Combined Companies

Chapter 9 — Cossette POV:

I sat in the high-gloss meeting room of Tasty windows everywhere , Frost's gigantic empire, surrounded by sleek minimalism and the faint scent of overly expensive famous cologne lingering in the air. My lawyer sat to my right, legs crossed neatly, a leather briefcase unzipped with precision. The contract was already spread before us, each page crisp, creaseless, weaponized in its clarity.

"They're late," he murmured, glancing at his watch.

I didn't look up. "Yeah, I know. Let's give them a little longer. It's not like I haven't waited before."

There was a sharp, almost theatrical pause—then the door opened. Right on cue.

Frost walked in first. Commanding. Not quite smug, but close. Anika flanked him, her expression neutral, bordering on frosty. She wore sharp heels and a sharper gaze, but I noticed the slight stumble in her step when she saw me already seated, calm and polished.

"Good morning," Frost said, shaking my lawyer's hand with practiced professionalism. Then he turned to me, skipping pleasantries. "All the documents are ready. Sign here, Cossette."

I didn't move.

"Wait, Frost." My voice was silk. The kind that concealed a dagger underneath ready to attack .

I pushed the folder toward my lawyer. He flipped slowly through each page, his brow knitting in microscopic degrees. I watched him read, savoring every heartbeat of silence.

Finally, he nodded. "It's clean, Miss Jonas. Everything is as good"

I skimmed it myself—only for the performance. I already knew it was perfect. It had to be frost can't make an error now ! 

"You'll start next week," Frost said curtly, already reaching for the pen.

I smiled with just the right amount of sugar to rot teeth. "No, darling. I start tomorrow."

Anika snapped her gaze to me. "What? Isn't that a little too early?"

"Not at all." I kept my tone breezy. "Make sure my office is ready, won't you? Maybe something with... a pretty view."

Frost exhaled sharply, rubbing his forehead like I was an oncoming migraine to him . "Yeah, whatever. Just sign."

I signed slowly, deliberately. Paused midway to glance at Anika. Then sealed the deal with a flourish.

My lawyer closed the folder, satisfied. "Congratulations, Mr. Frost. The merger is now official. Miss Jonas's company is now under Tasty's umbrella. She holds thirty percent ownership and has full executive autonomy over her division. You remain CEO." He turned slightly, almost as an afterthought. "As for... uh... Anita—"

Anika's lips thinned.

"It's Anika," she snapped.

"Right." My lawyer's smile didn't reach his eyes. "Miss Anika will serve as a director under Mr. Frost's branch as she wanted."

I stood, extending my hand. "Thank you for your time and effort . You've been lovely ."

"My pleasure. Best of luck, Miss Jonas." He gave me a knowing nod before exiting.

The moment the door shut, I turned to Frost.

"I'll be in at 10 a.m. sharp. You don't mind if I bring my own coffee machine, do you? These corporate brands are so... bitter for my taste also maybe i change the decoration with time." i smirk . 

I made it two steps toward the exit before his hand closed around my wrist—not hard, but firm.

"I only agreed because this benefits my company," he said quietly, voice low enough that Anika had to lean closer to catch it. "Your father left chaos. Now it's your turn. Don't mess it up."

He stared at me, cold and calculating.

I leaned in, brushing my fingers lightly across his cheek. He stilled, as if I'd struck him instead.

Then I kissed him. Soft. Quick. Undeniable.

Yeah disgusting for me kissing the men that planned to kill me with my stepmother ! 

But Guess i need to work as an actor soon ?

Anika looked like she might combust from the inside out.

"Don't worry, babe," I said sweetly, stepping back. "I'm going to be a fantastic CEO I will make thi Company make records ."

Sure I mean low Records that will entre canned food company history !

Then I walked out.

Each click of my heels was a drumbeat. A declaration. The war had officially begun