Amara's POV
I should never have underestimated what a broken man can do. At least, I should have prepared myself for this.
Kian Donovan, the owner of Donovan Tech, was once the man after my heart, the man that I loved so dearly, the man who left me stranded when I needed him most, and did all that without sparing me a glance. And now, here he is, seated humbly in my office like one that can't hurt a fly.
He looks totally different. Would I say in a good way or slightly not presentable? There was the same sharp jawline, accompanied by the same piercing blue eyes that could lighten up a world, but I noticed there was something else. Something is definitely missing which I can't place my hands on.
Could that be confidence?
Or is he trying to be in control as usual?
Or maybe it has nothing on me, not when he controlled everything the way he wanted.
Either way, it makes no sense now since I'm the one in charge.
He's just yet another bad business executive who has succeeded in running into debt and is in need of help now.
And I am nothing close to the loose, desperate girl that would have gone wild just to help anymore.
I crossed my legs, not desperate as usual, my finely well-filed nails displayed on the desk, and I watched him fail woefully while trying to hold my gaze.
"So," I began, my voice not showing my intention but cool and slightly detached. "You are here because you seek a deal with Sinclair Holdings."
Kian exhaled, and I could already see him sweating profusely, even with the AC on, and nodding. "Yes ma."
I tilted my head forward to hold his gift. "From the aspect of business, this won't help slash you'll have to put in more effort and be more convincing than what you are displaying now. What a pity, Donovan. I would want you to know that this is a business and that I worked hard to get to my position. It won't be proper if we just hand out contracts just because of past relationships."
His jaw tightened, and I could see him move uncomfortably in his chair. "This has nothing to do with past history, please. It's all about business."
A slow smile graced my lips as I watched in awe. "Is it like that?"
He knows it's more than this.
I am aware of that too.
But if he prefers pretending to reality, then I'll indulge him.
His eyes flickered in an unbelieving manner round my office. He started with the marble floors, next was the sleek glass walls, and then, it landed on a commanding, beautiful view of the city.
The last time he set his eyes on me, I was nothing but a pauper struggling to pay rent.
But now, I unbelievably own countless buildings.
I can feel him having the urge to ask questions. They were burning uncontrollably in his mind, but it seemed he lacked the courage to spill them out:
How the hell was I able to achieve all of these?
But he couldn't ask me.
Instead, he finally leaned forward in a pleading manner, his fingers which he would have used to drum on my desk, surprisingly on their own and inactive. "I desperately need your help, Amara. Donovan Tech, which you used to know, is in trouble."
I deliberately let out a quiet hum. "And from the look of things, I happened to be the only one who was of help and saved your little company, right?"
His lips part in a way that suggested defense, but instead of uttering a word, he kept quiet. He knew there would be no point arguing with your savior. I watched him as he hesitated to answer, his eyes still flickering.
This type of hesitation?
It tastes sweeter than justice itself.
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Does he really deserve to be helped by my empire? It's true that there was a certain time in my life that I wouldn't have given it a second thought before doing anything for him. When the very idea of him encountering trouble would have panicked my whole existence, sending me into defense mood, anything to be by his side.
But fortunately, that naive girl who put others before herself is gone forever.
And unfortunately for him, the iced queen that I've become isn't generous with sympathy.
I tapped my nails angrily against the desk, trying to contain my fury. "You abandoned me, Kian. With no penny. Not even a little amount, a small support until I stood on my own, and worst of all, no goodbye. And now, you crawled out of your riches, and shamelessly wanted something from me?"
His fingers clenched, perhaps in regret, into a fist, but it was already late." I... He stops, totally speechless about where to start from. "I made a terrible mistake, and I am aware of it."
I let out a small laugh, the sound hollowing my ears. "You think so?"
The most annoying thing was the way his pride stood in the way and was fighting the conversation. It was clearly shown from the way he tried holding himself. He was greatly tensed, but well guarded.
For the very first time, I had the upper hand in our conversation. I have always been the one to listen, the one to follow the rules. But today, it was different. I was the one making the rules, and damn, it does feel heavenly.
I leaned forward, and in a whisper, I started, "Give me one strong reason that would change my perspective about you, and make me help you."
There followed a great silence between us.
For a split second, I almost thought he would say it.
I expected him to finally admit the truth about my son, about Jayden.
But he sat there mopping at me.
Instead, I watched him loosen the fist he formed earlier. His expression became very hard, and with that he said, "Because you're way better than me, and you are the woman that my man can never be."
I blinked in confusion.
That wasn't my expectations. I wasn't thinking in that direction.
"It seems you are missing things here. "I would like it if we thought straight," I said, standing up to make my point. This isn't and will never be a favor. If I eventually help you, it's not because I am a better breed than you are, it's simply because it benefits me. I don't care about what happens to your company or your decaying legacy."
Kian gave a nod, but all I could see in his eyes was frustration.
He wasn't used to being in a tight position where he didn't have a say.
He doesn't cherish being at the mercy of anyone talk more of me.
Good then.
I walked majestically around my desk, but decided to stop right beside him. "I am willing to consider your little request. But be rest assured that it won't be easy; I won't make it either."
He turns to face me, his gaze burning in a furious manner as it locks into mine. "I never expected it to be easy, it wasn't supposed to be."
I arched my brow, slightly surprised. "Then let's see how determined you are in fighting for what you want. I bet you will get tired sooner rather than later."
His jaw makes a fun movement. "I am willing to do anything just to get what I want."
I smiled, this is promising to be fun. "We'll see that then."
But I would want to warn you before hand ecause this time?
I am the rule maker. How far can you keep up with that?