She could remember that day, she cried her eyes out, the moment that doctor has left, the pain had been so much she took her own life…
But it seems she had been granted a second chance, a chance she had to use… to make even pay.
Including… someone she pinned the loss of her child on the most.
Claire Axton… the mother to Dakota, equally the one who sent away all the staff and workers, just to make her suffer.
And now… she was going to have to do the same.
Adria stood proudly in the mirror… whatever happened now… it wasn't Veronica anymore.. it was Adria now…
*** ***
"The higher ups has arrived Ms. Cadell." Javen knocked, and Adria got up her feet.
"I'll be up with them… shortly." She adjusted her suit.
It was white, on one side, and black on the other, a white inner, and to top it all off, a black blouse.
Adria packed her hair into a ponytail, and headed for the door.
Pulling it open and soon getting escorted to an upper floor.
The moment they got into the elevator, Adria swiped a card onto a particular camera on the upper side of the elevators buttons.
That was how she got access to the upper grounds.
"Javen..."
"Yes, Ms. Cadell." She had to ask… but not now.
"After this meeting… we'll have to talk." Javen nodded, and Adria kept her head straight forward. Making sure to show no emotion when the elevator door slid open.
Esther walking, Brad packer, Lie foresaw, and Charlotte Charles. The four who ruled over the upper grounds.
"welcome." They we're all waited outside a room's door, and they all took a step in at the same time, making sure to leave Javen outside.
"wait here." Her last words echoed it his ears, and he did as told.
"Right."
They all took a seat at a table, Adria and Esther on one side, the rest on the other.
And then it was quiet for a few seconds, but soon enough, Leo spoke up.
"Why did you call us here?" Adria looked up, his voice was deep, enchanting even, but...
"It seems the news is yet to reach your ears." They all cocked their brows.
"Elaborate... Adria." Esther adjusted in her seat.
"I terminated the contract going on with, Dakota Axton." The all snapped their gaze at her, even the ones who their eyes were shut close.
"And why would you take such an action on your own? Did you care to tell us?"
"You guys, were out of town... You only arrived in New York, about today no? And I'm sure that it must have been tough to make space just to come here."
Charlotte scoffed. "Was this the reason you made me, waste my time?"
"Oh it is no waste." Adria assured, her fingers locking, and her legs crossing, underneath the table.
Esther... Having the eyes of brown, hair shiny and silky black, her bone showing in her finger, showing her elderly age.
Leo, having the eye color of black, hair nearly grey, and eyes brown, a glass to his face, and his chin hairy with near beards.
Charlotte, having the eye color of black, and her hair grey, lips slightly pink, and her wrinkles already showing.
Brad, having the same similar looks to her, as they were twins.
"We should not have taken the offer in the first place, if we knew there would be complications."
"Then you must also know, that this will cause the same problems, you had when you took the contract. And we were the ones who got the worst of it."
"If only you had the patience to wait until we returned, we could have discussed this before doing anything stupid."
Adria shrugged. "Well, it is now for you to discuss with him."
"And what do you mean?" Leo asked.
"You see... He is yet to find out I own this building... Unfortunately, the contract has been signed with you guys..."
"Meaning?"
"Meaning, he thinks you four are the owners, you've met with him, no?"
Esther chuckled. "So what, now?"
"I need you guys to cooperate with me."
"For what reason, exactly?"
"You'd have to do some explanations, before we play into a trap we not sure we can get out of." Brad spoke finally, and leaned back into his chair.
"It will be vast... All I ask is that... You keep me unknown... Until the right time."
"And if we refuse?" Charlotte crossed her arms.
"Then I'm afraid you will not be able to handle this matter."
"Are you threatening us?" Leo cocked a brow, and Adria sighed.
"Of course not, Mr. foresaw. If anything... I'm making you a deal, you don't have a choice but to take it."
They all looked at themselves, in a look of; 'what could she be planning?'
"Fine... But what's in it for us?"
"You get to decide if you want the contract on or not..."
Charlotte scoffed. "Is that it?"
"What more could you possibly ask for? After all, he is someone you would want to get on with good terms with." Adria turned her head to face Charlotte.
"If I'm correct, he is the CEO of his father's company, and he would make a great asset for your company."
"I don't see why we'd want a child working in our business."
"Well, it was the same with me wasn't it, Esther?"
"I have yet to see the reason of taking a 30 year old in as an executive."
"And you still see him a a child? A man in his 30's hearing someone who only but uses 20 years more..." Adria shook her head. "What a shame." Esther clenched her jaw.
"Fine."
"It was lovely doing a meeting with you." Adria smiled, and pushed her seat back, and stood.
"And where are you going, we have not finished discussing."
"I'm afraid I have to meet a very special person." She opened the door, and Javen was there, waiting.
"Javen, please see me off."
"Yes ma'am." And then she was gone.
The four looked at each other, in silence.
Back in the years, Adria's father had died, leaving her with everything, including PARADISE VALLEY.
a company known for its world global shipment, and trading.
Her father had started the company, and now that he was gone, she was left in charge.
Esther Cadell, had helped her when she was but a 21 year old. And it was good she did her readings on all of it.
Adria dipped her hand into her bag, pulling out a lighter, and a stick of cigarette.
She never felt capable of doing this in her past life... But now, she felt like she could.
With that, Adria took a puff, coughing it out immediately.
"Are you okay?" Javen asked.
"Yes... Yes I'm fine." She cleared her throat.
"Where to?"
"You may drop me off at Author's house for now."
"Yes ma'am." He stepped on it, and Adria looked out the window, enjoying the beautiful scenery.
"Javen..."
"Yes Ms. Cadell."
"Why did you leave me... When vythos came." He remained silent, which made her push her head off her hand. "Answer... Use your words."
She could tell he wanted to still remain quiet.
"If I may... It seemed like something private... And I want to leave you too to it." Javen finally said, but with his eyes now on the front mirror.
"Something private? No... It wasn't..."
"Then... If you don't mind me asking... Why did he call himself your lover...? When your already engaged?"
Adria remained silent.
"I don't know." She placed her head back on her hand.
She really didn't.
"make a change of directions, Javen…"
"Yes Ms." The car stopped, and soon made a quick turn.
She was going to go somewhere, somewhere she felt needed… Home.