2. Right about time.

XENIA'S POV

"We're here, Ms."

I raise my gaze from my phone and smile at the Uber driver while he guides the car into the condo's parking lot.

"Oh, that was really fast," I said. "Thanks for your service, Mr Cooper."

*Hey Jayden I'm in town now.* I quickly send a text to my friend.

"It's a pleasure to serve you, Ms Winston." The driver responds with a warm smile as he pulls over at a spot.

I open the car door and step outside, briefly surveying the environment of my new home.

Uhm not bad...

Mr Cooper helps take my luggage out of the car's boot and offers to take it to my apartment but I politely decline.

"No don't worry, I'd handle it." I smile.

"Alright, Ms." He pauses briefly, "Actually, Mr youngest daughter is a fan of yours and she uses your hair care products and I must admit that these products have been of great help to her. Her hair keeps growing longer and healthier. Thanks for an amazing discovery of the black women's hair care formula."

"Oh my, oh my," I'm so pleased right now and a bit surprised. I certainly didn't expect my Uber driver to be familiar with my company's products or imagine his family patronizing my brand. "Thanks so much for your kind words, Mr Cooper. I'm glad your daughter finds my brand helpful, it's a pleasure to me."

Mr Cooper smiles softly, "Would you mind Ms? I'd love to get your autograph for her and also take a selfie with you as well." He politely asks.

"Oh sure, I wouldn't mind."

....

Moments later, I arrive at my apartment on the top floor of the condo. After unlocking the apartment, I stepped inside and was pleased with the interior decor, the furniture, and the household gadgets.

My smile brightens when I walk into the kitchen that literally screamed 'perfection'.

"Nice Louie, really nice." I smile. "Good thing you know me so well," I said out loud as I ran my hands on the sparkling grey kitchen counter.

I exit the kitchen a few minutes later and walk into the bedroom pulling my luggage with me.

"Oh man, this bed is giving..." I grin as I hop on the soft and bouncy queen-sized bed.

The bedroom gives off a palace of grey and white. It's large and every item inside is top luxury.

Standing up from the bed, I begin to explore every part of my new room. The wardrobes are all stacked up with brand-new clothes, bags, and shoes -- not surprising. Louie is good at his job.

As a fashion model, I never have a wardrobe problem.

Now standing before the full-length mirror in my bedroom, my smile deepens as I look back at my reflection.

I'm 25 years of age but I can swear I look between 23 & 24. I'm of black descent. Simply put, I'm black American. I'm a tan brown skin complexion, having golden brown siren-shaped eyes and long black curls. I have a slender but curvy form and I'm tall -- not exquisitely but moderately, I would say.

A thought suddenly occurs to me and I turn around sharply. I walk to the corridor between my bedroom and my living room and took a small turn to the left...

"I told Louie to ensure about this, I hope he doesn't disappoints me," I mutter as I walk. "Oh seems he didn't." I smile when I come upon a huge mahogany door. With ease, I push the door open and the scent of freshly printed books greets my nostrils.

"Now, this is what I'm talking about." I smirk.

VIN'S POV

I take my seat beside Sharon, my younger sister as the meeting begins.

"Don't tell me you had to deal with Annalisa again," she whispered beside me and I silently nod in acknowledgment. "That girl is such a pain in the ass, if only we didn't need her she would have long been gone from our lives," Sharon whispered again and I couldn't help but sigh.

The outcome of today's voting is enough reason for me to be nervous. I steal a glance at Director Grayson again and find him signing in his vote.

I just hope...

"Chill bro, my percentage of shares might not be huge but I know my vote would matter for our family. Just as Dad wants, you have to be the next CEO of Diamond Co." Hearing Sharon's words, I manage a smile at her.

"Of course, otherwise all our efforts so far would amount to nothing. And I can't afford to do that to father." I said and she nods smilingly, opening the file before her to sign in her vote.

