go!”
Ivan stood up and walked to her since she didn’t want to come. He respected himself and stood a few inches away from her.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t know it was Startford. If I had known, I would not have gone this far. I’m willing to relinquish the shares and come off clean. I will do anything to please you. I’m sorry. I want to make amends for everything. I’m sorry for all that I’ve done in the past and even now. I’m sorry for how I treated you and our daughter. I’m ready to do all it takes to obtain your pardon. Please, forgive me.”
Nelly felt an approaching heat, a man’s face was coming closer to hers. Ivan leaned close to kiss her lips.
“Twark!”
The biggest CEO in the country got a very dirty slap from one little woman. She turned the door handle and it opened. She fled immediately.
Damn! The slap even made him want her all the more. What was going on? Was he loosing his mind over that woman? Maybe he was.
Nelly left Vintage group in a hurry and was soon in the safety of her car. She drove off hurriedly and didn’t stop until she was seventy kilometres away from the company. It was only then she pulled over and pondered on what had happened. She raised her hands to hit someone she should not dare touch. What if Ivan sent people after her, to punish her for her guts?
“Well, he asked for it. He killed my father and thinks he can pacify me with a disgusting kiss. I’m gonna murder that bloody idiot!” she cursed and rested her head on the steering wheel.
Ethan was in Easton’s house once again.
“It’s good you have done what I asked you to do.”
“Thank you sir. What’s next sir? We can be business partners now, right?” Ethan asked enthusiastically, his eyes shining ever brightly.
Easton laughed.
“What do you mean by that young man?”
“I mean that now that he’s dead, we can have the company together, right? We will not have to struggle for it. It’s still as we agreed. You will let me be the CEO while I give you what belongs to you. I’ll give you the rightful percentage you need.”
“That’s quite smart of you, emmm… remind me of your name again.”
“Ethan sir.”
“That’s smart of you, Ethan. Now, listen to me. Are you listening?”
“Yes sir,” Ethan saluted. He was very eager to hear Easton say he has let him take the company, provided he gives him what should be his.
“I have no use for a servant who betrays his own master for his selfish interest.”
The smile on Ethan’s face was replaced with confusion. However, Easton was benevolent enough to explain further.
“You betrayed your father without bating an eyelid. You will do the same to me too. I have no need for you. Get out of my house!”
“But sir .. we…”
“Out! Or I’ll have the security throw you out!”
Ethan was thrown out of the house like a common criminal! He couldn’t believe this was happening. Did Easton do that to him or was this a dream?
“What an ambitious youth! Stupid lad! Know your place next time!” Easton mummured as Ethan was being thrown out.
Now, Ethan was out of the picture. Easton had some control over the company. Nelly was no match to him. He rubbed his stomach in satisfaction. He was still the same old Easton, the king of the underworld. No one stood in his way.
Few minutes later, there was a news causing a stir on the internet. A certain young woman had committed suicide! Some pills were found on the floor where she lay dead and it was believed to be the substance she took. That certain young woman was Aria Dean!
A lot of people stared posting their comments below the post. Everyone believed she commited suicide as it was beyond every reasonable doubt. Only Nelly and Ash thought differently. They were very sure that Easton had a hand in her death. Aria had already told them that she had few days before Easton caught her. They knew but as there was no proof, they lay low and the whole world believed the suicide story.