chapter 13

Angela’s unexpected appearance at the banquet had made her the center of attention. Her boldness, wit, and strength had not only silenced her critics but also elevated her reputation. In a matter of hours, she had transformed from an abandoned ex-wife to a formidable woman with power and status.Michael Reed, ever the protective elder brother, saw this as the perfect opportunity to formally introduce Angela as the Vice President of Reed Corporation. It was a strategic move, designed to silence those who doubted her abilities.Naturally, not everyone in the company welcomed the announcement with open arms. Many harbored resentment, whispering behind closed doors that she was merely riding on Michael’s coattails. However, no one dared to question his decision outright. Michael was a force to be reckoned with, and his word was final.To ensure Angela’s smooth transition into her new role, Michael assigned his most trusted confidant, Rohan Andrew, to be her personal secretary. Additionally, he dedicated extra time to train her, coaching her on business strategies and leadership skills.Every evening, after official work hours ended, Angela stayed back in Michael’s office for at least two hours, absorbing every piece of knowledge he imparted. She was determined to prove her worth—not just to the company but also to herself.That evening, after an intense session, Michael leaned back in his chair and smiled.“Enough work for today, Angela. Let’s go. I’ll take you out for dinner,” he said warmly.Angela, feeling a sense of accomplishment, nodded eagerly.However, as soon as they entered the restaurant, Angela’s expression darkened. Her mood instantly soured.The Earth is round indeed, she thought bitterly.Standing not too far from them were Quinn Trumph and her daughter Samira Trumph—the very people who had once trampled on her dignity.Samira, who had once been the darling of high society, now carried a tarnished reputation. The revelation that she had stolen her own family's Blue Diamond Necklace had spread like wildfire, making her the subject of ridicule and whispers among her elite circle.Seeing Angela again, looking more stunning and confident than ever, ignited a burning rage in Samira’s heart.“Where is the manager? Does this restaurant allow just any trash to waltz in?” Samira shouted, her voice sharp and shrill.The moment her words echoed through the restaurant, the surrounding guests fell into an awkward silence.Angela, standing gracefully beside Michael, merely smirked.Samira’s tantrum had attracted the restaurant manager, who came rushing over with a panicked expression. The manager knew that all the guests in this establishment were influential figures, and offending any of them could spell disaster for his career.“Ms. Samira Trumph, I sincerely apologize,” the manager said humbly.Samira, emboldened by his apology, turned to Angela with a smug look. Her fingers twitched, itching to slap Angela across the face.“She’s ruining my mood for dinner. Get her out of here! We are your VIP customers,” Samira demanded, her tone dripping with arrogance.Angela remained composed, her eyes flickering with amusement rather than anger.The manager hesitated. He knew better than to offend the Trumph family, but before he could make a decision, his gaze landed on the man standing next to Angela.Michael Reed.The manager’s blood ran cold.Michael’s presence alone was suffocating. His face, which was usually gentle, had turned dangerously dark. His sharp eyes bore into the manager, making the poor man break into a cold sweat.Suddenly, the tables had turned.The manager immediately bowed respectfully and greeted, “Welcome, Mr. Reed. Your table is ready. This way, please.”Samira’s smirk faltered. Her face twisted in confusion and disbelief as she turned to really look at Michael.She had been so consumed with attacking Angela that she had failed to notice how extraordinarily handsome and powerful the man beside her looked. His entire aura screamed dominance and control.Realization dawned on Samira like a slap to the face.Michael Reed… The name alone sent waves of shock through her.Michael Reed, the second son of the Reed family, was a well-known figure in the corporate world. He was young, successful, and outrageously wealthy. More importantly, he was feared.But the thing that struck Samira the most was the way Michael stood protectively beside Angela.Samira, still reeling from the shock of Michael’s words, turned to the manager and barked, “Did you not hear me? Get them out of here!”Quinn crossed her arms and glared at Angela.“Yeah, she should take a look at herself in the mirror. How dare she come here?” Quinn scoffed. “Angela, do you think you can be arrogant with us just because you found yourself a sugar daddy? A woman who has been kicked out of the Trumph family doesn’t have the right to show her face in public.”Michael’s lips curled into a chilling sneer.“Kicked out of the Trumph family?” He repeated mockingly. “Your ability to twist a story is quite impressive. When did Jorge Trumph become so shameless?”Quinn’s face burned red with anger.Her face was turned red with anger as she looked at the manager and ordered " What are you still doing here? I don't want to see them."Angela chuckled.Michael’s expression darkened even further.The manager’s voice trembled as he hurriedly corrected Quinn and Samira.“Mrs. Trumph, Ms. Samira Trumph, you seem to be mistaken. Mr. Michael Reed is a major shareholder of our restaurant. If you don’t want to see them, I kindly suggest that you leave instead.”A heavy silence fell over the restaurant.Quinn and Samira were stupefied.Samira’s mouth fell open, her face twisting in shock and embarrassment.Michael Reed owned the restaurant?The tables had turned in the most humiliating way possible.Angela, amused by their horrified expressions, leaned in slightly and spoke in a calm, cold voice.“Ignore them, Michael. It’s just a meal. There’s no need for this impasse. I have something to say to them, so you can go in and wait for me.”Michael’s protective instincts flared up.He didn’t want to leave Angela alone with those two vile women. However, knowing that Angela had changed—that she was no longer the weak woman who once endured humiliation in silence—he relented.Michael cast a final, warning glance at Quinn and Samira before turning around and walking into the restaurant.His obedience was astonishing.Angela tilted her head slightly and looked at Quinn and Samira with a lazy smile.Continue....✍ Atrayee Sarkar