Chapter 18

Although Amara hadn’t given them the grace nor opportunity to say another word after she declared the meeting dismissed, she could see from the looks on their faces that some of the executives despised what she had just said and potentially, their hatred for her just might have grown. Other, very few of them, looked impressed by her bold approach. They either made this known by the curt nod passed her way as she exited the office, looks of admiration on their faces or the handshakes some of them extended to her. But as much as it seemed like all of that matter to Amara, it actually didn’t, for what mattered to her was finding a way to back her big tall back in the meeting, after all, big talk without results would only solidify those hating executives assumptions. Arriving at her new and rather fancy looking office, Amara took less than a minute to admire the interior, brown office table, a glass cabinet filled with books, a huge flat screen tv mounted to the wall and a brown leather couch, before her gaze zeroed in on the stack of documents and files neatly arranged on her desk. Sighing, she walked over and sat down, immediately pulling a copy of the leaflet she had looked through. ‘How hard can it be?’ She asked herself as she examined the company’s background once again, getting familiar with the owner, who turned out to be an elegant looking lady in her late fifties. A nice lady, she looked like in photo. Amara just hoped she was as nice in life. After about an hour of strategizing, Amara came up with a solid business plan. Shortly after, she called Duncan in and instructed that he set up an appointment with Gemini, the CEO of Gemini Jewelries. However, he returned less than thirty minutes later with News Amara didn’t find all that favorable. “Our appointment was declined, Ms. Amara.” “Huh? Why?” Amara asked. Duncan hesitated, but that was enough to tell Amara all she needed to know. Her reputation wasn’t all that good. Right now, in the eyes of most people, she was considered an unreasonable woman who also happened to be a gold digger. Of course Gemini would reject her appointment. And to make matters worse, Gemini wasn’t just anyone. The fact that she had built up her business empire from scratch at a young age had given her pride unlike any other, thus, making her next to impossible to meet. But all that wasn’t going to deter Amara because thanks to a certain someone who had made destroying her their lives mission, she had thought ahead and placed a contingency in place in case something like this happened. The contingency Itself was quite simple. Through some. Internet and paper research, she had learnt that Gemini’s daughter, Bethany, was currently going through a lawsuit incurred from angering a nasty sponsor of hers and said sponsor happened to be in one of the collaborating company that Synergy had signed a contract with. So all she needed to do, was help Bethany out of the law suit. It was clear where that would land her, in Gemini’s good books obviously and if things didn’t turn out the way she wanted, well, she could always throw a stick or two at the sponsor and have them give Fire to Bethany. “Ms. Amara? What should I do?” Duncan’s call interrupted the planning session Amara had been having in her mind. She stopped drawing circles on the white sheet before her and looked at Duncan. “For now, nothing.” Her answer surprised him, but she waved him off before he could say anything. “I’ll call you if I need you to do something.” “Alright.” Duncan bowed his head before exiting the office, leaving Amara alone. “Alright, let’s get to work.” ~•~ Three hours, a phone call and a lot of searching, later, Amara had decided to call it a day. Pushing the chair back, she got up, stretched and grabbed her phone. As she packed up for the day, she got the idea to call Melanie, dimming it fit to go out and celebrate now that she was finally getting her life on the right track. The line rang for a few seconds before it was answered by her best friend. “You up for going out tonight?” Amara went straight to the point, asking the question as she slipped into her long coat. “Uhm, tonight?” “Yeah. You know, the night that comes after the day.” “I’m aware of what the night is, smart ass. What I’m wondering is why you’re asking me out all of a sudden. Don’t tell me there’s another article about Celestine going around.” Amara chuckled. “Even if there is, that’s none of my business. I officially joined the company today.” She explained. “And now, I’d like to celebrate. So, are you up for it?” “Sure. Where do you have in mind?” “Giovani’s sounds like a good place.” “That loud as club?” Melanie asked as she could already picture the club, with the huge signboard Giovani’s hanging above the door. “Where else? And besides, don’t tell me you don’t like the atmosphere there. I remember a time you would practically drag me along just to see what it was like.” Melanie chuckled. “Fine, fine. We’ll go to Giovani’s.” “That’s great. Meet you there by 8?” “By 8.” Melanie agreed. After the call ended, Amara finished packing her belongings and exited her office. As she stepped into the hall, Duncan appeared, greeting her with a bow. “Ms. Amara.” “I’m heading home for the day. You know what to do with any unwanted guest who wants to see me.” “Certainly. Have a nice day, Ms. Amara.” “Thanks.” With that, she was gone. ~•~ After leaving the office, Amara took a quick trip back home, dropped her work supplies, took a quick shower and changed into something club worthy. At exactly 8 o’clock, she found herself standing in front of Giovani, awaiting the arrival of Melanie. Fortunately, the wait wasn’t a long one as within ten minutes, Melanie’s car pulled up and she stepped out. “Sorry, I’m late. The traffic was heavy.” Amara smiled and shook her head. “It’s alright. Let’s head in, shall we?” “Mn.” The pair entered the club, the bouncer not even bothering to check their ID, after recognizing their faces. Music, loud and energetic, blasted from the speakers, filling the entire club with energy and a party atmosphere. “Let’s find a table.” Amara raised her voice and shouted to Melanie, who nodded her head in agreement. Together, they walked through the sea of people, admiring the bodies dancing as they moved, searching for a good spot. “Ah, there’s one.” Melanie pointed towards an empty table located in a good area. Amara agreed and they both began moving towards it, but before they could get to the table it was occupied by a group of individuals and as soon as the party light glazed their faces, particularly that of their ring leader, a frown etched itself onto Amara’s face. Because said ringleader was none other than the man she despised most in the world. Tobias. Freaking. Larsen!