Revenge is All I Want

Ammie's POV

As I step into my office, the air is suffocating. Stacks of unfinished reports, contracts, and emails litter my desk, an outright outlet to Richard's incompetence. 

My fingers curl into fists, and I clench my jaw. How much longer could I let this mess go unchecked? Why am I always involved in a dog eat dog situation? I almost rubbed my hand across my face. 

Then I remembered Emily's warning. I dropped my hands and sauntered towards my seat. Just as I take a seat, determined to tackle the mountain of paperwork before me, the door swings open. 

Richard walks in, spreading his usual smugness like a peacock, as though the world circles around him. His grin is the kind that sets my molars to grind on themselves. He looked too Carefree, arrogant, and utterly infuriating, for someone that had caused trouble.

"Hey, cuz! Thought we could….."

" Keep it down, Richard!" I seethed out sharply, my voice slicing through his casual greeting. "Did you even glance at the tabloids this morning? Or do you find joy in seeing your face plastered across every scandalous headline?"

His grin falters, replaced by a flicker of guilt. "Come on, Ammie. It's not a big deal. People eat that stuff up, it's just some harmless fun."

"Harmless fun?!" I snapped, rising from my chair and slamming my palm onto the desk. The sharp sound echoes through the room. "When it drags SNS Group through the mud? When it makes investors second-guess their faith in us? That's your idea of harmless fun?"

Richard takes a step back, his sheepish smile morphing into unease. "Look, I didn't mean for any of this to happen. I'll clean it up, I swear."

"You're right about one thing," I say coldly. "This is your mess. But you won't be cleaning it up. You're done, Richard. As of this moment, you're relieved of your duty."

His jaw drops. "Fired? Ammie, you can't be serious! I'm family!"

"Family?" I scoff, crossing my arms over my chest as I rolled my eyes at his outright stupidity. 

"That word doesn't mean you should be irresponsible." I sat back on my chair and then added " Also family doesn't drag each other down, Richard. Family doesn't treat the company our grandfather built like a playground for their recklessness."

"What about Aunt Emeralda? She'll…."

"Save it," I snarled, cutting him off again. "My mother may have put you here, but she doesn't run SNS, I do. And I'm done letting her bad judgment ruin this company."

His face flushes with anger, the smugness finally stripped away. "You think you're so high and mighty, don't you? You're just like your mother, Ammie. Cold, controlling, no wonder they call you ice queen…"

"Get out," I say, my voice low but firm, cutting through his drama. "Pack your things and leave. I'm bringing in Victor Blake to replace you. Unlike you, he's proven his worth, time and time again."

For a moment, Richard just stares at me, his mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water. Then, with a muttered curse, he storms out, slamming the door behind him.

I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding, the tension slowly draining from my shoulders. This wasn't just about Richard's incompetence, it was about rooting out the rotten eggs that had festered in the SNS Group for too long.

Richard's dismissal was the first step, but it wouldn't be the last. I had no doubt that Lizzie and my mother were quietly planning their own schemes, manipulating the people around them like pieces on a chessboard. But this was my game now, and I intended to win.

I rest my back, my eyes scanning the disarray on my desk. There was so much to fix, so much to rebuild. But for the first time in a long time, I felt a sense of authority.

This was my company, my legacy, and no one, not Richard, not Lizzie, not even my own mother, was going to take it from me.

Emily knocked softly before stepping inside, her expression clouded with worry. "Miss Ammie, are you alright?"

I forced a thin smile, though the pain inside me was anything but manageable. "I'm holding up, Emily. But I'll need your help to deal with the aftermath of Richard."

Her nod was immediate, her gaze steady with firm determination. "Of course. We'll handle this together."

For a fleeting moment, the storm within me calmed. Emily's presence was a reminder that I wasn't entirely alone.

 With her unwavering support and my relentless labour, I would face what lay ahead and protect what was mine. Even though it might be hard. I will do it.

"Bring Victor," I said firmly, my tone leaving no room for hesitation.

"Understood, ma'am." Emily hurried out and slammed the door behind her, the sound reverberating in the silence.

 Under different circumstances, I might have chuckled at her overzealous exit, but a storm was brewing just beneath my calm exterior. I was like a typhoon waiting to unleash its terror.

My gaze shifted to the corner of my desk, where my grandfather's photograph sat, his kind eyes frozen in time. He had always believed in me, even when no one else did.

"I won't let you down," I whispered, the promise solidifying my decision. "Whatever you saw in me, I'll find it again. I'll make sure SNS becomes everything you dreamed it could be."

The burden of my vow settled over me, heavy yet welcomed. 

Victor Blake knocked and then entered my office moments later, his expression guarded, as if bracing himself for whatever I might throw his way.

"Victor," I said, standing to meet his gaze. "Congratulations. You're the new Managing Director of SNS Groups, effective immediately."

His eyes widened for a second, surprise flickering across his face before a determined glint settled in. He straightened his posture, his voice steady as he responded, "Thank you. I won't let you down."

"I know you won't," I replied, a faint smile breaking through my otherwise firm expression. "Now, let's get to work. We have a company to rebuild, and I need people I can trust on my side."

He gave a sharp nod and left the room, a man with purpose radiating from every stride.

As the door clicked shut behind him, the atmosphere in my office shifted. It was subtle but undeniable, a sense of anticipation, of movement, of a storm waiting to be unleashed.

 For the first time in what felt like an eternity, there was a spark of hope amidst the boiling hatred and anger that had fueled my waking hours since earlier.

Having two reliable people, Victor and Emily, was a comfort I couldn't ignore. They understood loyalty, they shared my drive, and most importantly, they would never betray me. It was a small but solid foundation on which to build a brighter future.

With that thought, I turned back to the chaos on my desk, my heart firm. There was still much to do, but for the first time, I could see a path forward. I could see myself winning against them. It might be hard but I intend to win.