“Burn those who burned me!” Chapter 155

**Chapter 27: Josie’s new circle.**

Josie looked at herself in the mirror once more. She wanted to make absolutely sure she’d chosen the right attire for this meeting. The night Joshua returned from Southern Region’s most prominent city Johnston; he told Josie and Marlon about their new ally….Adrianna Delgato. Josie could hardly believe her ears.

*“Wait…you’re telling me you made a deal with the CEO of House Delgato??? HOW!”*

Joshua grinned.

*“It wasn’t hard to do actually. Once I showed her your designs…she practically begged me to introduce you to her.”*

Josie’s eyes widen; she couldn’t believe what she was hearing! House Delgato was begging for HER business!

*“I….I don’t understand.”*

Marlon beamed with pride as he shook his cousin’s shoulder.

*“Come on Josie! You’re a freaking genius! Anybody would kill to have you design for them!”*

Joshua looked at Josie; his eyes filled with unspoken passion.

*“Marlon is right Josie. Your work is incredible. So much so…Delgato wanted to cancel the competition.”*

Both Marlon and Josie looked at Joshua in shock. Josie began to panic.

*“What! Why!”*

Joshua laughed aloud.

*“What do you mean why? She’s not going to find anyone with better designs that yours. Josie…your work is fucking incredible. No one can compare.”*

Although she flattered, Josie still found herself feeling annoyed. Her entire plan to take down the Taylors was contingent on them entering the competition.

*“Josh…I appreciate that…and I’m flattered but…you knew my plan…I needed that competition.”*

A smug grin appeared on Joshua’s face.

*“Relax my little baker…I have every intention of making sure your plan plays full circle.”*

Confused, Josie looked at Marlon. Equally confused, Marlon stared at Joshua.

*“Josh…if she’s already chosen Jojo as her designer…why would she hold the competition?”*

*“Because I asked her too.”*

*“WHAT!!!”*

Josie and Marlon exclaimed simultaneously. They didn’t understand what Joshua was talking about.

*“So wait…are you telling me she loved my designs so much she agreed to have a useless competition?”*

*“Oh no…that wasn’t because of you. That was because I offered her a chance to destroy my uncle.”*

Now Josie and Marlon were extremely confused. Why would Delgato want to destroy James Watson? That’s when Joshua explained the history between Adrianna and James. Stunned, Josie could only shake her head.

*“Wow! Your uncle really is scum. Are you sure he isn’t a Taylor?”*

Both Joshua and Marlon laughed loudly.

*“I told you baker…your family isn’t the only family filled with trash.”*

That night, he went over the entire plan with Josie and Marlon, it was incredible. Now she understood his phrase *‘killing two birds with one stone.’* The birds were James and the Taylors….the stone…Delgato.

*“Well…I guess I should tell you both what I’ve found out as well.”*

Both Marlon and Joshua looked at Josie with a confused expression. Looking first at Joshua, Josie began.

*“Josh already knows this, but you don’t Mar. Tillman…he’s dead. Has been for a few weeks now.”*

Marlon’s eyes nearly bulged out their sockets. He’d been so busy in the lab lately he hadn’t had a chance to follow up on everything.

*“What!!! When did this happen!!”*

“The day I sent Emily to the café with the blueprints.”

*“What!! How?”*

*“He was murdered.”*

*“Murdered!! By whom!”*

And then, as if a lightbulb went off in his mind, Marlon’s tone lowered.

*“Chrisitan…that rat bastard did this didn’t he?”*

Josie nodded her head.

*“I don’t for sure yet; but that’s what I’m thinking. He must’ve found out Vanessa was behind my torture. Tried moving him around, and then when that got too complicated…killed him.”*

*“Shit.”*

“Yeah. I have Georgia looking into it now. She’s on her way to the Western Region. He was living in Glendale in some hotel call Clarebelle.”

Josie had already told Marlon and Joshua about Georgia and Evelyn learning the truth and vowing to help her get justice. Evelyn’s nephew even joined in as her direct legal counsel.

