Chapter 142 CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND FORTY-TWO: HANDLE IT
Chapter 142 CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND FORTY-TWO: HANDLE IT
ZARA
‘ZARA CRAWFORD-KNIGHT’
“I agreed to change my name yesterday, and my door tag is the first to change?” I turned to Zoey, who was a step behind me. “The legal documents haven't even been…”
I trailed off and waited for her explanation. Because there had to be one for it. When I left last night, my name was Zara Crawgord, and suddenly by morning, the 'Knight' addendum had been added to it.
“The board said they wanted the name to match all of the documents and have been pushing for the legal documents. Should I…"
“Go ahead with it," I said. I pushed the door open and entered the room.
At least they didn't change anything in the office.
I couldn't stop thinking about how things had changed. It was obvious I was now the feared woman because of the knight's reputation hanging next to my name.
Ethan’s words reverberated in my brain. It was beginning to feel like the choice to be with Aiden was swallowing me whole. Making who I was blur into the reality of our situation.
I pushed myself into work because I didn't know what else to do. I needed a big project. Something that belonged to me. That didn't have the Knight name stamped on it.
I might not have been respected before now, but at least I was feared, and I got the job done. But now all the board wanted from me was to play the role of the good wife to the richest man in the city.
"Gather the board for a meeting," I said to Zoey.
She looked at me like I was crazy, but didn't try to push me to explain.
I had spent the whole morning working on a new proposal for our AI model. It was a new market I was sure was breaking into that would bring profit.
It was still in the planning phase, but I knew informing them of it early was going to make sure I pushed through with it.
“Does Aiden approve of it?” one of the men asked as soon as I was done with my presentation.
I froze next to the podium. My fingers clutched the side of the podium, and my heart rammed in my chest.
They didn't even listen to a word I said. All they cared about was the stamp of approval of Aiden Knight.
“What does he have to do with this? ” I asked, blinking rapidly.
“He is currently our biggest partner. He should be aware of any decisions we have to take."
"Partner!" I slammed my fist into the podium angrily. “Partner. I think that is the keyword here," I said through gritted teeth.
All of the men on the board looked at me like I was crazy to be shouting at them. I made a mental note to include more women in here. At least I hoped women wouldn't be as half-witted as they were.
"Yes, he still holds most decisions..."
“We do not need Aidne’s permission to run our projects as before," I said, cutting him off before he could invent new ways to get on my nerves.
“I still think…”
“I think that we are doing this project whether you like it or not. If you wish to go against me, then you can push through and see what would happen."
I hoped my threat was enough. I hoped I didn't sound like a whining child to them.
I was barely in my seat when the intercom buzzed, followed by Zoey’s voice.
"Ma'am, a social secretary from the Knight group is here to see you."
“Social secretary? Knight group? Here? To see me?” I asked.
“Yes, ma'am. Should I send him in?”
Aidne had not informed me of anything, but I grunted, and she let him in.
He was a man dressed in a navy, fluttering navy-blue suit. He walked into the room and assessed it before standing by my table.
“Mrs Knight, it's lovely to meet you." He bowed slightly.
I got out of my chair. I gestured for him to sit, and he did.
'How can I help you?’ I asked slowly. I already didn't have a good feeling about him sitting opposite me. He took a tablet and began to scroll and occasionally flip through it.
“The knight group has always run various charities across the city, and the world, and it has always been headed by the matriarch of the family."
He paused and looked up at me as if he were still deciding whether I was the matriarch or not. He smacked his lips and continued before I could speak.
"However, since the death of Mr Knight's mother, the role has been filled by a hired proxy. Now it is time for you to take the project again."
"Wait, what?”
“You should take over the Knights group charity, and you are expected to chair several high-society charities."
I blinked and raised my nose in the air. “Are you suggesting I stop my job and do these charities?"
“I am not suggesting anything, madam. I am only saying that as the matriarch of the Knight family. Your primary aim is the charities'
I laughed and then pulled myself up. “Can I discuss this with my husband and get back to you soon?”
“Of course, madam."
It was barely midday, and I already felt like I was losing my mind.
“Think about it, Z; you are such an exceptional woman. It would be a shame if all the world remembers about you is being Mrs Knight."
“You say it like it is a bad thing," I murmured to Ethan. I jumped on a video call with him to discuss the full closure of the office space and proper movement of our staff.
“No, I didn't mean it…”
“I know it doesn't look good, and I understand that, but I very much like being with Aiden, and I understand there might be some sacrifices to be made, but I promise I am okay."
He took a deep breath and sighed. "Okay, Zara. I will trust you."
When I stepped into the house, the air was filled with the scent of grilled salmon. I felt the stress of the day melting away, even though I already felt engulfed by the stress of the full day.
"Hey, my love." Aiden was seated on the barstool that was already delivered to us. I rushed to him, and he pulled me into a hug, wrapping his hand over my waist and burying his nose into my stomach.
I let myself stay like that for a while before I explained the full day to him.
“I am going to handle this." He was already tapping on his phone, ready to go into full-chairman-fixer mode.
"No, you are not." I pushed him back down onto the stool and shook my head. “You handling it in the first place is what caused this problem."
“What?”
“When you handle it, it becomes your victory. I need to win my own wars again."
He sighed and nodded. “You are right."
“Of course I am. I am always right."
“But if anyone steps on your toes then…”
“I will tell you, and you can handle it," I finished for him. I dragged myself closer so I was standing between his legs. He tapped me, and his eyes flashed with mischief.
"And what about you, Father?"
“I am going to handle that one."
“That one I am going to let you handle."