Burn Those Who Burned Me novel Chapter 33

-Rabena’s POV:

I knew Grandmother Lockwood would be cautious of our intensions today, she wouldn’t be the shrewd and charismatic businesswoman she was if she weren’t. I looked over at Aaron, he had a slight smile–in his eyes as he let me lead this meeting. His face quietly saying, ‘you got this future wife.‘ My confidence excelled through the roof. I wasn’t the same girl from two months ago.

“Tyler, have you had a chance to read over the proposal?”

Tyler’s head popped up, excitement in his eyes.

“Yes! Rabena, you’re business genius! This proposal is immaculate, every aspect in full detail from the number of profits Lockwood Corp can expect all the way down to rise in our shares.”

Chairwoman Lockwood looked over at Tyler with a shocked expression. This was the first time she’d ever heard him compliment someone. Tyler was not the most personable man, his standards were often viewed as unreasonable, and it was hard to impress him. Whatever was in that proposal, it must have been nothing short of amazing. Looking back at Rabena, the Chairwoman began to speak.

“Well, I see you have my grandson’s attention, now you REALLY have mine. What exactly are you wanting to do?”

Rabena smiled at the Chairwoman.

“It’s simple. We’d like to still go into business with Lockwood Architecture & Corp.”

Chairwoman Lockwood could hardly believe her ears. She’d thought for sure this deal was good as dead the minute she divorced Thomas.

“I’m sorry, am I understanding you correctly Rabena. You want to still do business with us, why?”

Rabena smiled and placed the Chairwoman’s hands into hers.

“Grandmother, for the five years I was here, you know better than anyone how horrible my life was. The only people that ever showed me love was my brother Damon…and you, while Tyler always showed me kindness, Part of the reason I wanted this deal so bad was because it would also mean helping you. So, if you’re willing, we’d love to make this deal. In addition to MGT, you’ll also receive top of the line Techware and equipment from Priceland Tech

Tyler nearly chocked on his water, only the Chairwoman knew the true identity of Rabena, she’d kept her secret all these years to make sure she would never be exploited by the Crests or her grandson.

“I’m sorry, Rabena, what’s your connection to Priceland Tech?”

The chairwoman shot an annoyed look over at Tyler and slapped his shoulder.

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Chapter 33

“You fool; she’s one the heirs. You’re looking at President Rabena Price.”

Tyler’s eyes almost bulged completely out the sockets; he had no idea Rabena’s adoptive parents were the Prices. After a quick history lesson regarding her adoption, Tyler was now all caught up.

“I can’t believe it. All that time he was married to a Price. My cousin is truly a fool.”

Chairwoman Lockwood rolled her eyes in agreement.

“Well, that much is obvious which is why I have to ask. Rabena, are you and your fiancé wiling to work with my grandson even after all of this?”

Rabena and Aaron both looked at each other, now came the catch of the deal.

“Actually Chairwoman, we’re not.”

Now the chairwoman was confused, if they weren’t willing to work with Thomas how could they possibly go into business.

“I–I don’t understand.”

“Chairwoman, I know you were originally grooming Thomas to become CEO due to his father. However, in the two years I was with him, I realized he had no real business acumen. Thomas is spoiled and entitled sitting back just waiting for the keys of the kingdom to be handed to him with minimum effort.”

Tyler couldn’t help but shake his head slightly in agreement. He’s hated the fact that Thomas was going to become CEO simply because his father who passed away was. He was the one that took special interest in the growth and development of Lockwood Corp, and now, hearing how his grandmother had also brokered an entire marriage with one of the world’s largest conglomerates, it just felt unfair. Thomas never deserved Rabena, if she’d been married to him; they would not have lost her to Michaels.

“Then what do you propose Rabena because he is in fact being groomed for CEO.”

Rabena glanced over at Tyler and smiled.

“Simple, give the position to the one that deserves it most. Give it to Tyler. If you agree to make Tyler CEO of Lockwood Architecture & Corp, MGT Corp will hire your firm to complete the hotels and resorts for the entire northern continent. It’ll be a multi–billion–dollar deal.”

Both Tyler and Chairwoman Lockwood sat in shock. They knew MGT was expanding to Banton, they had no idea they were expanding the entire continent. After the mild shock wore off, the Chairwoman exhaled, looked at her grandson whose eyes were still bulged, and then at young woman sitting before her. She was beyond impressed.

“Ms. No, President Price, you’re dn amazing businesswoman. You have no idea how much of me I see in you. Chairman Michaels, I hope you are in fact smarter than my grandson with this one.”

Aaron smiled with pride, gently grabbing Rabena’s hand.

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Chapter 33

“I promise, I won’t let you down ma’am.”

Chairwoman Lockwood gave a soft and sincere smile while Rabena blushed.

“Well, then there’s just one thing to do…when do we sign the contracts?”

Claps and celebrations followed the signing of the contracts. Chairwoman Lockwood had Martin bring in some champagne to toast the new deal.

“Here’s to a long a beautiful relationship between the three families!”

HERE! HERE!

After the toasting, Rabena excused herself to the ladies room. Washing her hands, Rabena took a look at herself in the mirror. Standing before her was no longer the sad and meek girl, but a confident and strong businesswoman. She was beyond proud of herself. After leaving the restroom, Tyler stopped her in the hallway. Without saying a word, he walked up and hugged Rabena tightly.

“I hate that he didn’t know what he had. Thank you so much Rabena. I’ll be forever in your debt and rooting for your happiness. You deserve it.”

Placing a gentle kiss on her cheek, Rabena slightly blushed.

“T–Thank you Tyler. Excuse me, I mean CEO Lockwood.”

Rabena’s smile nearly made Tyler’s heart leap out of his chest. Just then, Aaron walked up, his eyes slightly darkening at Tyler. A slight smile curled up on Tyler’s lips, he knew what that look met and he understood the feeling.

“CEO Lockwood, I certainly look forward to our partnership, I hope you’ll be able to make it to our wedding as well.”

Tyler laughed to himself, he completely understood why Michaels was marking his territory, Rabena was an exceptional woman. It was too bad he never had the chance to tell her he’d always liked her from the moment he first met her. Extending his hand, he shook Aaron’s hand with a look that said, ‘I hope you value what you have.‘ While Aaron’s look read indeed I do.‘ With Rabena being none the wiser to this exchange of silent words between the two men. After saying their goodbyes, Aaron informed Tyler and Chairwoman Lockwood that he would make the announcement of the deal at the ball and to wait to announce Tyler’s promotion there as well. The time was now 2:17pm, Aaron decided to take Rabena straight to the boutique to meet with the other woman.

Smiling, Rabena turned to Aaron.

“I almost forgot, I never got to thank you for this morning. That was the best surprise I could ever have.”

Aaron picked Rabena’s hand up and kissed it gently.

“My pleasure future wife.”

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“Burn those who burned me!”

Chapter 34