Stainless beauty

*Chapter nine*

Third Person POV.

Asher drove away out of the cemetery. Only the flowers which laid on 'Jeanine Smith Anderson' grave stone could testify of his presence there. He had come early in the morning to pay a visit to Jeanine's grave 'Natalie' before he left for Asia today. He drove away,without any thought in his heart. He loved Natalie as the mother of his princess and nothing more. He had wanted something more from Natalie after their marriage but Natalie wasn't keen on it. He didn't blame her. It was a forced marriage after all,to merge both Reed Corp and Cornell Enterprise. Now RECO Corporation.

He looked around, His thought dwelt on Natalie. She had indeed surprised him. He shouldn't have intervened but Natalie needed help and so did he.

'Natalie'. He called out loud. The name felt so different as it rolled out of his tongue. What she suffered wasn't easy,many in her situation would taken it worse than she did. He was happy,she didn't let the past define her. She wanted revenge and he would help her attain it.

He took a turn, enjoying California's morning breeze. Today he was leaving for Asia with his family,for a short time, he'll oversea the RECO's branch over there. Natalie had surprised him with her deal and he can't deny he hadn't thought about it. Now he could avoid the truth for three years. He could stop his princess from hurting.

Asher brought his car to a halt,he stopped at the entrance of his house. The loud deafening screams of Skylar could not go unheard. She was ecstatic for the trip. He wasn't sure how long it would take,just long enough for Jeanine to get used to Natalie's life and the people around,with the addition of few things. There were still a lot to be done in transforming her to her new identity,but with her determination,he knew it wouldn't be long. He glanced at the time, it was almost time for their flight. Mr Lee had gone to the airport with their belongings and he was to follow with Natalie and Skylar,just then the duo was in front of him with a heart broken Carrie. She insisted on going with Skylar but Asher refused,he didn't know how long they would be away and he wasn't keen on letting someone take notice to the changes in Natalie. He had left the House under Mr Lee's guidance during the time they'll be away. After all the goodbyes,Natalie and Skylar finally, hopped into the car.

Sooner than expected,they were at the Airport and had boarded the First Class to Asia.

Natalie sat still, watching Skylar who was fast asleep on the plane. She had no words left to say. Her gaze wandered out the window,witnessing the passing air of California. They to had felt her pain and were witnesses to her story and the betrayal she suffered.

Soon,they will also be a witness to a new story she herself will be the author. One of vengeance.

She withdrew her gaze,and enclosed herself in the warmth of Skylar. Her daughter.

California watched the Reed's Family departure. Patiently waiting for their comeback and what may come afterwards.

But alas,only the future knew.

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"What the hell? How more incompetent can you be." Dave Anderson yelled over the phone,stepping out of his Ferrari,the recent model. He moved as pompous as ever,flaunting his newly acquired car. It was a pride around, not many eligible businessmen could afford it. With a year now,after he begun a new life, Dave had risen in California's most wealthy men. He was the sixth among the top ten and that fueled his ego. "Martin, I really don't care how you do it,but make sure those papers are ready by morning or kiss your job goodbye." He hung abruptly, soothing his suit which revealed his handsomeness under the glowing rays of the moon as he stepped into hall. Flashing his killer smile to the press who took his photos. It was a glamorous party. The most important party, only the wealthy and affluents are to be expected.

Dave walked curtly inside, inspecting everyone. He had come a little too early. He hissed miserably when he couldn't find the face he sought but instead was greeted with the ever dashing and alluring seductress, Emma. She strode over to Dave,offering a formal greeting, she was the VP of the Krystal Group after all.

"What's having you all worked up?" She whispered over her drink.

"I haven't seen Mr Reed yet, do you think he'll be here?" Dave asked,ever conscious of the arrival of the guests.

"He'll come, He's back in the Country,don't worry I'm positive he'll be here" Emma was having a hard time. She hated always having to be formal and all with Dave in public. She clearly wanted more,right from the on set but Dave had said 'It's too soon. It's not been long since she died. When it right, we'll get married' and after that they'll have a exotic time together which she always loved anyways.

"I hope Mr Reed will be here" Dave said resolutely. Oblivious of Emma,he had bigger fish to catch. For several months now,his company had sent a business proposal to RECO Corp but had always been declined. He found out Mr Reed and the family had been out of the country for some while and now back. Again, the last proposal was declined, Dave had been furious but he wasn't stupid to declare war against the almighty Mr Reed. He needed this deal,it would help him boost up in California's wealthy chat. This wasn't the time for him to slack. He wanted more power and would get it through Mr Reed, not that he needed it after all. Just at the mention of RECO Corp all tremble. Mr Reed had the undisputed title of the most wealthy businessman in California ranking with number one.

