“She’s going to be more pissed when she finds out she’s being kicked out of the mansion and reminded that I’m head of the family now. Shouldn't have signed the prenup and should have produced children with my father. What an idiot.” I unlock my phone, scrolling through my emails while we head into the city.
The elevator dings as we make it to the top floor and the doors slide open. Eyes fly up from staring at a computer to look to see who’s joined them. People scurry back to their seats as they see who’s arrived and get back to work quickly. I keep my face unreadable, staring straight as I walk down the hallway towards the conference room.
“Ms. Hansley, we weren’t expecting you today. It’s so very nice to see you.” The receptionist hurries over to me. I think her name is Angela. I can’t remember.
She must be new as I don’t remember her working for my father. She’s a cute little thing but will be eaten alive if she continues to be so docile.
“Interesting. And yet, there’s a board meeting taking place without me being notified. I suggest if you want to keep your job, you keep me informed of all meetings that occurred without my approval. I expect a call at once,” I deadpan as I move along leaving her frozen in her spot.
“Yes ma’am. I’m sorry. It won't happen again,” she stutters in fear. God, how I hate being called ma’am. I’m not old enough for that shit.
Antonio opens the door for me and I stroll in, plastering a wide smile on my face. My step-mommy sits at the head of the table and the board, sitting in their seats along the long surface, startled by the sudden swing of the door. Their mouths drop open at my arrival with a hint of panic in their eyes.
“Thank you so much for my invite. I’m glad that I’m included in such an important meeting with my own company,” I say so sweetly. “I believe you’re in my seat, Bianca."
I can feel the panic vibrate from her. Her body goes rigid, frozen in her place as I hover over her.
“What are you doing here, Celeste? I thought you were in Rome.” Bianca’s eyes narrow at me.
“Unfortunately for you, I’m home. Now, out of my seat!” I demand with a change of my tone.
She huffs, pushing her seat out roughly and moves to one of the empty seats next to one of the members. I take my place at the head of the table and Antonio stands behind me. Looking down at the papers in front of me, I sift through them getting an idea of the topic of the meeting. Bingo, she’s trying to take over the head of the company. What a sad little woman.
“I see that you’re questioning the leadership of this company. You all have seen my father’s Will. Explain.” I look up, making eye contact with each and every board member as they sit there silently.
“I’m your father’s widow. I’m entitled to his company and I’m the best person to run it as you’ve been out of the country for some time,” Bianca speaks up, trying to make her case.
Her piss pour attempt to make me look unfit is laughable. She wasn’t the one who did the dirty work or closed the most difficult deals. Instead, she spent her days getting manicures and her hair done.
“Did you ever stop to think that I was out of the country working? Given that my father had entrusted me with his dealings overseas? I wasn’t just fucking around on vacation. What have you done for this company? I would love to hear it,” I challenge, already knowing she hasn’t done jack shit.
“I’ve stood by your father for fifteen years. I’ve attended meetings with him as well as assisted him with his dealings. I know how to run this company,” she argues, thinking she has one up on me.
Leaning back in the chair, I look at her. I mean really look ather as desperation oozies from her pores. I almost feel bad for her, almost.
“Just because you started as an assistant and fucked your way to marriage, doesn’t mean you actually know how to run the business. Fetching coffee and paper off the printer and scheduling meetings doesn’t mean you’re an expert. This is the first time you’ve stepped into this building in years because why? You have a right to be here? From my understanding, you signed a prenup when you got married. You are owed nothing.” I smile at her sweetly as I watch her face turn as red as a tomato.
A snicker escapes from Antonio from behind me. He’s been waiting patiently for the moment I knock this bitch out. I’ve always had to keep my mouth shut in respect for my father, but he’s no longer here to reprimand me. What he saw in her, I’ll never know
“You’re such a hateful child. Your father taught you better than to speak to an elder like that. I didn’t sign a prenup. You have no idea what you’re talking about.” Her face keeps getting redder by the minute. I love pissing her off.
Hitting the intercom to the phone sitting in front of me, I ring for the assistant. “Angela, please get me a copy of the prenup my father and Bianca had signed and bring it here immediately.”
“Yes, Ms. Hansley. I’ll bring it to you right away,” Angela responds before I hit the end button. I really hope that’s her name.
Note to self, look into the assistant and become more familiar with her. It won’t look good not knowing everyone who works for me. I need to know every single detail, regardless if it’s good or bad. And remember their damn name.
“We were not aware that you were back. So glad for you to join us. Our condolences for your father’s passing. He was agreat man. You have to understand our confusion as we were advised that Mrs. Hansley had a right to run the business as she was wed to your father,” Jeffery speaks up, one of the oldest board members with the company. He’s been with my father from the start and should definitely know better.
Angela opens the door to the conference room, rushing over with a folder in hand. As she approaches, she hands it over to me. “Anything else I can get for you?”
“That will be all, thank you.” I look down at the folder, taking the contents out as she scurries out of the room.
“Here is the prenup she had signed. It advises that she waives all rights to what my father owns. You have also seen the Will that leaves me everything. Any questions?” I pass the paper down as each member takes it and reviews it. They all nod before they pass the paper around.
“You’re correct. We apologize for the confusion,” a woman named Veronica speaks up.
“With that being settled, Bianca, I expect your things to be packed and moved out of the mansion by the end of day. You may have your car, clothes, and the house off Jefferson. It’s furnished for you and the title has been transferred to your name. I have cut off your access to all bank accounts except for one that you may keep. Do not think about taking anything else. My men will be there to supervise. You pull this shit on me again, my generosity will come to an end. You may leave.” I wave my hand at her indicating that she’s dismissed.
