25

25
Mirela
I walked majestically back into the company, determination pulsing through my veins.
The scent of grilled mackerel and garlic sauce pasta lingered in the air around me, a sinister smile playing on my lips as I made my way to Arlene’s office. This time, I stopped by her secretary’s desk.
The young brunette glanced up at me, her wide eyes betraying a hint of surprise. I had been utterly rude the first time I came, and she likely expected more of the same. Instead, I softened my tone, my voice smooth as honey.
“Would you kindly announce my presence to Miss Gomez?” I asked sweetly. “You can’t keep her mother waiting.”
Maybe that line wasn’t necessary, but I hated it too. There’s no way the daughter of Casey would ever be my child.
The secretary blinked, clearly taken aback, but she nodded and pulled out the telephone to make the call.
A moment later, she put the phone down and looked back at me. “Miss Gomez says you may go in. She’s waiting for you.”
I offered a sly smile, relishing the secretary’s bewildered expression. I didn’t bother to thank her as I turned on my heel and strode confidently toward Arlene’s office.
The door creaked open as I pushed through, not waiting for an invitation.
Arlene’s cold eyes met mine instantly, her face devoid of any warmth or welcome. Her voice was clipped and sharp as she addressed me.
“I believe you’ve seen the news or heard from someone, and I’m sure that’s why you’re here. So, go straight to the point and use the door afterward.”
“Too much ego for someone who could be dethroned overnight.” I let my voice carry the hint of hatred and anger.
“I’ll watch you try,” she replied, seating herself comfortably. She had changed everything, from the chair she sat on to the table where her documents were neatly placed.
I laughed dryly. “Can you stop with the hate for once in your life, Arlene? I didn’t come here just to shout at you - though, trust me, I’ll do that once I’m totally full.”
I’ll do that when I get my confirmation. That very thing that will ruin you.
Her brows furrowed slightly in confusion. “Totally full?”
“Yes.” I smirked, stepping further into the office. “Only a woman who’s had her fill will have the strength to vent her anger at a daughter who stripped her mother and sister of everything they had.”
Her expression darkened, suspicion laced in her voice. “What are you up to, Mirela?”
“Mirela?” I scoffed, feigning hurt. “Not ‘Mother,’ not ‘Step-Mother,’ but just Mirela?”
Arlene let out a humorless laugh, shaking her head as she leaned back in her chair. “Why are you here?”
Beneath that stern voice hid the unspoken words: You can never be my mother.
I took my time answering, savoring the tension in the air. “This used to be my office, Arlene,” I said, stepping closer and dropping a leather bag onto her desk. “And it would still be mine if you hadn’t returned from whatever hole you crawled out of after five years.”
Her fists clenched at her sides, her jaw tightening as she glared at me. The sight was delightful.
“You haven’t answered my question,” she bit out.
“Patience,” I replied, sitting down in the chair opposite her. Slowly, I pulled out two takeaway containers and placed them on the desk.
I smiled at her, noticing the flicker of uncertainty in her eyes as the smell of grilled mackerel wafted through the room.
She was trying to maintain her composure, but I could see the faint wrinkle in her nose and the way her lips pressed together in distaste.
“What is this nonsense?” she asked, her voice colder than before.
Tired of watching her glare, she reached for the phone on her desk.
“Just send someone in to drag this old hag out of my sight,” she said.
I smirked, unfazed by her words, and opened one of the containers. The rich, overpowering smell of grilled mackerel and garlic sauce filled the room instantly.
Her reaction was immediate. Her face twisted in disgust, and her hand flew to her nose as though to block out the smell.
She’s trying hard. I could tell she badly wanted to bury her head somewhere - in a toilet, perhaps.
How on earth did I miss it? Looking sternly at her now gave me more evidence than I could imagine. She returned pregnant!
“Get your freaking food out of my sight, you crazy woman!” she snapped, her voice louder than I’d ever heard it.
Just then, the door opened, and a security officer stepped in. He looked between us, clearly hesitant to intervene.
“Ma’am,” he stated carefully, addressing me, “I’m going to have to ask you to leave.”
“Oh, of course,” I replied sweetly, packing up the containers. “I wouldn’t want to overstay my welcome. But you can leave this here,” I said, pushing one of the containers toward Arlene. “It’s not poisoned, anyway.”
“Don’t leave anything here. Take it all out with her.”
She shot me a look of pure venom, and I couldn’t help but laugh softly as the officer escorted me out of the office.
In the hallway, I noticed Matilda rushing toward the office, her expression a mix of concern and fury.
She glared daggers at me, her eyes practically screaming a warning. I smiled innocently in return, amused by her loyalty to Arlene.
Once outside, Fiona was waiting by the car. She opened the door, and I slipped in gracefully, placing the bag of food in her hands.
“Dispose of this,” I ordered.
As she turned to leave, she glanced back at me. “How did it go, ma’am?”
I smiled, leaning back in the seat. “Perfectly. Get the juiciest news ready for tonight. She stripped me of everything in hours; I’ll tear her down in just a minute.”
Fiona nodded, understanding my meaning, and disappeared with the bag.