This was Dave's chance to meet him and propose the working together of Krystal Group and RECO Corp.

Dave could do nothing but imagine how nice it would be. Whatever may happen, he must find a way.

The party soon became more lively. Several distinguished guests arrived and weren't unnoticed by the press. This was no doubt going to make tomorrow's headlines.

Dave paced back and forth, he wasn't enjoying the party as much as he wanted to. The life of the party hadn't arrived yet. Just as his luck would have it. Mr Reed made an appearance. His stunning charisma got the whole party started. Dave watched from afar as Mr Reed moved about,conversing around here and there. He waited for the perfect time to make his acquaintance and now was it.

As swiftly as he could he was before Mr Reed. "Pleasant evening to you Mr Reed, how are you liking the party?" Dave said,eager to make a conversation.

"So far... So good. And you are?" It felt like a slap on the face. Dave quickly brushed his anger off with a smile.

"Dave Anderson" He introduced. "Of Krystal Group." Somehow he felt the need to add more.

"Nice to meet you then." Mr Reed didn't hide the fact that he was wasting his precious time.

Dave got the hint and decided to speed things up. "I would like to have an appointment with you, it's-"

"About what?" Dave was cut off. Insulting. Who on earth does he consider himself to be? Dave lamented to his raging inner thought.

" I had earlier send a business proposal and-"

"Oh yes. Krystal Group." Again,Mr Reed intercepted. " I didn't see the need for RECO to venture into it. It wasn't appealing enough.Excuse me" With that Mr Reed left the anger struck Dave glued to his feet,rage pumping through him.

Dave was furious on the inside. Never had he felt so small and insulted. 'Reed would pay for this I swear.' Dave said to himself. But as much as he hated that skunk, he still needed him. He would get his way though and at last he would have the final laugh.

There was a loud chaos from outside, loud enough to make it way into the party. Suddenly the doors were led open.

There she was.

She was a beauty to behold. Everyone were so intoxicated by her beauty and a certain scent that danced around her. It was captivating and enticing.

She was wearing a red dress, which had a slight opening in front of her chest. It hung so glued to her body and went all the way down,with another slight opening, revealing her gorgeously slender legs.She moved with elegance,her tender sky blue eyes searching the hall gently. Her hair which was held up in a bun exposed what a beauty she was. She stopped, getting a glimpse of the person she sought.

She moved further into the hall,her eyes never faltering.

Dave hadn't seen a beauty like this. She was a raw gold. A gem he wanted to hold in his hands. The more she moved closer. The more, his heart skipped.

It felt like the whole party had stopped to grace the presence of such a beauty. Dave was undoubtedly sure she was staring at him. He had never seen a beauty like her before but she sure had eyes,He was after all the best man here. He let out his best bad boy smile that was appealing to the ladies,one that no female could resist.

He stepped forward as this lady was closer. She stepped on her tracks. Gazing right into his eyes.

Dave heart fluttered. A Beauty like her,right in front of him made his night. Among all so called extinguished guests,this damsel had decided to come to him. He smiled deviously. By distinguished guests he meant the so call Reed.

Dave thought he should say something, to give this beauty some sort of reward for the sense of accomplishment she had given him. He opened his mouth and was about to say something when he heard the most seductive and melodious voice ever known.

"Excuse me" She said,her voice tender and gentle. He could listen to her everyday, he wondered how sweet she'll taste. His thought roamed nastily,

"What?" Dave quickly recovered, from his thought. He stared at her,wanting so hard to hide his lust behind.

"Excuse me," she said again. "You are in my way"

"Of course,you can have a dance with me lovely lad-" Dave was taken aback. "What?" He asked, maybe he heard wrong.

"You are in my way" she repeated loudly, now everybody seemed to be staring.

Dave blood turned cold. He felt embarrassed. He couldn't do anything more than to shy way with an awkward laugh. "Sorry" He uttered, moving sideways a bit,watching her as she walked past him.

Dave would have been prepared for a lot more but not what hit him. His stainless lady had stopped right in front of the gentleman behind him. He took a glance and to his surprise. She was him with his newly found enemy. Mr Reed.

"Hey honey,sorry I'm late." She said,offering Reed a kiss on the cheeks.

What....?

Dave would preferred her in the arms of anyone else but Reed. This night surely had something against Dave Anderson and so did Dave. He hated this night already. It had turned out to be the most disastrous night ever.

Never had he felt so humiliated as a man. That's was something Asher Reed had done. He wasn't going to have that.

Dave Anderson was his name and he'll make Reed pay for this night. He was hell bent on it as gulped down his drink watching his stainless beauty. Something in him had switched, something he couldn't understand himself.

But what he knew was Asher Reed should watch out.

He's getting that contract at all cost, and maybe... Just maybe more.