Now, the entire team was on their way to the Crestland Imperial Hotel to finally meet with Adrianna Delgato. It was time to put everything together and form their plan. The competition was in three weeks; the preparations needed to begin ASAP.

Emily walked into Josie’s room holding her coat and briefcase in each of her hands.

*“Ready to go ma’am?”*

Josie turned around nervously looking at Emily.

*“Do I look okay? Like a boss I mean?”*

Josie was wearing a pencil skirt that showed of her petite but formed figured and curves with a black and white V-neck blouse. For shoes, she wore red bottomed black pumps. Her hair pinned in a bun along with her designer eyeglasses.

Smiling, Emily walked over to her employer.

*“Boss? No, you look like the baddest bitch in the entire Northern Region….ma’am.”*

Josie laughed hysterically as she blushed at Emily’s words. Hiring her was one of the smartest things she’d done since starting her company. Vanessa getting her fired was the best thing that could have happened.

*“Well alright! Let’s go secure this deal!.”*

Emily beamed with pride as she helped her boss put her coat on. As they made their way downstairs, Marlon and Joshua were already at the door. As soon as Josie stepped off the last step, Joshua turned around, shocked; his eyes widen. He’d never seen Josie in this manner before; everything about her screamed CEO. She was breathtaking but there was a humbleness to her to made her look that much more incredible. Marlon’s eyes widen as he looked at his little cousin. There was so much taken from her…so much she’d went through. He blamed himself constantly for not being there those four years to protect her; vowing to always be there for her from the moment she came home.

But at this moment, Josie didn’t look like she needed protection. She looked like a queen assembling her court. And like all great knights…they were ready for battle!

*“Ready?”*

Josie beamed as she looked at Marlon and Joshua.

*“Ready when you are boss.”*

Marlon smiled like a proud big brother.

*“Same.”*

Joshua stared at Josie with passion beaming in his eyes. She wasn’t sure why, but it suddenly made her feel shy. Blushing, she nodded indicating for them all to leave.

Joshua ordered a limo to chauffeur them for this evening. They were on their way to meet one of the world’s most fierce bosses; they needed to look every bit of the part. As they headed to the hotel, Georgia sent Josie a text.

***\[Hey boss lady, me, Evie, and Adam are on the way to the hotel.\]***

***\[Excellent! See you all soon. And Georgia…thank you all again for this.\]***

***\[Hey…we meant what we said…we’re on your team! 😉\]***

Josie beamed proudly as she read the last text. Although she was nervous, she knew everything was going to be to fine. This time…she wasn’t alone!

Everyone arrived at the hotel at the same time. Entering the VIP entrance, Josie handed the host an invitation. After quickly looking over it, he smiled and led them to the grand VIP dining hall.

As they entered the room, Adrianna Delgato was speaking with one her assistants. Informing her of their arrival; she turned around with a bright smile on her face. She was gorgeous. Long thick wavy hair, an all-black fitted dress that looked every bit overly expensive. Her jewelry, though noticeable was elegant as the diamonds accented the dress. She was tall and regal. Josie felt herself not intimidated but motivated. This is what she would aspire to be!

Walking towards everyone, Adrianna extended her hand to Josie.

*“Well…I have wanted to meet you for a while now Ms. Bowen. It is truly a pleasure.”*

Her accent was like silk, Josie could feel herself blushing as she shook Adrianna’s hand.

*“The pleasure is truly mine Ms. Delgato.”*

Impressed with her handshake, Adrianna grinned as she looked at this small but interesting young woman. There was a fire in Josie’s eyes that she was all too familiar with….the fire of vengeance!

Looking at everyone else, Adrianna smiled.

*“You I know Mr. Watson…everyone else?”*

Josie looked back at her team. These people had become her employees, her business partners, her therapists, her assistants, her friends….her family. Smiling with pride, Josie answered.

*“This is my entire team….my new circle.”*