Chapter 5 - THE CELEBRATION BEFORE THE STORM
By Wednesday evening, Richard Vance felt like he was on top of the world.
Sitting in a booth at an upscale steakhouse in downtown Long Island, Richard clinked his glass of bourbon against Vanessa’s martini. Across from them sat his mother, Olivia, wearing a brand-new gold necklace that Richard had purchased on his company credit card.
"To the future!" Richard cheered, knocking back his drink. "No more whining, no more cheap dinners, and no more dealing with Maya’s pathetic attitude!"
"Honestly, Richard, getting rid of her was the best thing you ever did," Olivia said, cutting into her expensive filet mignon. "Did you see the news today? Meridian Logistics is being acquired by a massive private equity firm tomorrow morning! Your boss said all key account managers are getting massive retention bonuses!"
"Oh, I know," Richard smirked, feeling the warm buzz of alcohol in his veins. "My boss hinted that I’m being considered for Senior Director of Sales. Once the acquisition goes through tomorrow at ten AM, I’m going to be making three hundred thousand a year."
Vanessa giggled, leaning over to kiss Richard’s cheek. "And my video hit three million views today, babe! I had three fashion brands reach out to me for sponsored posts! People love watching dramatic family takedowns!"
"Where is Maya anyway?" Olivia asked carelessly, taking a sip of wine. "Has she called you begging to come home yet?"
"Not a word," Richard laughed, waving his hand dismissively. "She’s probably staying in some dirty motel working double shifts at the diner. By Friday, she won't have enough money for Lily’s lunch milk. She’ll crawl back on her knees, crying and apologizing to you, Mom."
"And when she does," Olivia sneered, "you make her sign a legal agreement that she keeps her mouth shut and does all the house cleaning without pay."
"Deal," Richard laughed, raising his glass once more. "To the big takeover tomorrow!"
While Richard and his family drank sixty-dollar bottles of wine, three blocks away in a luxury high-rise apartment provided by Sterling Global, Maya was tucking Lily into a massive, king-sized bed with soft silk sheets.
The apartment was warm, quiet, and filled with fresh flowers.
"Mommy?" Lily asked, holding her new giant stuffed bear. "Do we have to go back to Daddy's house?"
Maya sat on the edge of the mattress, smoothing her daughter's hair. "No, my darling. We are never going back there again."
"Are we safe here?"
Maya kissed Lily’s forehead gently, her heart swelling with an overwhelming sense of peace. "You are completely safe, Lily. Tomorrow, Mommy is going to finish everything so we can start our new life."
After Lily fell fast asleep, Maya walked into the living room where Julian was standing by the window, looking through a thick leather-bound corporate dossier.
"Everything is set for ten AM tomorrow at Meridian Headquarters," Julian said, turning to her. "The board has unanimously approved the sale. You are officially the sole owner of Meridian Logistics."
Maya walked over to the desk and picked up a black fountain pen.
"Do you want to remain anonymous during the announcement?" Julian asked. "You don't have to face them in person. My legal team can handle the restructuring."
May you like
Maya looked at her reflection in the glass window. She thought about the four years of quiet insults, the ruined birthday party, the cold water poured on her spirit, and the way her daughter had cried over a squashed cake.
"No," Maya said softly, signing her name cleanly at the bottom of the acquisition document. "I want to be in that boardroom when Richard Vance learns who I am."
