Chapter 5 The New CEO

The next day, in the evening, seated on the bed, in her room, Kendra's mind wondered in thought to what James said to her yesterday. It was few hours to the night event. What did he mean by he wants her?

At first, thought he could be taking her as a mere commodity but when she began to think deep, she understood what he actually meant, and still left in shock.

Could it be that he had been waiting for her for the past four years? Kendra spent some hours of the night researching about his company, and it turned out James was doing pretty well in his real estate business with international recognition.

There was no way he could want her because of material gain from her family. So, what could really be his motive behind this marriage? These thoughts were clouded in Kendra's head.

She was quickly jolted out of her reverie by a sudden knock at the door. "Please, come in," she said, turning to the door.

It opened, revealing Allison who held a box in her hand, walking towards Kendra with a smile on her face.

"What is that, girl? Why are you smiling like you've won a lottery?" Kendra asked, and Allison stretched out the box to her. Kendra narrowed her eyebrows, clueless of what that was all about.

"It's a gift from Mr. Donovan," Allison winked at her friend and Kendra's eyes widened again.

"We aren't' married yet, and he is already sending me gifts?" Kendra said and dropped the little mirror she was holding.

Kendra asked her sister to open the box as she wondered what could be the content. Her eyes widened in shock and her hand flew to cover her mouth. It was gown – a beautiful blue gown.

She joyfully pulled the gown out of the box. A note fell from it to the floor. She picked it and read:

"Dear wife, I would love to see you on this gown at tonight's event. As the CEO, you deserve all the eyes on you tonight.

Your love, James."

Her heart melted at his words not knowing when she reeled with smile. She dramatically took of the cloth she was wearing and slid into the new gown. It was as if her measurements were taken to make it. It was beautiful on her, accentuating her curves in all the right places.

"You look stunning, Kendra," Allison gushed.

"Thank you." Kendra replied, still staring at herself in the mirror. Allison helped her arranged her hairs and her legs with a silver heels, a good match for the blue gown.

"Have you gone true the list of the invited guests yet?" She asked Allison and she nodded.

"Yes, and you can't believe it. Bianca is going to come, and since she is your ex-husband's new chick – "

"He will come to the event with her." Kendra completed the sentence. They both laughed hilariously.

She picked the divorce papers from the bed which she signed last night after giving it much thoughts.

She was entering a new phase of life – one in which she didn't want any stinky gold diggers around. With a smile, she dropped the papers inside her bag, giving a smirk.

...................................

Kendra and Allison arrived the company, walking and looking around like the first ladies of the city. The place was filled to the brim with different businessmen and women.

Some were in a heated discussion, while others just made connections, with glasses of wine in their hands.

It was obvious most of them didn't know Kendra in person. They only knew her father had two children. Some only barely knew Isaac and of course, who had been away for a long time now, heading a branch of the family's business in Tokyo, they must had been expecting him to be the new CEO to be announced tonight.

Kendra scanned through the crowd, hoping to see James, but he seemed to be nowhere around. She wanted to send her appreciation for the gown.

She was still looking around when a strange hand tapped her shoulder from behind.

"Kendra?"

She turned only to behold the presence Philip, and just as expected, his hand was wrapped with that of Bianca.

Bianca scanned her from head to toe with her eyes snorted.

"I almost didn't recognize you. What the heck are you doing here? Are you probably a servant to one of these influential men?" Philip asked, mockery dripping from his tone.

"Oh, goodness! She even borrowed a dress to fit in. Or did she steal it because there is no way she can afford this dress!" Bianca said, laughing out loud.

"Are you done?" Kendra asked the two mockers, and they blinked at her. "Not everyone is a broke ass nigga like the two of you. This dress can buy you two, so watch your stinking mouth." Kendra threw back at them and turned to leave, but Bianca held her hand.

"I'd let go of that hand if I were you."

They all turned towards the direction of the baritone voice.

There stood James Donovan. He was dressed in a black suit and was even hotter than yesterday. Could it be because he gelled his hair or something else?

Bianca quickly let go of Kendra's hand and beamed at James.

"We were just sorting some issues out, Mr. Donovan," she tried to explain, but he said nothing and held Kendra's hand as he took her from there.

They both immediately halted. James looked at her for a while, taking in her beautiful figure. "You look stunning." He tucked a strand of hair behind her ears.

"Thanks. You look good too. And thanks for the dress. I deeply love it... the color is catchy," Kendra smiled at him.

James was about to say something when the sound of the mic stole their attention as they faced the stage.

"Ladies and gentlemen, before the event begins, I'd like to introduce you all to the new CEO of Winchester Enterprises. Let's make welcome Winchester Heiress, Kendra Winchester!" All the hall thundered with applause.

"Now, that's you," James said, turning to Kendra, beaming a beautiful smile. "I'm proud of you."

"Thank you." Kendra said, returning the smile as she made her way to the stage.

The clapping increased and cameras flashed in different directions as they tried to get a shot of her.

She got to the stage, taking in the overwhelming sight of the crowd, she gave a slight bow.

"Hello, everyone. I am Kendra Winchester, Heiress to the Winchester Enterprises and now the CEO!" She announced, and the claps intensified.

Kendra's eyes went to Bianca and Philip, whose eyes where wide in shock.

That was exactly what she wanted!

She has risen and no longer the lady they looked down on.

Now it was time to make them pay for all they did to her!