CHAPTER 1 WHERE IT ALL BEGAN

She felt tense with anxiety as the cold breeze caress her luminecent skin, she didn't really know what was wrong or what she must have done to make her boyfriend Conner, a wealthy owner of a successful wine company sound vitriolic over the phone. He only sounds that way when he has a very bad news to announce. He invited her over for lunch in Peninsula hotel at chicago, which is his favourite place to have a great meal after having a hectic day at the company. " You sounded angry over the phone? Are you okay? Did something bad happened to your project? " She asked in a trembling voice, resting her hands on his. He gave her an apologic look as he withdraws his hand leaving her confused. "Look, I've been dishonest. I only pursued you for my own gain. I'm sorry, but I needed a way to get close to you, to get the contract. I never meant to hurt you." He spoke in a composed deamenor and confident manner. ""Simultaneously, I'm sure you're aware that we're both business people. This was simply a game, a means to an end. I was in a tight conner when I met you, but luckily, I was able to regain my footing with the help of your position and power, thanks to you. I never loved you; it was all part of the game." Silence took swift of the atmosphere as she processed unpalatable reality. A slow, cold creepy smile crept across her face, and she rose from her seat with a grace and poise that belied the turmoil inside her. "You are really funny Conner, a comedian and I must compliment your acting skills. I mean the cineama wasn't enough for you to pick up a role so you decided to it in the life of Brooke Madison. Bravo! I want you to know something." She said pausing for a while taking a bite from the apple on the table. " You are going to come back begging! " With that, she turned on her heel, her dress swirling around her, and strode out of the restaurant, leaving him behind to stew in his own dishonesty. She walked down to her Black Ferrari parked outside the garage at the hotel, her heels clicking against the pavement. She stepped into her luxury vehicle, firing up the engine and sped off into the light, her heart laden with regret. She'd been toyed with and played before,but never in such cunny and caculative manner. Conner really did a quick one on her, he was able to out-smart the savvy Brooke Madison leaving no traces till the very end. As she navigated the serpentine city streets, Madison couldn't take her mind off the present situation, she still couldn't believe that she had been a pawn all along. She weaved in and out of traffic, her thoughts focused on Connor and his outragous unpredicted plan, the broken pieces of their relationship swirling in her mind like shards of glass. She thought they were a thing, she did feel the spark right? She thought he was different and wasn't after her money nor her position unlike tge previous men she dated, what she never knew was that he was indeed a green snake in a green grass patiently waiting for it's prey. She nearly missed the turnoff for the meeting, remembering at the last minute as she narrowly avoided a collision. "Dammit, Madison," she growled under her breath muttering to herself, her fingers tightening around the steering wheel until they turned bone-white As she pulled into the parking lot of the gleaming skyscraper,Madison put on a brave face, plastering a fake smile on her face which looked so obvious anyone who knows her pretty wel. Her meeting with the board of directors was crucial, and she couldn't afford to let her personal life affect her professional one. Bardging into the boardroom, Madison took her seat at the head of the table with practiced ease. " I'm so sorry for keeping you guys waiting something really frucial came up. Please let's get to business gentlemen. " "As we all know, our company has been facing some huge challenges lately, but I assure you we are well-positioned to overcome them and rise again. "The competition has been fierce, but we have a plan in place that will put us back on top," she said, her voice confident and her eyes unwavering. "We'll be rolling out a new marketing campaign that will target our most lucrative demographic, and we'll be ramping up production on our flagship product line." "Now, I understand there are concerns about these changes, but I want to assure you that they have been carefully considered and planned. Our goal is not just to survive, but to thrive." One of the board members, a man with a pinched face and thin lips, cleared his throat. "We appreciate your dedication, Ms. Madison, but there's something we need to discuss with you," he said. "I'm afraid it might be something related to your personal life, rumors have been roaming in the air lately concerning your personal life." Brooke'pit on a broad smile, sitting upright and patiently waiting to hear what she already knows. "Rumors, Mr. Peterson? I'm afraid I'm unfamiliar with what you're referring to. As you know, my personal life has never interfered with my work here at the company." She leaned forward slightly, the intensity of her gaze pinning the man to his seat. "But if you have any concerns, I'd be more than happy to address them. Now, what exactly is it that you've heard?" Peterson shifted uncomfortably in his seat, the expression on his face a mix of apprehension and uncertainty. "Well, it's just that...there's been talk of you and a certain individual who...might not be the best influence on your decision-making abilities." Brooke's lips curled into a wry smile. "I see. And who, pray tell, is this 'certain individual'?" Peterson's gaze flitted around the room, seeking support from his fellow board members, but found none. "Mr. Peterson," Brooke said, her voice now like ice, "while I appreciate your concern, my personal life is just that: personal. It has no bearing on my ability to do my job, and it's certainly none of your business. "Now, if there are no further questions or comments, I have work to do. Good day, gentlemen." With that, she stood and gathered her papers, the heels of her stilettos clicking against the marble floor as she made her exit. The board members watched her go, a hushed silence falling over the room in her wake. Brooke stepped out into the crisp evening air, her phone already in hand. "Hunter," she said, when her most trusted friend picked up on the forth ring. " Busy with some b*tch huh? I need a favor. Meet me at XS nightclub at 8 o'clock sharp. Bring a bottle of Winston and a killer dress yoo." Hunter chuckled; " Cancelled your plans already! This sounds really fun, got it boss! Brooke smirked. "Just try putting on your best game face, darling. We are going to have fun tonight."