Chapter 25

Alexander's fingers trembled with rage as he dialed Teddy's number. He couldn't believe the audacity of the man, sending his wife to insult him in his own office. The phone rang twice before Teddy's smooth voice answered, "Hey, Alexander. What can I do for you?"

Alexander's anger boiled over, "You know exactly why I'm calling, Teddy. You sent your wife to come and insult me? Who do you think you are?"

Teddy's chuckle was like fuel to the fire, "Ah, Alexander, you're so sensitive. I merely sent Cassandra to give you a piece of her mind. And from what I heard, she did a fantastic job."

Alexander's voice rose, "You think you're clever, don't you? But let me tell you something, Teddy. You may have married Cassandra, but I'm the one who found her. I'm the one who made her who she is today. You're just a second-rate husband, trying to ride my coattails."

Teddy's tone turned icy, "Ah, but Alexander, you're forgetting one thing. I'm the one who made her rich, elegant, and beautiful. You may have found her, but I'm the one who polished her into the diamond she is today."

Alexander's insults poured out like venom, "Polished her? Ha! You've suffocated her, Teddy. You've taken away her spark, her creativity, her passion. You've turned her into a shell of her former self. And as for rich and elegant, please, that's just a facade. You've bought her silence, her complicity in your little game of power and control."

Teddy's voice rose, "How dare you! You know nothing about our relationship, Alexander. And as for passion, maybe you should look in the mirror. You're the one who's lost your way, who's stuck in the past. I'm the one who's moving forward, who's building an empire."

The argument raged on, with neither man willing to back down. The insults flew back and forth like daggers, each one aimed at the other's heart. Alexander called Teddy a puppet master, controlling Cassandra's every move. Teddy retaliated, labeling Alexander a has-been, clinging to past glory.

The war of words continued, with no end in sight. The tension was palpable, the anger and resentment hanging heavy in the air. It was a battle of egos, a clash of titans. Only one man would emerge victorious, but at what cost?

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, Alexander slammed down the phone, his chest heaving with rage. Teddy's smug face lingered in his mind, fueling the fire that burned within him. This was far from over. The war had only just begun.

" Bastard" he yelled insanely.

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★★★ T-DOLLAR EXCHANGE COMPANY ★★★

As I walked into the T-Dollar Exchange Company meeting room, I could feel the weight of the meeting ahead. The shareholders were already seated, their faces a mixture of curiosity and skepticism. I knew what they were thinking - "She's been divorced, she's been used, she's not capable of leading this company."

But they were wrong. I wasn't the same naive, innocent woman I used to be. I had grown, I had learned, and I had come out stronger on the other side.

"Good morning, gentlemen," I said, my voice firm and confident. "I know why you've called this meeting. You're concerned about my ability to lead this company, given my past."

One of the shareholders, a portly man with a condescending smirk, spoke up. "Well, Cassandra, we can't ignore the fact that you've been divorced. You've been...used, shall we say. How can we trust that you won't make the same mistakes again?"

I smiled, a cold, calculated smile. "Ah, Mr. Johnson, you assume that I was the one who was used. But let me tell you, I was the one who did the using. I was the one who walked away from a toxic marriage, who took control of my life and my destiny. And as for mistakes, I've learned from them. I've grown, I've adapted, and I've come out stronger on the other side."

" Ohh.... And one more thing, I own this company people " I smirked heavily.

The room was silent, the shareholders exchanging uneasy glances. They didn't know how to respond to this new, confident Cassandra.

Another shareholder, a thin, pinched-faced woman, spoke up. "But what about your new husband, Teddy? How do we know he won't interfere with the company's affairs?"

I laughed, a low, husky laugh. "Teddy? Oh, dear Mrs. Smith, Teddy is a businessman, just like you. He knows better than to interfere with my company. Besides, I'm the one who wears the pants in our relationship. I'm the one who calls the shots."

The room erupted into a chorus of protests and arguments, but I stood firm, my confidence and determination unwavering. I knew that I was the best person to lead this company, and I was going to prove it to them, no matter what it took.

Finally, after what seemed like hours, the meeting adjourned, the shareholders leaving with a newfound respect for me and my abilities. I knew that I still had a long way to go, but I was ready for the challenge. I was Cassandra, the CEO of T-Dollar Exchange Company, and I was unstoppable. If I was able to make this company one of the best companies in New York City, then I am unbeatable.

As I walked back to my office, a sly smile spreading across my face, I couldn't help but think about the upper hand I now had over Alexander. His company, Cross Company, was still reeling from the cancellation of our partnership, and I knew he would do anything to get it back. And that's exactly what I was counting on.

I strode into my office, my heels clicking on the marble floor, and made a beeline for my assistant's desk. "Rachel, get me an appointment with Alexander at Cross Company. Today, if possible."

Rachel's eyes widened slightly, but she quickly nodded and began typing away on her computer. "Yes, ma'am. I'll make it happen."

I turned to face my office, my mind already racing with the possibilities. I had cancelled our partnership to assert my independence, to show Alexander that I wouldn't be pushed around. But now, I needed it back, and I was willing to do whatever it took to get it.

Just as I was about to sit down at my desk, my phone rang. I answered it, knowing exactly who it would be. "Hey, Teddy. I need a favor."

Teddy's smooth voice came through the line, "What do you need, Cassandra? I'm at your beck and call."

"I need you to find someone to upload the fraud evidence against Cross Company by 12 pm sharp. Can you make it happen?"

Teddy's pause was momentary, but I knew he was already thinking several steps ahead. "Consider it done, Cassandra. I'll make sure it's taken care of."

I smiled, a plan beginning to form in my mind. "Good. I'll take care of the rest. Just make sure that evidence is uploaded, and we'll be all set."

With that, I hung up the phone and began pacing around my office, my mind racing with the possibilities. I was about to create a rocket, and Alexander was going to be the fuel that propelled it to the top.

At 11:55 am, I received a text from Teddy. "It's done. The evidence is uploaded and ready to go."

I smiled, a sense of satisfaction washing over me. It was time to put my plan into action.

I picked up the phone and dialed Alexander's number, my heart racing with anticipation. When he answered, I didn't waste any time. "Alexander, it's Cassandra. I think it's time we revisited our partnership. Meet me at Cross and Boom at 1 pm, and we'll discuss the terms."

Alexander's hesitation was palpable, but I knew he wouldn't be able to resist. "Fine, Cassandra. I'll see you at 1 pm."

I hung up the phone, a triumphant smile spreading across my face. It was time to create a rocket, and Alexander was going to be the fuel that propelled me to the top.