chapter 13: The Lost Chance

Finally, Mr. Jonas looked up, his face a mixture of resignation and resolve. “Alright… I’ll… I’ll break the partnership.” His voice was barely above a whisper, but the words hung in the air like a guillotine’s blade, ready to fall.

Liya’s heart raced, a thrill of victory surging through her veins. This was not just a business win; it was a personal triumph against the man who had once wielded so much power over her life. The corners of her mouth lifted into a genuine smile, a reflection of the satisfaction blooming within her.

She could almost feel the shift in the room—the disbelief, the shock, and even the muted awe from her colleagues. Mr. Jonas’s admission was a crack in the façade of the business world they all navigated, and she had been the one to expose it. Every calculated risk she had taken, every sleepless night spent strategizing, had led to this moment.

Zack’s expression faltered, the smug confidence he had worn like armor now crumbling. She reveled in the sight of his discomfort, a sense of justice coursing through her. This wasn’t just about the contract; it was about reclaiming her narrative, turning the tables on someone who thought he could control her life.

Liya turned to Mr. Vin Baez, who nodded approvingly. “Thank you, Mr. Jonas, for your decision. This collaboration with SL will ensure your company’s future and fortify your reputation in the industry.”

Mr. Jonas cleared his throat, his face still pale. “I would like to break my partnership with Mr. Zack De Rossoé as I am willing to face its cost.” He was praying he had chosen the right decision.

“Wise decision,” Liya smirked, feeling a surge of confidence.

As the meeting proceeded, Liya felt a weight lift off her shoulders. She had triumphed in a battle that felt personal, reclaiming not only her position but also her self-worth. She stole another glance at Zack, whose expression was now one of barely concealed irritation. She savored the moment, knowing she had the upper hand.

“Ashia,” she said, breaking the silence that followed. “Mr. Jonas has broken his partnership with Mr. Zack. The partnership should be dissolved within a week of this meeting, and the documents sent to SL. The meeting is now concluded; everyone may proceed back.” She smiled professionally, a satisfaction bubbling beneath the surface.

This victory was more than just a strategic maneuver; it was a reclamation of power, a testament to her resilience. She had faced her demons head-on and emerged victorious, a fierce reminder to herself and everyone in the room that she would not be easily dismissed.

As the others filed out, a palpable tension filled the air. Now only Liya and Zack remained in the meeting room, the weight of unspoken words hanging heavily between them.

Liya crossed her arms, her expression resolute. “You need to get it straight in your head that I don’t want you or even your shadow near me or SL. Don’t you get it?” Her voice trembled with barely contained emotion, trying to remain calm.

Zack leaned back in his chair, a smirk creeping onto his face. “I don’t want to, and why should I?” His tone was mocking, but there was an edge to it that hinted at something deeper.

“What do you think? I don’t know who manipulated Mr. Ree?” Liya challenged, raising an eyebrow.

Zack’s smirk dropped, replaced by a look of confusion and then irritation. “What do you mean?”

Liya’s fingers danced over her phone as she retrieved the recording. “Mr. Ree’s phone isn’t as secure as you think, Mr. Zack, if you weren’t aware.” With a few taps, she played the recording, the room filling with the voices that revealed his underhanded dealings.

RECORDING

Zack: “Do as I say, and nothing will happen to you or your company. You just need to let my company invest in yours. I just need to check something.”

Mr. Ree: “But the contract between me and SL clearly states that there should be no contact with you or your company. If I break the contract, it will cost me a lot.”

Zack: “Don’t worry; nothing will happen to you or your company. I’m investing three billion in yours.”

Mr. Ree: “Okay, no problem then.”

Liya stopped the recording, allowing the silence to wash over them. Two minutes passed, but it felt like a lifetime.

Finally, she broke the silence, her voice steady but laced with a cold resolve. “Mr. Zack, it’s better if you don’t show your face in front of me in the future.” She stood up, ready to leave.

Zack’s demeanor shifted instantly, anger igniting in his eyes. “That’s not going to happen. Get that in your head.”

Liya felt the last threads of her patience unraveling. “WHY?” she shouted, her voice echoing in the now-empty room.

“What?” Zack’s expression turned serious, confusion mixing with defiance.

“Why are you here after all this time?” She locked her gaze onto his, demanding an answer, searching his eyes for the truth.

Silence enveloped them, thick and suffocating.

“WHAT DO YOU WANT NOW?” she yelled, her frustration boiling over.

Zack stepped closer, his tone shifting from defensive to intense. “YOU.”

Liya’s heart raced at the intensity of his gaze. It was as if a dam had burst open, flooding her with emotions she thought she had buried. “What do you mean?” she demanded, her voice steadier but laced with uncertainty.

“I want you back,” he declared, his voice low and unwavering. The vulnerability in his tone caught her off guard, and for a brief moment, she felt her resolve waver.

“After everything?” Liya scoffed, incredulous. “You think you can just waltz back into my life? You’re delusional.”

“Delusional or not, it doesn’t change how I feel,” he shot back, stepping even closer. “You think breaking contracts and manipulating others will bring you peace? It won’t. You know that.”

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