96
Miranda’s POV
Revenge, they say, is a dish best served cold. But I prefer it hot, simmering with fury, garnished with calculated moves. My ex-husband and my cousin? Oh, their time is coming, but I am not one to rush perfection. Every move I make, every step I take, leads me closer to their downfall. For now, there’s work to be done.
I parked my sleek, obsidian-black Rolls-Royce Phantom at the company gates. The guard, upon recognizing me, scrambled to open the doors. I stepped out, the bright morning sun bouncing off my scarlet Tom Ford suit. My blonde hair, meticulously styled into soft waves, cascaded down my shoulders. A $250,000 Chanel bag dangled effortlessly on my arm, a symbol of my power and success.
The confident click of my red-soled Louboutin heels echoed against the polished marble floor as I entered the building. Employees paused mid-task, bowing their heads in respect. “Good morning, ma’am,” they chorused. I offered them a faint smile, my signature combination of warmth and authority, and stepped into the private elevator.
As the elevator ascended, my mind was already formulating plans. These board members thought they could undermine me, test my patience. They’d soon learn that Miranda Hamilton is not a woman to be trifled with.
The elevator doors slid open on the third floor. My assistant, Clara, was waiting at my office door, a clipboard in hand. Her expression was tense but professional. “Ma’am, the board meeting is scheduled to start in ten minutes,” she informed me.
“Let’s not keep them waiting,” I replied, grabbing my notes and making my way to the boardroom.
The boardroom was filled when I arrived, a mixture of unease and anticipation hanging in the air. I strode to the head of the table, commanding the room with my presence. “Apologies for the delay. Let’s begin,” I said, my voice calm yet firm.
I scanned the room, my gaze landing on Mr. Williams, one of the senior board members. His wrinkled face contorted slightly as he realized he was my first target.
“Mr. Williams,” I began, leaning forward, “where is the data I requested yesterday? Surely it’s ready by now.”
He shifted uncomfortably in his seat, his hand rubbing the back of his neck. “Uh, Miss Miranda, the data is… extensive. Sorting through it all in such a short time was nearly impossible.”
A smirk tugged at the corners of my lips. “Nearly impossible? Mr. Williams, I trust that you understand the concept of deadlines. If it’s too extensive for standard hours, then I suggest you work overtime. You won’t be leaving the office until it’s completed.”
His jaw dropped, a mix of shock and indignation flashing across his face. “But, ma’am, I’m… old. I get dizzy working too much—my waist isn’t what it used to be!” he protested, his voice tinged with desperation.
I tilted my head, feigning sympathy. “That’s unfortunate, Mr. Williams. But I’m sure you’ll find a way. Sacrifices must be made for the company’s success, don’t you think?” I didn’t wait for his reply. My attention had already shifted to my next target.
“Mr. Leo,” I called out sharply. The young man visibly flinched, his eyes darting nervously around the room.
“Y-yes, ma’am?” he stammered.
“Why hasn’t the resort project commenced yet? The delay is unacceptable.”
He swallowed hard, his Adam’s apple bobbing visibly. “The funds haven’t been released yet, ma’am. That’s why.”
I raised an eyebrow, my gaze slicing through him like a blade. “And who’s responsible for releasing those funds?”
He hesitated before pointing to my stepmother, Mrs. Hamilton. She sat across from me, her lips curling into a smug smile. Of course, she’d relish this moment, hoping to make me look incompetent.
“Mrs. Hamilton,” I said, my tone icy, “care to explain why the funds haven’t been released?”
Her smirk deepened as she crossed her arms. “The company doesn’t have enough liquidity at the moment, Miranda. You should know that.”
I leaned back in my chair, my eyes narrowing. “Not enough liquidity? This is one of the largest companies in the region. Where’s the payment from our collaborative partner? That should have been settled weeks ago.”
Her demeanor shifted slightly, her confidence faltering. “The payment hasn’t been made yet,” she admitted, her voice laced with defensiveness.
“And why not? You were tasked with handling that partnership.”
Her nostrils flared, her smug façade crumbling under the weight of my accusations. “Do you think it’s that easy to demand payments from them? If you’re so capable, why don’t you go and handle it yourself?”
Before I could respond, Mr. Williams interjected, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “She’s right, Miss Miranda. If you’re so determined to prove yourself as CEO, why not show us how capable you are? Actions speak louder than orders, after all.”
My hands clenched into fists beneath the table. How dare they question my authority? These were the same people who once grovelled for my approval. Yet, I maintained my composure, masking my fury with a composed smile.
“Fine,” I said, standing abruptly. “If you need proof of my capabilities, I’ll give it to you. I’ll meet with the company’s CEO myself and secure the payment.”
The room fell silent, the tension palpable. They didn’t expect me to accept the challenge so easily.
“This meeting is adjourned until further notice,” I announced, grabbing my Chanel bag. Clara rushed to my side, her face pale with worry as she gathered my belongings.
As we exited the boardroom, Clara hesitated before speaking. “Ma’am, do you think it’s wise to confront the CEO yourself? They’re known to be… difficult.”
I stopped in my tracks, turning to face her. “Clara,” I said, my voice softer now, “sometimes you have to play their game to win. Let them think they’ve cornered me. I’ll show them just how wrong they are.”
She nodded, her admiration evident in her eyes. “I’ll arrange the meeting immediately.”
As she walked ahead to make the call, I allowed myself a brief moment of vulnerability. My heart raced, anger and determination swirling within me. They wanted to test me? Fine. But they’d regret underestimating Miranda Hamilton.
Because revenge isn’t just about making them pay. It’s about showing them that I am unstoppable, unshakable, and utterly indomitable. And when the time comes, my ex-husband and my traitorous cousin will experience that firsthand.
For now, I had a battle to win. And I never lose.