Chapter 6 Taking back what’s mine

“Wait up, Claire,” Robert called, his tone more urgent than usual. After the tense board meeting, Claire strode back to what was once Robert's office, now hers. She could feel Robert's presence close behind her, his footsteps echoing in the hallway. Claire didn't bother to slow down. Ignoring his calls, she pushed open the door to the office and stepped inside, feeling a sense of satisfaction wash over her as she settled into the comfortable chair Robert had chosen for himself. Robert followed her into the room, his irritation and anger evident on his face. “What was that stunt you pulled in there, Claire?” he demanded, his voice tinged with frustration. Claire met his gaze with steely determination. "I'm taking back what's rightfully mine, Robert," she said, her voice firm. “Yours? We build this company together! You are not the only one who has rights in this company.” “You are right considering I have larger shares than you state the obvious. Besides is not like I kicked you out of this company. I’m just taking my position back as the CEO.” Robert's eyes narrowed. “How did you acquire that 51% shares? It’s impossible doing it in a short time.” Claire leaned back in her chair, a small smirk playing at the corners of her lips. "Actually, Robert, I can. You might want to take a closer look at the contract you signed." Robert's face paled slightly as realization dawned on him. He had underestimated Claire once again. “Look I am glad to see you still alive and healthy. However, I have doubts seeing you running the company.” “I really do appreciate your concern, but I assure you, I am capable of it. I was gone for 3 years not forever.” Clearing her throat, Claire stood up from her seat and walked over to where Robert was standing, patting him on the shoulder in a mocking gesture of sympathy. "I'll give you some time to clear out your stuff," she said, her tone dripping with condescension. "But don't take too long. I'll be waiting." Robert clenched his fists, his mind racing as he tried to come up with a plan. All his carefully laid out schemes had been thrown into disarray by Claire's unexpected move. But there was one thing she didn't know about—the secret stash he had been collecting for the past three years. “That shit! Now you appear out of the blue. Everything was doing fine until you came back.” Robert muttered angrily as he ruffled his hair in frustration. As Claire left the room, Robert's thoughts turned to his hidden assets. They were scattered across different locations, carefully concealed to avoid suspicion. With a smirk of his own, he began to formulate a plan to retrieve them. Claire might have won this battle, but the war was far from over. "Everything okay?" Matthew asked as she approached, his brow furrowing. Claire smiled reassuringly, though her heart felt heavy. "Everything's under control," she replied. They settled into the plush leather seats of the car as the driver pulled away from the curb. Inside the car, Jack was already seated, a glass of champagne in hand. Matthew handed Claire a flute, and she took a sip, the bubbles tickling her throat. Turning to Jack, Claire couldn't help but voice her curiosity. “Why are you still on my side, Jack? Aren’t you not scared that Robert would find out?” Jack, a distinguished man in his late fifties, met her gaze with a steady, wise look. “Because I've never trusted Robert, not from the beginning. His leadership style never sat right with me.” Claire nodded in understanding, grateful for Jack's loyalty. She smiled warmly at him, feeling a sense of gratitude wash over her. “Thank you for sticking by me, Jack. It means a lot.” Jack returned her smile, his eyes twinkling with affection. He reached out and gently patted her shoulder, a fatherly gesture that brought comfort to Claire's troubled heart. “I've known you since you were a little girl, Claire,” Jack said softly. “Your father was a dear friend of mine, and I've watched you grow into the remarkable woman you are today. He would be proud of you.” “Thank you, Jack,” she whispered. After a long night at the hospital with Lisa, Alex finally returned to his loft at 11 pm. His butler, ever diligent, greeted him with a respectful nod. “Welcome back, Master Harris. Would you care for some hot tea and cookies?” Alex accepted gratefully, sinking into a plush armchair as he sipped his tea. His thoughts turned to Claire. Whenever he felt exhausted, Claire would always have something ready for him – whether it was a comforting cup of tea, a basin of warm water to soak his feet, or even a simple home-cooked meal, despite her admitted lack of culinary skill. Giving his cheek a light slap as if to shake himself out of his reverie. “Why am I thinking about that gold digging, attention seeker woman.” Alex murmured to himself. The butler, noticing Alex's distant expression, approached him. “Is everything alright, Master Harris? Do you need anything?” Alex waved off the concern. “I'm fine, just tired.” “By the way, Master Harris, did you hear about the return of the Metacortex CEO? It's all over the news and buzzing in the business world.” “No, I haven't heard,” Alex admitted, leaning forward to listen more intently. Alex's interest was piqued. Metacortex Corporation was one of the biggest companies in the technology and software industry, and their CEO's sudden disappearance had caused quite a stir. “Why did the CEO disappear? I don't usually keep up with the news.” “No one knows why she vanished. The internet only mention that the CEO is a woman.” Alex's curiosity deepened at the mention of a female CEO. He couldn't help but feel a twinge of relief that it wasn't Robert Robertson, the shitty CEO with whom Alex had clashed in the past. "Robert Robertson," he muttered with a grimace. "Who names their son that?" He knew his company had been eager to collaborate with Metacortex, and the return of its CEO could mean new opportunities on the horizon. “James is there any email from the Raven?” Alex has heard about the Raven on the internet and follow some of his work. He is a big fan of technology and Alex even hired a hacker to hack into the Cryptonic website which he is now a member even though Alex is not the one solving the code. As long as he has the money to pay a hacker, it is not a problem for him. Alex also planned to have a collaboration with the Raven on his new hotel chain in Las Vegas. He wanted to have a different vibe not just elegant but mysterious as well. “No, master.” “Shit, is the Raven really that occupied? How many times we have send them email?” “Around 50, sir.” “And still no answer. Send it again.” “Yes sir, however there is a slight problem?” “What is?” Alex frowned at James sudden nervousness. “It seems like our email has been suspended.” “How?” “I’m guessing it is the Raven doing.” “I’m going to find whoever that person is.”