THE CEO’S VENDETTA

Her eyes flicked up to Claire’s hair, which was styled in a simple, classic updo. “Your hair could use a little more volume,” she said, her voice dripping with condescension.

Claire gritted her teeth, determined not to let the Mrs Reynolds get under her skin.

“I’m sorry you don’t approve,” she said, her voice cool and collected. “But I’m quite happy with my appearance. Mrs Reynolds eyes widened in surprise.

But before she could respond, the cook arrived with their food. He set the plates down in front of them and asked if they needed anything else. “No, thank you,” She said, giving the cook a polite smile.

At this time, Alex had already stood up to receive a call, he promised he will be back shortly.

But as soon as he left, her gaze turned back to the Claire, her expression once again filled with disdain. “I must say, I’m surprised that my son would choose someone like you,” she said, her voice dripping with contempt. “What exactly do you mean by that mom?” Claire said, feeling her anger rising.

“Mom? you just called me Mom” she picked a glass of water and poured it on her face “How dare you?” with these words and actions she flared and increased her voice causing Alex to run hastily. “What happened mom, he asked facing his mom

Mrs Reynolds pointing to Claire’s direction “Can you imagine, this silly girl just called me mom?”

He stared at his mother for a long time, obviously trying to fight back words ; he doesn’t want to offend Claire.

Alex shifted his gaze to Claire and asked, “Are you alright Claire?” she nodded and he help her stand up and led her away.

Mrs Reynolds stood dumbfounded, trying to comprehend all that had just happened.

She was restless the whole day, Mrs Reynolds have been avoiding her and vice versa throughout the day.

So lost in thought as she sipped her coffee, it almost burnt her tongue. “Ouch, she drew Alex’s attention with her shout.

“Hope you’re good?,” he asked as he walked up to her, sat across the table and poured out a cup of coffee for himself.

Could I go and apologize to your mom? Claire asked. He picked up a slice of bread, munching and nodding at the same time, letting out a slow”hmmm”.

Yes Claire, you should. he said and continued, “she said everything is cool”.” I talked to her already.

Okay, I will, she responded as she raised the coffee cup towards my mouth.

Narrator POV)

Although Alex has cleared Claire of every doubt, she still felt hesitant to go meet Mrs Reynolds.

Claire takes a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves. She’s not sure if she’s ready to face her Alex’s mom, but she knows she has to do it.

She slowly gets up from the chair, putting on a brave face as she heads towards the door. She walks down the hallway, her footsteps echoing off the walls. Her heart is pounding as she approaches the door, and she takes another deep breath before knocking.

She knows so well that Mrs Reynolds doesn’t want her, but she believes that she could change her. (her wildest imagination)

As the Claire waits for a response, she can hear the sound of footsteps approaching the door. The handle turns, and the door slowly opens.

She sees her Mrs Reynolds standing there, a cunning smile on her face. She opens the door wider, inviting the Claire inside. She walks into the room, feeling the tension in the air.

As Claire enters the room, she sees that it’s decorated with tasteful furniture and art. She’s impressed by the attention to detail, and she feels a bit more at ease.

She has never been to this part of the house ever since she got here.

The room was small, but it was cozy and inviting. The walls were painted a soft, buttery yellow, and the wood floors were polished to a shine.

A fluffy white rug covered the floor, and a plush, velvet couch sat in the center of the room. A small fireplace crackled in the corner, filling the room with a warm, comforting glow. “it is beautiful,”she muttered still looking around.

Mrs Reynolds gestures for the girl to sit down, and they both take a seat on the couch. There’s a silence for a moment, and Claire could feel her nerves starting to get the best of her. She takes a deep breath, trying to find the right words to say

.

“Mrs Reynolds, I am sorry about the other day”. she paused and continued “Alex didn’t mean those words, I am sure of that” she apologized.

She eyed Claire who was head bent, took a deep breath and said “Oh so now you want to turn the table around ” shakes her head slightly and said” you know fully well that you are the reason my son is acting this way.”

He has never spoken to me in this manner, looking at me with disgusting looks, speaking hurtful words to me” she said has her voice seemed cracking about to burst out.

Of course she bursted in to tears, sniffing and cleaning her eyes with her handkerchief.

Claire stood up, smiled lightly and walked up to Mrs Reynolds trying to comfort her.

She was happy that this woman is finally broken.

She could not believe what happened next.

“Get those filthy hands off me now!” she said pushing Claire to the floor.

Her response is a complete surprise to Claire, The smile on Claire’s face fades.

You must leave this house today, I’ll be going out now before I get back you must be out” she warned, staring sternly.

Claire was visibly shaking with fear and Mrs Reynolds got the impression that she has intimidated her. Claire begged “Mrs Reynolds, I know you didn’t like me, I don’t know the reason but I love your son”.

“No, you kept him in that position for years, where was your love?” she asked.