Chapter 11

The auction had ended in my favor, but I was far from done with my revenge. Haven and Isabella thought they could bid higher, but they had looked down on me. I wasn't just playing the game, I was changing it.

"Do you have her location now?" I said while on a call.

"Yes boss, I got in on record."

For months, I had been running a private investigation behind the scenes, searching for the woman in the photo that Haven and Mrs. June had used to frame me. 

The private investigator I hired had finally found her. The proof I needed now was not far anymore, and soon, their little scheme would crumble before their eyes.

However, today was a defining moment in Vax Company. 

News had spread across the offices. It was the day for promotions and appointments. Employees whispered among themselves, speculating on who would move up the corporate ladder. The air buzzed with anticipation.

Everyone believed Natasha would take the president's position—after all, she was Mr. Ben's only child, and it was the natural course of action. 

Haven, on the other hand, had been waiting for this promotion for years. He had convinced himself that today was the day he would finally be recognized as vice-president.

I, however, was nowhere to be seen. Not yet.

Inside the grand conference hall, tension filled the space. Employees sat upright, eyes glued to the front. Senior managers took their places and as well, members of the board, including Mr. Ben himself. 

Haven sat comfortably at the front, his usual arrogance was not behind him. He adjusted his blue suit, already prepared to stand and accept his supposed promotion.

Natasha, on the other hand, sat still. Her face held no emotion, but I knew she was aware of what was coming, and unlike the others, she had little or none to prove.

Then came Mr. Can Wood, one of the senior board members. He had the privilege of addressing the room.

"Ladies and gentlemen," he began, his voice filled with authority. "Today's meeting will be a little different from the company's usual routine. I mean, there will be no promotions today."

The room was filled with murmurs. Some employees looked at one another in confusion, while others whispered their thoughts. Haven's confidence dropped slightly.

"No promotions?" someone mumbled from the back.

Haven sat up straighter, clearly unhappy with the unexpected announcement. 

He leaned toward Natasha and whispered. "Why the sudden change in routine?"

But Natasha felt undisturbed, her eyes fixed forward.

"However, there will be an important appointment and a transfer." Mr. Can continue.

The murmurs grew louder. Who will be appointed? And again, who will be transferred?

Haven looked at Natasha again, and then at Mr. Ben. His confidence that was dropped, rose—he must have thought Natasha was finally taking the president's seat, leaving the vice-president spot open for him.

Mr. Can raised his hand, gestured for everyone to be quiet. 

"First, let's begin with the transfer," he said. He then turned to Natasha. "Miss Natasha, you will be transferred to another branch of the company in a different city."

Voices of amazement echoed through the hall. All eyes went to Natasha.

However, Natasha didn't look shocked. Why would she?

She remained completely composed, as if she had expected this all along. Meanwhile, Haven was visibly uncomfortable. He gave Natasha a questionable look.

"What is really going on?" I could almost hear his thoughts.

Mr Can continued before anyone would recover from the surprise.

"And now, for the appointment," he said, his voice carrying loud enough for all to hear.

The moment was heavy with suspense. Everyone waited. Haven sat at the edge of his seat, practically holding his breath. He was ready—ready to hear his name and take the stage.

But then—

The large doors of the conference hall swung open.

The whispers turned to silence as heads turned toward the entrance.

There I was.

I was dressed in a black suit and I walked into the hall with the same energy I had at the anniversary event—the energy of a man in control. 

A few people had expected my arrival, while others looked at me like I was a ghost coming back from the past.

Haven's facial expression immediately changed into something between confusion and anger. He wasn't expecting this, and he definitely wasn't expecting me.

Mr. Can paused for me to take my seat at the long conference table before he continued speaking.

"As the new General Manager 2…" Mr. Can's voice rang clear, cutting through the tension. He paused for a second, letting his next words sink into everyone's minds.

"Mr. Johnson."

Silence.

A silence so thick it swallowed the entire room.

Then, shock spread across the hall. Some people murmured audibly. Others sat frozen, unable to believe what they had just heard. 

Haven's face was so reddish, his entire body language was as if he had just been punched in the gut.

Isabella wasn't present, but I wished she was. I would have loved to see the look on her face too.

Haven was the first to get over it. He stood up from his seat. "This must be a joke, right?" His voice was accompanied with disbelief. "Him? General Manager 2? You have got to be kidding me!"

The board members remained composed. Mr. Can didn't even act concerned.

"It's no joke," Mr. Can said calmly. "Johnson is now officially the new General Manager 2 of Vax and Ben Company."

Haven's face turned red with rage. He turned to Mr. Ben, his desperation peeking through his anger. "Mr. Ben, you cannot possibly agree to this! He is— I mean, he's just—"

"He's just what, Haven?" I finally spoke, as I sat up on my chair with a smile. "Just a nobody? Just someone who doesn't deserve a chance? Just someone you thought would always be beneath you?"

Haven's mouth went shut, his fists clenching at his sides.

Mr. Ben finally spoke. "Haven, sit down." His voice was firm, leaving no room for argument.

Haven hesitated, his pride clearly wounded, but he had no choice. He slowly sat himself back into his chair, his face was looking so resentful.

I turned my attention to the rest of the room. I could see it in their eyes—some were stunned, some impressed, and some, threatened. They were all wondering the same thing.

How the hell did Johnson pull this off?