Chapter 12

"Father, I would not prefer you introduce me immediately as the General Manager 2." I said to my father.

He was confused a bit. "What do you mean Johnson?"

"I mean, since the company will have a promotional and appointment meeting," I replied, scheming, "I would like to be introduced on that day."

My father understood the point and smiled. "Alright then son…"

The day of the promotion and appointment meeting had been carefully planned. I had informed my father—Mr. Ben—that I wanted my position to be announced on the day of the meeting itself.

There was no need for anticipation, no need for rumors to spread beforehand. I wanted the shock to be real, to hit Haven and Isabella like a freight train.

And now, standing before the room, I could see it had worked.

The room was covered already with tension, but I could feel victory settling on my shoulders.

Haven's facial expression was a mixture of disbelief and fury, his eyes was moving between Mr. Ben and Mr. Can as if trying to find a way out of the nightmare that had just unfolded before him.

However this was no dream. This was my reality—a reality I think he would have to live with.

Haven stood up from his seat again, his chair dragging loudly against the floor. "No! This is impossible!" he exclaimed, his voice was loud enough for all to hear. He pointed at me, with fury. "What the hell is he doing here? He has no business in this company! He's just a worthless live-in son-in-law who failed!"

I ignored his insult, it never affected me. It never did. Haven was predictable—arrogant, blinded by his own self-importance. But what did amuse me was his choice of words.

Failed?

That was a matter of perspective.

My father's expression darkened at Haven's furious outburst, his patience was running out. But before he could say anything, Mr. Can made a gesture, silencing the room.

He then spoke with a firm and unshakable voice. "Haven, I would strongly suggest sit back and be quiet. You have no clue who Johnson really is."

Haven laughed mockingly, shaking his head in disbelief. "I don't care to know who he is, what I do know is that he does not belong here!" He turned his heated look back to my father, he then sounded desperate. "Mr. Ben, I'm asking for your permission to call security on this man now. He has no right to be here."

And then, just when he immediately said that, Natasha laughed, almost loudly.

It was a sharp, mocking laugh that would make anyone in Haven's shoes look stupid.

Haven's head moved toward her, his expression was then attached with frustration. "Why are you laughing, what the hell is so funny?" he demanded.

Natasha smirked, shaking her head in amusement. "You," she responded. "You're funny indeed, Haven."

At this point, Haven was looking confused. "What do you mean by that Miss Natasha?"

Natasha then sat back comfortably in her chair, crossing her arms. "It is just amusing how you are confidently making a fool of yourself. I mean… do you really think you have the guts to call security on Johnson?"

Haven's mouth opened wide, still in confusion, but then he hesitated. For the first time, uncertainty danced in front of is eyes.

He didn't understand.

Not yet.

I watched as realization slowly crept into his features, the pieces of the puzzle coming together far too late. Natasha knew about my appointment. She had known all along. But Haven—poor, oblivious Haven—had been left in the dark.

He moved his eyes between Natasha, Mr. Can, and Mr. Ben, searching for an explanation.

"So what you are saying is that you… you knew about this?" He finally asked, his voice quieter now, mixed with disbelief.

Natasha simply smiled. "Of course, I did."

That was the final straw.

Mr. Ben, who had been silently observing, finally spoke. His voice was authoritative, leaving no room for argument.

"Haven, listen carefully," he said. "I have personally approved the appointment of General Manager 2. And that position now belongs to Johnson."

Silence.

Haven looked as if he had been struck by lightning.

His mouth opened, then closed. Then opened again. He was struggling, drowning in the reality that was now crashing down on him.

I could almost hear his thoughts.

How? How could a man he had mocked, belittled, and spat on now be sitting at the same table as him? How could I—a man he had written off as a failure—now hold a position of power within the company?

It was too much for him to process.

He stepped forward again, his hands balling into fists. "This… this isn't right," he muttered. "This isn't fair."

Mr. Can, who had been patient up until now, had finally had enough. "Haven," he said sharply. "I would advise you to sit down and keep your mouth shut or else, I will personally have security escort you out of this building."

Haven froze.

His pride screamed at him to argue, to fight back, but he wasn't stupid. He could read the room. He could see that this was a battle he had already lost.

His Jaw clenched, he was filled entirely with rage, he slowly lowered himself back into his chair. But the look in his eyes said it all.

'So good that Natasha will be transferred to another city…I will see who will help you now, you'll suffer.' Haven said in his head.

He wasn't going to let this go.

He would find a way to make my life in this company miserable.

He would make me pay.

I sat comfortably in my chair, my fingers tapping lazily against the surface of the table in the conference room.

I could see the bitterness radiating off of him, the quiet rage simmering just under the surface.

But I wasn't worried.

Haven was a sore loser. A desperate man clinging to a power that was slipping from his fingers.

He really thought with Natasha being transferred to another branch, that I no longer had anyone to shield me.

He was wrong.

I didn't need protection.