88 A Birthday Victory and an Unwanted Guest
My birthday dawned bright and clear. I’d spent the entire day yesterday staring at Sebastian swatch debating whether to call him to the end Lchickened nut His note and gestune haunted me. The man had cooked for me Sebastian Sinclair had made me hangover food. It felt too intimate, too caring. 3
Men like him didn’t do things without purpose. What did he want?
My phone rang, breaking my spiral of thoughts. I checked the screen and grimaced. My father
“Hello?” I kept my voice neutral.
“You’re expected at the board meeting this afternoon.” Harold Shaw’s voice was clipped and cold. No birthday wishes, no pleasantries.
I’m aware. I’ll be there.”
“Don’t be late. And dress appropriately for once.” He paused. ‘Your little stunt with the shares ends today.”
I laughed softly. “We’ll see about that.
Don’t get cocky, girl You’re playing games you don’t understand”
“Oh, Funderstand perfectly. Better than you think.”
He hung up without another word. Happy birthday to me
Two hours later, I stood before the mirror, examining my reflection. I’d chosen a crimson power suit that hugged my curves perfectly My hair was swept into a sleek updo, and my makeup was flawless, with bold red lips to match my surt looked exactly like what I was becoming–a woman no one should underestimate
Today marked the culmination of months of careful planning. My mother’s shares would finally officially be mine
The Shaw Enterprises building loomed ahead as my car pulled up Estepped out ignoring the whispers that followed me through the lobby The elevator ride to the top floor gave the a moment to cenite: myself This wasn’t just a board meeting
board meeting i was a
haftlefeld
I pushed open the boardroom doors exactly on time Every head turned
My father sat of the head of the table, his face mask of controlled anger. Beside lum my stepmother Fanya fidgeted with her gaudy jewelry, her eyes narrowing at my
entrance
“Ms Shaw the company secretary nodded. “We were about to begin
Perfect timing then I smiled, taking the empty seat directly across from my father
The meeting progressed with tedious reports and projections. Finally, we reached the item I’d been waiting for the official transfer of my mother’s shares
As per the court’s decision” the company lawyer stated, “the twenty percent shareholding previously held in trust has now been transferred to Ms. Hazel Shaw effective as of yesterday.
My father’s knuckles turned white as he gripped his pen. “I’d like to propose a company buyback of those shares.
Lleaned forward. “And I decline. I’ll be keeping my shares.
“You don’t know what you’re doing” he hissed.
“I know exactly what I’m doing. With these shares, I’m now the second-largest shareholder of Shaw Enterprises. Which means you can no longer make decisions without my approval
The board members shifted uncomfortably, glancing between us
This meeting is adjourned.” Harold announced abruptly, standing up
As the room cleared, I remained seated. My father lingered, his face twisted with rage
You think you’ve won something today?” he sneered
“I know I have I stood, gathering my documents. “By the way, Today’s my birthday
An unlucky day for the Shaw family
I smiled coldly “Not for me. But for you, it’s the day you started digging your own grave
His eyes widened at my audacity walked past him the click of my heels on marble
ofod Guest
punctuating my exit. The elevator doors closed on his furious face.
Outside Frook a deep breath of freedom. My phone vibrated with a text from Aunt Caroline. “Everything ready for your celebration dinner Mother and can’t wall to see
your
My sinile became genuine. My maternal grandmother and aunt were the only real family had lett
Then townhouse was warm and inviting, smelling of my favorite foods when I arrived Grandmother pulled me into a tight hug
“You did it she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. “Margaret would be so proud
of Vi
Hearing my mother’s name brought tears to my eyes. “I wish she could see this.
“She can, sweetheart, Aunt Caroline said, joining our embrace. “She knows?
We moved to the dining room where a small feast awaited. A birthday cake sat in the center, twenty-seven candles flickering cheerfully.
“Before we eat,” Grandmother said, lifting a small box. “a gift from both of us
Inside was a delicate gold locket. When I opened it, I gasped. A tiny photograph of my mother smiled back at me.
“It was hers,” Aunt Caroline explained. “She wore it every day until…
Until my father broke her heart so thoroughly she never recovered.
‘s perfect: I whispered, letting Grandmother fasten it around my neck.
Over dinner, I recounted the board meeting, making them laugh with my description of Harold’s face when I claimed my shares
Be careful, Hazel Grandmother warned. “Your father won’t take this defeat Iving down He’ll strike back
“Let him try” I said confidently Torteady
You’ve changed: Aunt Caroline observed. “You’re stronger now
Thad to be though briefly of Sebastian wondering if he’d played a part that
change
As we were finishing our cake, the doorbell rang. Aunt Caroline frowned
Are you expecting someone?
“No I replied, equally confused.
She went to answer the door while Grandmother and Ixleared the dessert plates. A moment later Caroline returned, her face fight with displeasure
“Hazel, you have a visitor
Behind her stood the last person I expected-or wanted-to see on my birthday
Alistair Everett
My ex-husband smiled sheepishly, a wrapped gift in his hands. “Happy birthday, Hazel
thought I’d join the celebration.
My blood turned to ice. Six months after abandoning me for my dying stepsister, he dared to show up at my family birthday dinner?
“What are you doing here?” I demanded, my voice dangerously calm
“I wanted to wish you happy birthday. He held out the gift. “Can we talk?
Grandmother stepped forward. “Young man, you have some nerve showing up here
I raised my hand. “It’s okay. I’ll handle this.
The victory Id feit earlier evaporated, replaced by a cold fury Whatever Alistair wanted, his tuning couldn’t have been worse. Or perhaps that was exactly the point.
