Stone Rich: Her 1st Experience

Chapter Five: Confrontation - Malaya

Still that same morning .....

Malaya Richardson's fingers flew over the keyboard, her eyes scanning page after page of information on Stone Industries and its elusive owner, Sebastien Stone. For the past five hours, she had been immersed in research, trying to piece together any useful details about the man behind the company that was causing her so much trouble. Unfortunately, there wasn't much to find—Sebastien seemed to be as secretive as he was influential. What little she had managed to scrape together painted a picture of a man who was both brilliant and ruthless.

With a sigh, Malaya closed her laptop. She felt a mix of frustration and determination. Even without a complete picture, she was confident enough to face him. She couldn't wait any longer for Dani to set up a meeting. It was time to get answers. Gathering her things, she left her office, ready to tackle the problem head-on.

"Good morning, Ms. Richardson," Daniel greeted as he opened the car door for her.

"Morning, Daniel," Malaya replied, sliding into the backseat. "We're heading to the development site first. Then to Stone Industries."

Daniel nodded, and the car smoothly pulled away from the curb. As they drove, Malaya quickly texted Danica. *"Dani, look into the brokerage issue. I'm heading to handle the development problem."*

*Got it,* Danica replied almost instantly. *Be careful, Malaya. This Stone guy sounds like trouble.*

*I will,* Malaya typed back, trying to project confidence. *I'll keep you posted.*

The drive to the development site was relatively short, but it felt like an eternity to Malaya. Her mind raced with thoughts of what she might find—and what she might have to do to get the project back on track. As they approached the site, her heart sank. The place was a disaster.

There was no sign of progress—no temporary office, no equipment, nothing. It was as if the project had been abandoned. Fury surged through Malaya. She stepped out of the car, her eyes narrowing as she took in the scene. Snapping photos with her phone, she documented every detail of the neglect. Each click of the camera fueled her anger.

She sent the photos to Danica with a terse message. *"This is unacceptable. Heading to Stone Industries HQ now."*

Malaya rattled off the address of Stone Industries to Daniel, her voice tight with barely contained rage. As their eyes met in the rearview mirror, no further words were needed. The situation spoke for itself.

The drive to downtown Cleveland was tense. Malaya's mind raced with thoughts of the confrontation ahead. Stone Industries' headquarters loomed before them, a sleek, modern building that exuded power and wealth.

Daniel parked the car, and Malaya stepped out, her heels clicking sharply against the pavement. She took a deep breath, steeling herself for the battle ahead. As she entered the building, the sleek lobby and polished surfaces did little to calm her nerves.

"I need to see Sebastien Stone," she said to the receptionist, her tone leaving no room for argument.

The receptionist, taken aback by Malaya's authoritative presence, quickly made a call. Within minutes, Malaya was escorted to a private elevator and whisked up to the top floor.

The doors opened to a spacious office, dominated by a large desk and floor-to-ceiling windows that offered a panoramic view of the city. The office was immaculate, almost sterile, with no personal effects in sight. Malaya felt a chill run down her spine. The space was as enigmatic as the man she was about to meet.

"Mr. Stone will be with you shortly," the assistant said, motioning for Malaya to take a seat.

Malaya nodded curtly, refusing to sit. She walked over to the windows, looking out over the city as she waited. Her mind raced with thoughts of what she might say, how she might confront him. She needed to find some personal details about Stone, something to give her an edge in this encounter.

A few minutes later, the door opened, and Malaya turned to see a tall, imposing figure enter the room. Sebastien Stone. He was even more intimidating in person, with piercing eyes that seemed to see right through her.

"Ms. Richardson," he said smoothly, extending a hand. "A pleasure to finally meet you."

Malaya ignored his hand, her eyes flashing with anger. "Mr. Stone, we need to talk."

Sebastien raised an eyebrow but didn't seem surprised by her reaction. "Of course. Please, have a seat."

"I'd prefer to stand," Malaya replied, her voice cold. "Let's get straight to the point. Your company is behind schedule on the development project, and the site is a disaster. What's going on?"

Sebastien's expression remained calm, almost amused. "I'm aware of the situation, Ms. Richardson. The delays are a temporary setback."

"A temporary setback?" Malaya echoed, her voice rising. "This isn't just a setback; it's sabotage. Your company is deliberately stalling this project, and I want to know why."

Sebastien leaned against his desk, his gaze unwavering. "You're very perceptive, Ms. Richardson. But this isn't just about the project, is it? It's about control."

Malaya's heart pounded in her chest. "What are you talking about?"

Sebastien's eyes narrowed slightly, a hint of a smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "Stone Industries and Enrich Her Enterprises are on a collision course, Ms. Richardson. This project is just the beginning. The real question is, are you ready for what's coming next?"

Malaya's mind raced as she tried to decipher his words. Was he implying a takeover? A hostile move against her company? The possibilities were both alarming and infuriating.

"I won't let you jeopardize everything I've built," she said, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside.

Sebastien's smile widened. "I admire your determination, Ms. Richardson. But remember, in this game, there are no rules. Only winners and losers."

Malaya stood her ground, her resolve unwavering. "Then let the games begin, Mr. Stone. I have no intention of losing."

With those words, she turned and walked out of the office, her heart pounding with a mix of fear and exhilaration.

Malaya's heels clicked sharply against the pavement as she stormed out of Sebastien Stone's building, her pulse racing in time with her quickened steps. Her entire body hummed with a volatile mix of emotions—rage, frustration, and something far more dangerous. The man had gotten under her skin, and she hated how aware she was of his presence, of the heat that radiated off him as he stood against that desk with his arrogant smirk and piercing eyes.

The battle lines were drawn, and Malaya knew she had to be prepared for anything. As she rejoined Daniel in the car, she felt a newfound determination.