"It still feels like a dream."
Elise Chapman said excitedly to her father. They were both seated in the living room of their modest home.
"I can't believe I no longer have to go to MacMatthew corporation and deal with Xavier anymore," Elise said.
"Congratulations once again dear, I'm proud of you," Charles Chapman said to his daughter.
"Thank you, Dad. I just want to be able to take care of you and mum." Elise said.
"I know and I'm really grateful to have a self sacrificing daughter like you. I'm really sorry about everything you had to go through with Xavier" Charles said, a look of remorse on his face.
"It's ok dad, you don't have to apologize. I was only doing my part, I love you and mum very much and I'll do anything to keep you both safe." Elise said.
"I also want you to be safe as well. Are you sure you're going to be safe working for such a big brand? We already have the Harkin family against us, we don't want to attract more enemies," Charles said, a concerned look on his face.
"You have nothing to worry about dad. The Mansions have always kept a low profile, nothing bad will happen to me, besides, even if anyone were to try and hurt me, my boss is really wealthy and powerful, he'll come to my aid." Elise replied confidently.
"Alright dear, I trust your judgment. By the way, speaking about your boss, why doesn't he want to be known? Is he sick or does he have federal agencies looking for him?" Charles asked.
"No dad," Elise replied, laughing gently.
"He's neither sick nor wanted by any federal agency, he doesn't want to be known due to personal reasons, but in due time, he will reveal himself." Elise explained.
"Ok. And speaking of which, what exactly does being his representative entail? I know you've explained it before, but I just want to be certain of what you do." Charles said.
"Well, I attend meetings on his behalf, meet up with investors and potential business partners, convince them to do business with us, and it's not really hard actually, cause D'Miller brand is already well known, I also close deals on his behalf." Elise explained.
"Wow, that sounds like a great opportunity. You've always had a talent for creative thinking and communication. I'm sure you'll excel in this role." Charles said.
"Thank you, Dad. I'm nervous, but I'm ready for the challenge," Elise replied.
"Of course, sweetheart. It's been a pleasure watching you grow and develop your skills. Just remember, work hard, stay focused, and never stop learning. You have a bright future ahead of you," Charles said to his daughter, he was really proud of her.
"I will, Dad. Thanks for believing in me." Elise responded.
They were still engrossed in their conversation when Joanne Chapman, Elise's mother walked in.
Joanne had gone to the Harkin family house to notify them of her resignation, from her outlook, it was obvious it didn't go well, she had stains on her dress.
"What happened?" Elise asked her mother, a look of worry on her face.
"I told the family I wouldn't be working for them anymore and let's just say they didn't take it well, Jennifer Harkin especially" Joanne said.
"What did she do?" Charles asked his wife.
"I decided to prepare breakfast for them one last time before breaking the news to them. I had already served them and handed Jennifer her cup of coffee when I told them. Jennifer hurled insults at me and threatened to deal with me, she said she would make all of us pay. I calmly reminded her of who Elise works for now and she didn't like the reminder at all. She got up and threw her coffee at me and screamed at me to leave her house. She kept repeating "I wanted her to lose the deal she was going to sign, it was as if she was possessed or something." Joanne explained.
Elise hurried to her mother to check for injuries, fortunately, she found none.
"I'm happy we have no business with that family anymore" Joanne said.
"Me too mum, I'm sorry about what happened to you, this will be the last time that woman treats you that way" Elise said reassuringly.
"It's ok darling, I'm fine. And Elise, won't you be going to work today?" Joanne asked.
"I was just about to leave, I'll be going to MacMatthew corporation first though, I need to tender my resignation," Elise answered.
"Alright dear, go well and stay safe" Joanne said.
Elise bade her parents goodbye and hurried to MacMatthew corporation.
…
"I wish you success in your new endeavor," Nina said.
"Thanks a lot." Elise replied to Nina, Micah's secretary.
She had just submitted her resignation and was sprinting out of the building happily when she bumped into someone, it was Xavier Harkin.
"Hello Xav." Elise said.
Xavier didn't respond, he simply continued to stare at her. Elise was beginning to feel uncomfortable, so she decided to leave, but Xavier blocked her path.
"What do you want now?" Elise asked.
"You think you're free? You think you can simply resign and move on with your life because you now work for a weirdo who doesn't want to be known? You and your family are nothing but caged birds, you were trapped once and you'll be trapped again. Enjoy your freedom now, because when you're caught again, your wings will be clipped. And about whatever evidence you think you have against my family, it doesn't matter, just like my mother told your mum earlier, you all are going to pay," Xavier threatened and walked away.
His words got to Elise a little but she didn't want to let it show, so she hurried out and went to D'Miller brand.
When she got there, she walked to Juniors office and he was already there, waiting for her.
"So, how did it go? How does it feel to be finally free from that family?" Junior asked Elise immediately as she sat down.
Elise proceeded to tell Junior everything that had happened between her mother and Jennifer Harkin, she also told him about the altercation she had with Xavier earlier and how he had threatened her.
"Well, I've done my research and after everything you've told me, I think we should deal with Jennifer first, I already know the company she's trying to close a deal with, and you're going to go there," Junior said.
"To do what?" Elise asked.
"To offer them a better deal of course. Jennifer's business means a lot to her and we're going to make sure she loses it in the most humiliating manner," Junior answered.
An hour and half later, Elise was dropped in front of one of the most popular cosmetic companies in the city. She was about to go in when she saw Jennifer Harkin walking out.
Jennifer was surprised to see Elise in that company, she knew it wasn't a coincidence.
"What're you doing here? This place isn't meant for the likes of you," Jennifer said condescendingly to Elise.
"In case you've forgotten, I work for a brand bigger than you and your husband's combined, so I have every right to go wherever I want," Elise replied in a firm voice.
Jennifer couldn't believe Elise was speaking to her in such a manner, she was about to respond when Elise continued talking, "And for what I'm doing here, you'll find out soon enough. Have a nice day ma'am." Elise said with a smirk on her face and walked into the building.
Elise met with the company's CEO and when asked what the purpose of her visit was, she told them she was trying to secure a deal with them
"That's really nice, I'm always open to the idea of having a new business partner, but right now, we just closed a deal with Jennifer Harkin, so, I cannot accept your deal," the CEO said.
"Allow me to properly introduce myself. My name is Elise Chapman and I'm a representative of Mansion Miller Junior, CEO of D'Miller brand. I'm here to offer you a better deal" Elise said.
When the CEO heard who Elise works for, she quickly got down to business and when she realized Elise's deal was more beneficial to her company, she quickly called Jennifer Harkin and told her their deal was off, she told her she was going to be signing a better deal with D'Miller brand instead.
After signing the necessary documents, Elise left the company. She was about to get into the car when she got a text message.
Picking up her phone, she saw it was from an unknown number, the text simply read "The Game Has Officially Begun."
Elise smiled, she didn't need a sorcerer to tell her that message was from Jennifer Harkin.
If Jennifer wanted to play, they'd play and that wasn't a game Elise intended to lose.