The Prototype

43. The Reckoning

TEMPEST

Standing in front of the full-length mirror, gazing at my reflection, my eyes tracing every inch of my figure. The black-and-white pinstripe suit clung to me in all the right places, a masterpiece of tailoring that exuded power. Slowly, I ran my hands down the front of the suit, feeling the fine, expensive fabric beneath my fingers. The jacket hugged my waist before flaring slightly at the hips, leading into high-waisted, wide-legged pants that draped effortlessly over my black Christian Louboutin heels. The sharp, pointed tips of the shoes peeked out from beneath the hem of my pants, their signature red soles hidden but ever-present—like a quiet threat waiting to reveal itself.

I tilted my head slightly, admiring the way the suit's lines accentuated my figure. Professional yet commanding—perfect for today. My hair, sleek and straight, tucked neatly behind my ears, allowing the simple yet elegant diamond earrings to catch the light. They shimmered with every slight movement, a reminder of the power I carried, both in my appearance and my presence.

The reflection of my perfectly contoured face stared back at me. Soft makeup sculpted my features sharply, accentuating the cheekbones that had become synonymous with control. My eyes, outlined with liner in just the right measure, conveyed the calculated confidence I wore like armor. My lips, painted a deep, rich nude, exuded authority and elegance, as if every word they spoke would carry the weight of an ultimatum.

A small smile curled my lips as I admired myself in the mirror. Satisfaction bloomed within me, deepening my sense of self. The scent of Donna Valentino's Born in Roma lingered in the air, radiating off my skin, boosting both my confidence and arrogance. A scent designed to be remembered, something that lingers long after I've left the room. Marcellus would smell it the moment I walked in, and I wanted him to. I want him to know that I'm untouchable.

A familiar wave of emotions washed over me. Beneath this polished exterior, beneath the composed expression, there's tension. The hatred and seething resentment I harbored for Marcellus bubbled just beneath the surface, coiling like a venomous snake ready to strike. My stomach twisted in knots, but I quickly smoothed them over with a deep breath. It doesn't matter what this meeting's about. I'm ready to face it. Ready to get it over with.

Unaware of exactly what this sit-down entails, but I know Marcellus. I know him well enough to understand that whatever he has planned, it'll be calculated, sharp, and designed to press every button I have. That condescending tone. That smirk of arrogance. His incessant need to be in control, to make sure everyone knows just how much power he wields. I'm not falling for it. I've already made my decision.

I am done. Done playing his games, done participating in his twisted version of reality. If this meeting has to be the resignation of my life and all that I have worked on so far for this fucking estate then so be it. I refuse to continue to get riled up for the result of no outcome. He's not worth it. Never been worth it. The game he wants me to play with him, I'm not.

I've grown tired of the charade. Today, it ends. Today, I'm putting an end to the festering poison between us.

I exhaled sharply, my breath fogging up the mirror for a moment before it cleared. The tension in my chest tightened as I thought about our last encounter at the Horse Racing Tournament. Nothing will ever change between us because he thinks I'm some kind of challenge, something to conquer. He doesn't see me as an equal and never has. To him, I'm just another piece on the chessboard, something he can move around for his own gain.

But that's where he's wrong. I've never been a pawn in anyone's game.

My phone buzzed on the nightstand, pulling me from my thoughts. I walked over, glancing at the screen as I picked it up. A message from Sapphire. "Good luck," it read, followed by a simple heart emoji. I smiled briefly, appreciating her sentiment. Sapphire has been a breath of fresh air lately, taking my mind off the shit I've endured. However, I can't avoid today. I won't. Whatever this meeting turns into, I'll allow it.