“Burn those who burned me!” Chapter 22

Chapter 21: The Day Before Part 2.

***\-Thomas’ POV:***

We received the ball invitations that same night, he’d sent one for each of us, Rabena included. I could feel my palms start to sweat as I read her name on the fancy stationary. All that day I had my assistant trying to find her with no luck. At this rate we would have no choice but to go along with Danielle’s plan of feigning sickness. Every time he thought about that day his blood boiled over. Danielle really put him in a difficult position lying about that proposal. He would have never agreed to a divorce had he known Rabena was behind it. Suddenly, a text message came through on his phone, it was from his grandmother.

Grandmom: I just received an invitation for the annual MGT charity ball. I’ll be taking your cousin as my escort as I’m sure you’ll go with Rabena.

Thomas could feel the color drain from his face. For the past several weeks he’d been lying to his grandmother about his divorce from Rabena, if he didn’t secure that deal Friday his promotion to CEO was as good as dead. Today was Thursday and he still had not heard anything regarding Rabena’s whereabouts.

*‘Where the fuck did she go to another planet!’*

Suddenly, his phone rang, it was his assistant Andrew.

*“Have you found her?!”*

There was a slight pause before he responded.

*“No, we haven’t sir-”*

“Then what the hell did you call me for!”

His irritation growing Thomas cut Andrew off, what was the point in calling him if he hadn’t yet found her.

*“I thought you might like to know Damon is back in town.”*

Thomas paused for a moment. This might actually be some good news. It was no secret that shortly after Rabena left he also disappeared; it was naturally assumed that she was with him. That could be the reason why she’s been able to survive this whole time. She had no money, no means and no connections, so it had to be Damon.

*“Good, this is good. Do you have a location for him?”*

*“I was able to find out threw one of his friends that he’ll be meeting him for brunch at the Ivy around noon.”*

Thomas took a look at his watch, the time was 11:15am.

*“Okay great work, I’m headed there now. She didn’t have many friends but see if she may have reached out to any one today as well.”*

Thomas made a U-turn and headed straight for the Ivy. He’d find out where she was one way or another.

***\-Aaron’s POV:***

After his meetings, Aaron showed up in the lobby at exactly 12:30pm. When he finally found Rabena he could hardly believe his eyes. Aaron always thought she was beautiful but right now, she looked like a mature beautiful goddess ready to take on the world. The spa most certainly did her justice. She’s layered and added honey blonde streaks to her hair. Her nails had a French manicure and her skin looked amazing. A beautiful caramel complexion with the right amount of soft makeup. She was wearing a navy-blue pencil skirt and cream colored buttoned up blouse. She looked every bit the part of a businesswoman meeting with a chairwoman. Aaron was beyond impressed. Walking up with a huge smile on his face, he couldn’t help but feel pride.

*“You look gorgeous Ms. Price.”*

***\-Rabena’s POV:***

That was the first time in a while since he called me that. It actually sounded kind of strange now. Rabena had a mischievous smile on her face.

*“Why thank you Chairman Michaels.”*

Extending his arm to Rabena, Aaron couldn’t help but smile, as they made their way to the valet, Rabena felt like she was ready to conquer the world.

They arrived at the Lockwood manor at 1pm. The head butler Martin met them at their car.

*“Chairman Michaels, Lady Rabena, welcome to Lockwood Manor. If you would please follow me, Chairwoman Lockwood is in the grand room.”*

Memories of the Lockwood manor began to flood Rabena’s mind. All of them weren’t bad, Grandmother Lockwood had always been kind to her even before she saved her life, and though she didn’t interact with him as much, Tyler was also always kind. The bad memories were just from Thomas and the Crests. She shook her head slightly as if to make those memories disappear. Today was about brokering a deal not going back down memory lane.

As Martin introduced both Rabena and Aaron while they made their way through the grand room doors, Both Tyler and Chairwoman Lockwood stood up to greet them. As soon as soon as their eyes met, Grandmother Lockwood’s eyes began to water. It had been months since she’d saw Rabena, and she missed her so. Tyler held her arm as she made her way to Rabena, standing in silence for a moment, Chairwoman Lockwood sized Rabena up. She couldn’t quite put her finger on it, but Rabena seemed different. No longer the quiet, shy, and humble girl, before her stood a confident and regal young woman ready to do business. Releasing her arm from Tyler’s, she embraced Rabena in a hug.

Rabena could feel her eyes began to water as she hugged Grandmother Lockwood; she had missed her as well. Taking a step back, Rabena introduced Aaron to both Chairwoman Lockwood and Tyler.

*“Grandmother, Tyler, I’d like to introduce you both to my fiancé. This is Chairman Aaron Michaels of MGT Corp.”*

Rabena beamed proudly as she introduced Aaron. He couldn’t help but blush a little as he shook Tyler’s hand. Gently kissing Grandmother Lockwood’s hand, Aaron spoke in smooth and crooning tone.

*“Chairwoman Lockwood, it’s a pleasure to finally meet you. Rabena has spoken so highly of you, though as beautiful as you are I’m having s difficult time believing you to be a grandmother.”*

Rabena smiled and rolled her eyes slightly, such a dazzler. Grandmother Lockwood however was grinning from ear to ear, her face full of blush.

*“Oh, my. Well, he’s quite the complementor. My compliments to you Rabena, you’ve certainly outdone yourself with this one.”*

After taking their seats, Chairwoman Lockwood decided to get right down to business.

*“So, let’s not beat around the bush here. I understand you made one hell of a business proposal originally for my idiot grandson Thomas correct Rabena?”*

*“Yes ma’am. I originally reached out to Chairman Michaels after marrying Thomas in hope of a merger deal for the Northern continent expansion of MGT Resorts and Hotels.”*

While Rabena was updating the Chairwoman, Tyler was pulling out the proposal. Rabena decided to give him a copy a few days before the meeting to give him time to go over the plan. Unlike Thomas, she knew he would read it thoroughly.

*“I see. I know why you decided not to move forward with Thomas Rabena, as I’m sure there are similar reasons for Chairman Michaels as well. What my grandson did to you was beyond despicable. I don’t blame you at all for the divorce, I always knew he would screw it up over that girl.”*

Rabena couldn’t help but smile, it was true, she never cared for Danielle. Rabena often wondered if that was part of the reason she loved her so much, unlike everyone else, she wasn’t snowed by Danielle’s tricks. The Chairwoman continued to speak.

*“That being said, I’d like to know why you’re here today?”*