Hollow

Thirty Two | Ivy

Miami, Florida

"Priya said to give you this." Maddie says handing me a file. "And, I know you're still tired so I made a few changes to your schedule today. You only have to review a few details for the launch party then you're free for the rest of the day."

I open the file and reviewing the files. "130 million? Is this some kind of joke?"

"Well, you still have an hour to decide so that gives you plenty of time to review the terms of the contract."

I nod, smiling. "Thank you, Maddie."

She nods before walking away.

I walk towards my office with Alex following closely behind. Reaching my doors, I place my palm on the security pad and the doors open instantly, revealing Nova standing over my desk, shuffling through the files on top.

"Do I want to know what you're doing here?"

She turns around, gracing me with a smile. "Oh, hey, Zahra. I was just looking for a contract I left in here last time."

"In the CEO's office?" Alex asks as I walk past Nova and place my bag on my desk before settling in my chair.

"Know your place!" Nova hisses through gritted teeth.

"Pearl, please have security report in here."

"Yes, Alex." Pearl replies over the intercom.

Seconds later, the doors open automatically revealing two security guys. I wave at them, bringing my cup to my lips as I watch Alex motion towards Nova, who's throwing daggers at him with her eyes. I lean back in my chair and watch the whole scene evolve while sipping on my tea.

"Please have this woman removed from the premises." Alex orders in a stern voice.

"Are you really going to let a mere assistant dictate orders?" Nova says after a long silence, her eyes lingering on me.

"Alex is a Junior Advisor and has proven where his loyalty and integrity more times than I can count." I reply, standing up and walking around my desk, sitting on top. "I'm afraid I can't say the same for you. In fact, I've always had reservations about you."

Nova freezes, her skin paling by the second. "I'll destroy you and everything you care about. I should probably start by y—"

I don't let her finish her sentence as I raise my fist to punch her but my wrist is caught mid-air. I look over my shoulder to see Alex's eyes filled with worry as he watches me. I snatch my wrist from his grasp, moving him to the side before strolling towards Nova. I wrap my hand around her neck, pushing her against the nearest wall.

"Threaten me again and you won't live to see another day." I warn before releasing her.

I walking back to my seat, motioning for the security guys to take her away. They step forward, grabbing Nova and escorting her out of my office. I turn to Alex who's now sitting in one of the chairs in front of me.

"Don't you ever do that again."

"I'm sorry." He smiles apologetically.

<<·>> <<·>> <<·>>

"Are you going to take her deal?" Tate asks as he hands me one of the cups in his hands. I grab it and take a sip, trying to stop myself from losing it.

"I won't if she's not here in the next five minutes."

"That won't be necessary."

I give him a confused look and he nods his head toward something. I avert my gaze to see a woman walking towards us with a young man walking next to her.

I smile and stand up as she reaches us. "Mrs. Duncan, thank you for having us."

"It's actually Ms. Duncan." She chuckles, extending her hand that I gladly shake. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you."

"I assure you, the pleasure's all mine."

I look at the young man in front of me and study him as Tate and our host rekindle before she introduces the man as her son. He looks like he is in his late twenties or so. I turn to him and extend my hand as well.

"Navid Duncan."

"You've grown since the last time I saw you kid." Tate chirps as he greets Navid.

"That was two years ago."

"Exactly." Tate laughs and pats his back, giving me a 'behave' look before averting his gaze to the dup. Without further delay, they motion for us to follow them.

"Please have a seat. Would you like anything?" Makeda says settling in her seat while Tate and I sit in the ones across.

"No, thank you." Tate replies, waving his cup and pointing to mine.

"Here's the contract." Makeda states, pushing a file over to me. "Let us know if you have any questions or suggestions."

I grab the contract and start reading, quietly discussing the different terms with Tate, which doesn't seem to disturb Makeda who's chatting animatedly with her son.

"I think we should consider it." Tate whispers to me.

"Michael Henderson is a big shark, you know he'll definitely offer more."

"Okay, let's renegotiate the terms then." Tate suggests.

I nod before averting my gaze back to the woman in front of me. "Ms. Duncan?"

"Makeda." She corrects.

"Makeda." I smile before averting my gaze back to the contract in my hands. "It says here that Pierce Industries, as a major investor, will be getting 5% of the total revenue."

"That is correct."

"We want more." I state confidently.

"The contract is non-negotiable." Navid says in a bored tone strolling to the mini bar and pouring himself a drink before turning on his heel and sitting back down.

I narrow my eyes at him but he doesn't seem fazed, not even in the slightest. Makeda remains silent and looks at me as if thinking about something. I stand, placing the contract back on the table and grabbing my bag in the process.

"Makeda, it's not just my money I'm investing, but my name and reputation too."

"12%" She taunts, amusement glinting in her eyes.

"I think you can do better than that."

"20%"

"Maman!" Navid gasps in shock.

Makeda stays silent and I grab a pen, signing the contract before handing the papers back to the mother and son to sign their part. They sign and give us the other copy.

"Looking forward with you." Navid extends his hand to shake mine and by the looks of it, he's not pissed anymore.

"How about we go celebrate?" Makeda smiles, amusement in her tone.

"Some of us have to get back to work." Navid groans.

"And who do you work for?" Makeda taunts as we walk out of the boardroom. He mumbles something inaudible and his mother chuckles, waving him off. "Zahra, I hope you don't overwork him."

"We'll see about that." I smirk.

Tate shakes his head, clearly amused. "He's in good hands."