Phillip looked at Odelia nervously as he replayed everything she had just told him a moment ago.
"Odelia, that man is dangerous and unruly; maybe we should just do things one step at a time."
"Don't worry, Phillip; I know what I'm doing. Trust me, nothing will go wrong. Besides, I have covered up my tracks," Odelia said confidently as she swirled the wine in the glass. But Phillip thought she was acting impulsively because she saw Anna and Adam a while ago. That cursed pair, why did they have to run into them? Odelia had refused to eat, and they had returned to her apartment, and she had not even relaxed when she started to talk about her dangerous plan.
Grandeur Corporation, the biggest and largest company in New York, which had branches in all the towns, had opened a bid for a five-story luxury mall in Manhattan and was accepting proposals from all over the state from other companies.
There were three rounds involved. The first one was the introduction of blueprint design, which would then be appraised, and 3 companies with the best design would make it to the second round. The second round involves the 3 best companies giving a presentation about the budget involved, the duration it would take, safety measures to be put in place, and why their design blueprint is the best to choose from.
After all three companies give their presentation, the one with the best conditions that met the standards of Grandeur Corporation would be awarded an exclusive contract with them, and the contract would extend for five years. Meaning after the mall project, all subsequent projects from Grandeur Corporation would be given to their new business partner—the winner.
Odelia planned to register a paper company, Steann Enterprise, under Anna's and Steven Collins's names and submit a design blueprint to enter the bid. She would register Anna as the owner and Steven as her partner; she would then steal the design blueprint of Gray Enterprises, improve it, and submit it under Steann Enterprise's name.
During the appraisal, when Grandeur Corporation finds out Gray Enterprises and Steann Enterprise have similar designs and that one company must have plagiarized, they would invite them for a meeting. Odelia would just find a way to let Anna mistakenly go to the meeting venue. Knowing the doubt that she had already planted in Adam's mind plus all the follow-up plans she had begun to put in place to make the adulterous pair's presence unbearable towards each other, she was sure hell would certainly break loose after Adam investigates and finds out the real owner of the company is Anna.
Odelia smirked evilly, thinking about the outcome of her plan. Odelia thought her plan was perfect and flawless, but Phillip thought that if anything was traced back to her, apart from Adam and Anna, she would incur the wrath of Don Gardner, the current CEO of Grandeur Corporation. Her plan would delay their appraisal process and incur some losses to the company.
The man was dangerous and unruly; his viciousness and cruelty were known by all, and he was feared by most people, so he thought it wasn't worth it for Odelia to provoke such a person.
But seeing how she was so set on this path for revenge, he could only help her cover her tracks well so that she doesn't expose herself. Lost in thought, Odelia's voice rang out and broke her thoughts.
"I will be going dress shopping tomorrow for Mrs. Graham's birthday. Would you like to join me?" Odelia asked with a wide smile plastered on her face. She had just referred to her birth mother as Mrs. Graham without a care in the world.
"Sure, I'll take you; here, you can use my card," Philip said, bringing out his wallet and offering Odelia a card. He knew how low she was on money, and for her to make a statement at the party, she needed to dress the part.
"Thanks, don't worry; I sold some jewelry during my travels. Since it was a high-end shop, they paid me quite well, so I'm not so broke. Besides, Adam's engagement ring cost a fortune. At least the diamond wasn't fake," Odelia said in a happy-go-lucky voice, but Phillip, who knew she was just putting on a facade, had already noticed the traces of sadness in her voice.
After Phillip left, leaving her alone in her apartment, she stared at the computer screen and read through her plans with narrowed eyes. Yes, she was not going to let people steal from her and dictate the pace of her life. She was going to make sure all the people who insulted her, framed her, and stole from her pay. They were all going to regret keeping her alive after everything they did to her.
~~~
The next day,
It was a bright Wednesday morning, and the news that spread through the city of Manhattan and discussions people in high society were having was about the birthday banquet of Mrs. Graham. It could be said that it was one of the high-class events of the year because attendance was strictly by invitation, so people who had received an invite couldn't stop flaunting and saying it over tea parties and during coincidental meetings at the shopping mall.
Some people would intentionally say, "I had just come to get a gift for Madam Graham since I was invited to the party," when they ran into an acquaintance at the mall. After all, being invited to Mrs. Graham, who was the youngest matriarch to one of the most influential families in Manhattan, meant they had a certain importance in the societal hierarchy of the rich and famous.
Anna stared at her reflection in the vanity mirror with a smile on her face—that foolish Odelia had accepted to come to the birthday banquet. 'If only she knew the plans and the traps she had put in place for her, would she die from anger?' She smiled as she imagined Odelia on her knees begging at her feet and being the biggest disappointment yet as she, Anna Graham, stood high on her pedestal and looked down at her.
Anna had prepared the best clothes and accessories for this party; she wanted to dazzle everyone at the party and be the shiniest star. What made her even happier was that, after the stunt Odelia pulled yesterday, Adam had planned to give them a surprise during her mom's birthday banquet.
What more could it be if not a proposal? She would soon be officially known as the new mistress of the Gray family, and everyone would soon know that Adam belonged to her. She couldn't wait to rub it in people's faces, especially Odelia's. She couldn't wait to enjoy all the spotlight and perks of being the fiancee of Adam Gray and the only recognized daughter of the Graham family.
Mrs. Graham pushed the door open and saw Anna's radiant smile, and her face couldn't help but soften as she stared at her.
"Sweetie, what's making you so happy this morning? Care to tell mom?" She asked with a gentle smile on her lips.
"Nothing, Mum, I just feel very happy today," she said with a delicate smile adorning her lips. But Mrs. Graham could already tell it must be about Adam and the upcoming birthday banquet.
"Tell me, are you planning something for my birthday party?" Mrs. Graham asked with a knowing look. Anna smiled bashfully and said,
"Yes, Mum, I think I should make sure all the arrangements are the best and also make sure that I will be the most beautiful at the party, Mum. Do you think I'll be the prettiest?" Anna asked with an expectant gaze. She was not the one the party would be hosted for, but she wanted to be the most beautiful.
Mrs. Graham, who didn't see anything wrong with her statement, replied to her question with a tone full of affection and pride, "Of course, my daughter is and will always be the prettiest girl in Manhattan. No one can outshine your natural beauty, and soon you would be Adam's wife. Who can be more dazzling than you?"
Anna was so happy that she said the thoughts out loud, "Would Odelia be angry seeing me getting all the attention?"
Mrs. Graham's countenance changed when she heard Odelia's name; it was as if a taboo had been spoken.
"Why would you mention the name of such an eyesore?" She asked in displeasure. Realizing that she had let it slip, she looked at her mother in contemplation.
"Mum, I'm sorry I didn't ask for your opinion; I saw Odelia yesterday and invited her to your party. I thought maybe you and Dad miss her; after all, she is still your daughter. Are you angry?" She said in a low voice, her expression as docile and harmless as a lamb's.
Mrs. Graham, on the other hand, disagreed vehemently, who knew the shame and disgrace Odelia's presence would cause. Many of the people hated her because of what happened a few months ago. Just thinking about it was giving her a headache.
"No, Anna, I don't think she should come; she would just make us lose face and make us a laughing stock again," Mrs Graham denied vehemently.
But how could Anna let go of such a perfect opportunity? She hates Odelia with all of her being, and she must make sure she attends the party. If not, all her plans will go to waste.