Chapter five

The scars of her past still lingered, etched on her pale skin like a constant reminder. From the base of her belly to her navel, the memories of a terrible event still felt like a weight on her shoulders. Despite her efforts to move on, the pain still lingered, a crimson stain on her white skin.

Gabi finished buttoning her white shirt and slipped into a tailored suit from the latest Louis Vuittin collection.

Her home an exquisite estate is a masterpiece of architectural design, boasting a mesmerizing blend of crystal-white marble, soft golden stone, and shimmering glass. The roof, a dazzling array of turquoise tiles, seems to dance in the sunlight, casting a kaleidoscope of colors across the lush, emerald-green lawn.

Delicate, lace-like ironwork adorns the balconies and windows, adding a touch of whimsical charm to this fairytale-like mansion. A glittering, crystal-encrusted fountain takes center stage in the front courtyard, its gentle melody filling the air as water dances and splashes in perfect harmony.

She was flanked by her guards, assistants, and graduate guards from the company. The entourage moved to her car, a sleek vehicle that stood out among the others in the convoy. As they pulled away, Gabi's car led the procession, its value surpassing that of the other vehicles combined.

Her housing-worthy car, a cocktail of luxury and power, roared to life as she hit the road. Its thunderous engine made way for her, parting traffic like a hot knife through butter. Other cars cowered, fearful of even scratching its pristine surface.

The price tag of this automotive masterpiece was staggering – enough to set up a small fortune that could sustain a family for four generations. Its value was a testament to its exclusivity, a symbol of wealth and status that few could afford.

Gabi's voice was crisp and authoritative as she spoke into the device on her ear, her eyes fixed on the road ahead. "Lisa, what's my schedule for today?" The morning sunlight glinted off the windshield, casting a warm glow over Gabi's face.

In the vehicle behind Gabi, Lisa's hands flew across her tablet, her fingers typing out a rapid response. She was a petite woman with curly red hair and a smattering of freckles across her cheeks. Her bright grey eyes sparkled with intensity as she worked, her brow furrowed in concentration. She was Gabi's right-hand woman, and she took her job very seriously.

"Boss, we have a meeting with Mathew Carbello from Shine Company at 8:30 to discuss a business proposal. That's scheduled to run until 11:00," Lisa replied, her voice clear and confident. "After that, you have a business dinner with the owner of Survil at 11:30."

Gabi's gaze narrowed as she considered the proposal. "Reduce the meeting time with Carbello to thirty minutes, Lisa. I don't have all morning to waste on unnecessary small talk."

Lisa's fingers paused on her tablet, her brow furrowing in concern. Thirty minutes was a tight squeeze for a business proposal of this scope. She hesitated, her voice tentative. "Yes, boss. And what about the meeting with the mayor?"

"Push it to 9:30," Gabi replied, her voice firm. "And adjust the rest of the schedule accordingly."

As Gabi arrived at the main building of Ultimate, the sound of the doors opening and the hum of the elevator filled the air. The employees stood up, forming an aisle for her to pass through. They greeted her with respectful smiles and nods as she made her way to the elevator, flanked by Lisa and her security team. Lisa fell into step beside Gabi, her eyes scanning the surroundings with a practiced air of caution. She was more than just an assistant – she was Gabi's gatekeeper, her confidante, and her closest ally.

Lisa's office was nestled conveniently near Gabi's, and she was the first to stir, her movements a symphony of efficiency. As Gabi entered her own office, the security guards stood at attention outside the door, their eyes scanning the surrounding area with a hawk-like intensity. One guard, Tsukasa Hanemiya, was a slender figure with pulled-back black hair and piercing black eyes that seemed to bore into the soul, giving off an unmistakable Asian aura. The other, Justin Williams, was a towering blonde with deep blue eyes that sparkled like sapphires in the morning light, his muscular physique a testament to his rigorous training.

"This day will be really long," Tsukasa commented, his voice low and even, as he exchanged a nod with his partner. "Why are you always so serious? We're no longer in the army," he added, a hint of mischief dancing in his eyes, but Justin's expression remained stoic, unmoved by the jab.

Time flew quickly as Gabi worked fervently on her laptop, her fingers flying across the keyboard with a speed and accuracy that would put even the most seasoned typist to shame. The sound of running and jumping echoed from outside the door, followed by a stern voice: "Hey, you! You're not allowed to play in here!" The commotion was short-lived, as security swiftly intervened, whisking away the culprit - a curly black-haired kid with emerald green eyes that sparkled like jewels, clad in blue jeans and a Spider-Man shirt.

Gabi emerged from her office, her expression a mask of fury, her eyes blazing with a fire that made even the most hardened souls quail. Lisa, sensing her boss's ire, moved swiftly to inform Gabi that the Carbello meeting was imminent. Together, they proceeded to the conference room, flanked by the two guards, who moved with a silent precision that was both reassuring and intimidating.

As Gabrielle entered the conference room, the company's partners stood up, greeting her with a deference that bordered on reverence. The representatives of Shine Company, however, stood shivering slightly, their eyes darting nervously about the room as they struggled to condense their two-hour presentation into a mere thirty minutes. Their boss, Mathew, was conspicuously absent, having apparently fled in terror at the prospect of facing Gabi.

The conference room was a spacious, high-ceilinged chamber with a long table at its center, polished to a mirror-like sheen that reflected the fluorescent lights above. Gabi sat at the head of the table, her eyes fixed intently on the representatives, her presence commanding attention. She glanced at her wristwatch, a sleek, high-tech device that seemed to be an extension of her own being, and the presenters tensed, sweat rolling down their faces like rivulets of fear.

After their presentation, Gabi asked, her voice a gentle purr that belied the steel beneath, "So, how many percent does Ultimate gain?" The representatives replied, their voices trembling, "25 percent," which made Gabi's lips curve into a smile that was both captivating and terrifying.

"I won't beat around the bush," she said, her voice dripping with honey, "40 percent, or nothing else. But if you prefer, you can add it." Mathew, listening in through the earpiece, responded quickly, his voice a frantic whisper, "No, that's way too much. The company has to pay its shareholders and make a profit too." Gabi countered, her voice a silky smooth purr, "41 percent." The Ultimate company's name as a business partner was a valuable asset, and Gabi knew it, her eyes glinting with a fierce light that seemed to pierce the very soul.

Mathew reluctantly accepted the terms, and the documents were signed with a flourish, the representatives departing with their tails between their legs, while Gabi's partners celebrated their good fortune with a jubilation that was both unseemly and understandable. Gabi emerged from the conference room, her white suit a dazzling beacon of power and sophistication, her black sunglasses with intricate golden patterns glinting like diamonds in the light.