SARAYA’S POV:
I got to the dinning room and found my grandmother seated while waiting for others to join her.
I wanted to turn back but decided against it, I reminded myself I can’t continue to avoid her because of her sly tongue.
“Good morning, granny.” I managed to say despite the migraine that was threatening to spilt my head into two.
“I saw you drove all night and came back at dawn.” She said the moment I sat at the table.
My eyes met with hers and I could tell I was going to have a long day but I decided to play along. “I’m sorry to have kept you waiting all night, ma’am.”
“Did you meet with him last night?”
My heart stopped for a second. “Who are you talking about?”
“You know who I’m talking about, Saraya.” My grandmother’s eyes flew in rage. “Do you intend to whore under my nose just like your mother?” She asked angrily.
I clenched my fist as my heart raced while maintaining a calm facade but my mind raced crazily. “How did she know? How much had Evan told her.” Such questions and more travelled down my mind.
“The cat got your tongue?” My grandmother sneered at me.
“I see Evan told you everything.”
A sly smile appeared in her face. “Remember, I said I’ve got my eyes on you, whore. So, don’t bring him into this.”
Every ounce of tolerance left my body and I decided to face her head on. “Now I know where Evan picked the word, whore.” I fired back angrily. “Guess it was from you, that makes me wonder how many times he must have heard that you, poor boy.”
My grandmother leaned forward, “I see you have no shame but of course, as the heiress of the Newman’s empire, at the very least, you should have this much of tenacity.”
“Why do you hate me so much, I’m your grandchild for fuck sake?”
“Mind your language, young woman.” She replied, slamming the table. “And to answer your question, I don’t hate you.”
“Then what?” I questioned her, not backing down.
“You look too much like your mother.” She retorted.
I chuckled at her revelation. “So you’re admitting you don’t like me because I have my mother’s face?”
My father, Mary and Evan walked in and joined us on the table right at that moment.
They must have noticed the awkwardness in the room. “What is going on here?” My father asked.
“Just some ladies talk.” My grandmother replied.
“Good morning, mum.” My dad greeted and pecked my grandmother on the cheek.
“Good morning, son.” She patted his cheek. “Since y’all are here, let’s dig in.”
Evan sat across from me, barely touching his food. He avoided my gaze like a plague. That was all the confirmation I needed to know my grandmother must have talked him into letting the cat out.
We started eating and the clinking of cutlery was the only sound until my father finally broke the silence.
“So, Saraya,” he began, his voice casual. “How do you feel about starting at the company today?”
I swallowed the lump in my throat and shrugged, keeping my expression neutral. “I’m looking forward to it,” I said lightly, though my stomach churned at the thought. I just wanted to be alone.
My father nodded approvingly. “Good. You’ll do great.”
But then he added, almost as an afterthought, “Oh, by the way, the company is entering a collaboration with Arlan’s firm. A meeting has been scheduled for next week.”
My hand trembled slightly at the mention of Arlan’s name and the fork I was holding clattered against my plate. I quickly clenched my fist, hiding the reaction, but my grandmother’s sharp eyes didn’t miss it as she gave me a very stern look.
She seized the opportunity, setting her teacup down with a deliberate clink. “Since we’re all gathered,” she began, her voice cool and commanding, “I have an announcement to make.”
My father raised an eyebrow, gesturing for her to proceed. “Go ahead, Mum.”
Isla straightened in her seat, her gaze piercing as she looked at me. “As the eldest member of the Newmans, it’s my duty to ensure this family’s legacy is upheld. And after much thought, I’ve come to the conclusion that Saraya is not fit to take over the reins of the family business.”
A collective gasp echoed around the table. Mary’s fork dropped onto her plate with a loud clatter, and even Evan looked up in shock.
“Mother,” My father started, shock was written clearly in his voice shaky. “what are you talking about?”
Her expression didn’t waver. “You heard me, child. Saraya’s been reckless, impulsive, and, frankly, untrustworthy. This family cannot afford a repeat of past mistakes.”
Anger flared within me, but I forced myself to remain calm. “I still don’t understand this, mother.” my father said, his voice steadying. “What has Saraya done or is it that you don’t trust my judgement?”
“I do trust your judgement but I beg to differ this time.” My grandmother countered, raising an eyebrow. “Because all I’ve seen is someone who sneaks around at night and entertains unsuitable company.”
The blood drained from my face. She would readily spill the milk just to prove her point.
My father interjected, his tone firm. “Mum, that’s enough. If you have concerns, we’ll address them just between us, not air them out like this over breakfast.”
My grandmother’s gaze didn’t leave mine. “This is a very important issue, Alex. And I won’t stand by while Saraya’s recklessness jeopardizes everything we’ve built.”
Mary, who decided to be the peacemaker, tried to step in. “Perhaps this isn’t the right time for such discussions…”
“Would you prefer I rather appear at the board meeting than talk about it here?” My grandmother asked. “Thinking about it, I think that is a better option.”
“What are you suggesting mother?” My father rose to his feet.
“You aren’t the only major shareholder of the company and Saraya and Evan here are not my only grandchildren.” She said in a very stern voice.
But I couldn’t stay quiet any longer. “Grandma, If you have a problem, say it directly instead of hiding behind vague accusations.”
She leaned back in her chair, a faint, cold smile on her lips. “Maybe when you set your priorities right, we can stop having some problems.”
The table fell into stunned silence. My father sighed deeply, pinching the bridge of his nose, while Mary reached for her water glass.
Evan, who had been quietly observing the entire exchange, finally spoke up, his voice small. “Maybe… maybe I should just go back to my room.” He said and stood up.
I wanted to scream, to throw something to calm the raging storm in me but instead, I forced a tight smile and picked up my fork, though I had no intention of eating another bite.
Inside, I felt like the walls were closing in, and I knew one thing for certain, whatever happened next, I would not crumble under my grandmother’s scrutiny.
“Not again.” I vowed.