Diamond Co. Group represents all my father's dreams and ambitions. He's the founder and Chairman of the company but Director Grayson was the first to invest in the business several decades ago when he first started the company and was in need of investors.

Director Grayson became one of the major shareholders of the company because of an old agreement he made with my father.

And this is a major reason I just can't afford to provoke Annalisa Grayson.

XAVIER'S POV

"Oh my boy, you made everyone proud again."

"Mom," my smile broadens as I wrap my arms around her after finally escaping from the grip of my super enthusiastic teammates.

We won against our strongest opponents, the renowned 'Jaguars' of Augusta City in the just concluded basketball game. I was able to bring my team to victory by scoring three games against the opposing team. And yes, it was a home game -- the last of this season. So it meant a lot for us that we concluded this season with a victory.

"Congratulations my dear," she leaned up to kiss my cheek.

"Thanks so much, Mom, I wouldn't have gotten here without your support. I'm so grateful." I said getting all emotional. Mom raises her hands to my cheeks and caresses them ever so tenderly, her hazel eyes glistening with tears I know aren't sad ones.

With her bright smile still on, she leads me to meet my father and elder sister at another session of the stadium.

.....

"So what's your plan for the break?" Susan asked the moment I was settled in the back seat of the family's private car. "Would you like a trip to Paris, Japan, Maldives, or Dubai?" She continued.

I pause for a while, letting my thoughts wander. "Let's see..." I cast my gaze out the window. "There's someone I need to find."

"Who?" Susan curiously asked and I smiled secretively.

VIN'S POV

"Come on Vin," Sharon hurriedly takes my arm and leads me out of my office. "It's time for the results to be announced. Let's go." She excitedly informed. We are almost out of my office when she suddenly paused dramatically. "We need you looking perfect when the result is announced. I heard there would be an interview with the new CEO once the results are released. So we need to get rid of that tension from off your face and body." Sharon gently leads me back to my chair. "Sit," she said. "I'd get Rhalia here quickly."

"Wait," I stopped her. "Don't worry Sharon. Before the interview, I'd definitely have a few minutes to get ready so don't bother Rhalia, I'm pretty sure she's busy at the cosmetics department right now."

"Alright Vin, if you say so." She smiled. "Let's go then, Mr. CEO." She gave a dramatic small bow making me laugh.

I don't know how she's so convinced that I'd be declared the next CEO but I'm gonna tap from her confidence.

"Sure, lead the way." I smile.

.....

Arriving in the board room moments later, I was declared the new CEO of 'Diamond Co. Group' based on the result of the voting.

Seventy-five percent of the shareholders voted me in. And the other twenty-five percent voted me out. But good for me, the amount of people supporting my goal was greater than the amount that wasn't in support.

"Congratulations Vin!" Sharon excitedly hugged me and I smiled proudly.

I'm grateful for her support.

I felt eyes on me and I glance ahead only to meet with Director Grayson's fixed gaze.

I gave an acknowledging nod to him and he nodded briefly before averting his attention to the small group of directors wanting to talk to him.

"Mr. Winchester," I turned to my PA, George. "The reporter is waiting for an interview with you." He announced.

XENIA'S POV

"Oh, I see," I said into the phone as my lips curl up in a lopsided smile.

"Yes, Nia. What's your say concerning that email from Diamond Co?" Louie asked from his end and I smirk.

"That reminds me," I turn around to stare at the big TV in my living room.

Vin Winchester is now the new CEO of Diamond Co. Group? Ha! It's right about time.

Memories of how he treated me years ago reoccurred to me and I suddenly felt the urge to have him eat his words and see him ridiculed. "you know what Louie, tell them I'm in."

"But Nia, what about the pending contracts with the other companies?" Louie worriedly reminded and I smile, feeling a rush of adrenaline over my body.

I tap my feet against the floor thoughtfully. "Come on, you know my reasons for returning to Atlanta. Cancel on the others. Seems things would get really interesting from now onwards. I can feel it."

Vin Winchester, I'm pretty sure you have no idea what's coming for you.