Chapter 12
Chapter 12
Christiana’s POV
The following day, Larrived at the chic, open–air café where Margaret had requested our meeting. It was a trendy spot, surrounded by lush greenery and shimmering water features–an environment meant to impress. I had decided to make a statement, so I arrived in a sharp, tailored navy suit, with a crisp white blouse and stiletto heels that clicked authoritatively on the floor. My bodyguards flanked me, their presence a silent declaration of my own power and boldness. The crowd parted as we walked through, their gazes flickering with curiosity and respect..
I spotted Margaret at the center of the cafe’s outdoor seating area. Her normal facial expression was unmistakable, even as she sat alone at a small table, her fingers elegantly wrapped around a porcelain cup. I approached her with deliberate calmness. As I drew closer, I took off my dark shades and let a smirk cross my lips–a silent declaration that I was no longer the unsure, intimidated woman she once knew.
Margaret’s eyes widened slightly, a flicker of unease flashing across her face. She straightened in her chair, her composed facade momentarily faltering. “Ms. Davis,” she began, her voice smooth but edged with condescension. “I see you’ve made quite the effort to flaunt your new wealth. Bodyguards and all. How very… ostentatious.”
I didn’t let her words shake me. I met her gaze coolly, my smirk unwavering. “Let me remind you, Margaret,” I started, my tone deliberate and steady, “that I’m here on my own terms, not because I’m trying to impress anyone. Your previous attempts to diminish me are a part of history. I’ve moved beyond that, and you should know better than to underestimate.
me.”
Her eyes widened in shock at my bluntness. I could see her struggling to mask her surprise, her poised demeanor slipping slightly. “Well, I suppose you’re more formidable than I gave you credit for,” she said grudgingly, her voice lacking its usual icy edge. “Please, have a seat
I took the offered seat with a smooth grace, feeling the weight of her hate as I did. Margaret wasted no time. “Let’s get to the point,” she said crisply, her fingers tapping lightly on the table. “The letter I sent concerned the children you’ve been raising. I believe it’s time we discuss their future.”
I leaned forward, meeting her gaze steadily. “I don’t see why there’s a need for discussion. Alex already made it clear that he wanted nothing to do with me–or our children–when he divorced me. He claimed I was barren and moved on without a second thought. I found out that I was pregnant, and I’ve raised these children on my own since then. Neither you nor Alex have any right to impose yourselves on their lives now,”
Margaret’s expression hardened, her eyes narrowing. “You’re being stubborn and unreasonable. The children are part of the Alistair family, and Alex deserves a chance to be involved in their lives” NôvelDrama.Org owns © this.
I shook my head, my jaw firm “You’ve made it clear that neither you nor Alex have a place in our lives. I’ve worked hard to provide for my children and give them the stability they need. Your sudden interest is not only unwelcome but also deeply
intrusive.
Margaret’s eyes flared with anger and surprise at my defiance. She clearly wasn’t used to being challenged in this manner. “You might want to reconsider your stance,” she said, her tone cold and commanding. “It’s in your best interest to cooperate.”
I stood up, my posture straight and defiant. “I’ve said all I need to say. If you or Alex have any further intentions, you’ll have to pursue them through the proper channels. I won’t be intimidated by threats or manipulation.”
Margaret’s face turned a shade darker, her expression was of frustration and calculated coldness. She leaned forward, her voice taking on a commanding edge. “Listen, Christiana,” she said, her eyes narrowing. “Name your price. Just give me the children. They are my grandchildren, after all. I’m sure we can come to a reasonable agreement.”
I couldn’t help but let out an incredulous laugh. The sound was sharp and bitter, echoing around the chic cafe. “You think I’m stupid? You really believe I’d trade my children for anything? If you think you can just buy them off me, you’re even more delusional than I thought.”
Margaret’s face lightened in anger, her eyes flashing dangerously. “You’ll regret this, Christiana. My influence reaches far, and I can make your life very difficult. You’re in no position to refuse me.”
I shrugged, my demeanor calm and unflinching. “Threats? Really? If you think I’m going to be swayed by your attempts at intimidation, you’re mistaken. I’ve fought too hard to let anyone take what’s mine. You can keep your threats; they don’t scare
Margaret’s eyes flared with exasperation, her composure cracking slightly. “You’ll find out soon enough that I’m not someone you can ignore.”
“Believe me,” I said, standing up with a finality that made it clear our discussion was over. “I’ve already dealt with much worse. So save your threats for someone who’s willing to be intimidated. I’m not the one.”
I turned away, my heels clicking firmly as I walked wards the exit, with my bodyguards trailing right behind me. Margaret’s
gaze burned into my back, but I was determined not to let her have the satisfaction of seeing me waver. I had my children, and that was all that mattered. No amount of money or intimidation would ever change that
As I settled into the back seat of my car, I let out a deep breath. The stress from the meeting with Margaret had built up
inside me, and now, in the comfort of the car, I could finally relax. I looked out the tinted windows and saw the city lights blur by, feeling a bit lighter.
The driver was still preparing the car, but I already felt a wave of relief. I had faced Margaret, someone I used to fear, and I had come out stronger than I expected. The meeting had gone better than I could have hoped.
I laughed softly to myself, amazed at how strong I had been. Margaret’s threats and demands seemed weak now, just noise from the past. I knew I had challenges ahead, but for the first time in a long while. I felt confident and powerful.
As the car started moving smoothly through the city, I leaned back and closed my eyes for a moment, enjoying the feeling of victory. No matter wha
t came next, I knew I could handle it. I had