The air in Kimberly's office was thick the moment she stepped inside with Roy and Natasha at her side. The first thing she saw made her blood boil—Kelvin.
The son of another billionaire dynasty, known for his arrogance and feared ruthlessness, was lounging comfortably in her chair, spinning it lazily before turning to face them. His smirk was infuriating.
"Who let you in?" Kimberly thundered, her voice echoing through the glass-walled office.
Kelvin leaned back, folding his arms. "Is that how you greet your soon-to-be husband?"
"It'll only happen in your dreams," Kimberly shot back, her jaw tight.
Without breaking eye contact, she reached into her bag, pulled out her phone, and dialed a number. "In my office. Now." Her tone was commanding, cold.
Not ten seconds later, Vivian—her secretary—rushed in, breathless. "Good morning, ma'am," she stammered, clearly sensing the storm.
Kimberly's gaze was razor sharp. "Do you know what I hate the most, Vivian? Incompetent and stupid staff. People who don't value their jobs."
"No, ma'am, I—I value my job," Vivian said quickly, her hands trembling at her sides.
"I give second chances, not third. If this rubbish happens again, you'll have your ass to blame for it."
"I'm sorry, ma'am," Vivian whispered, her voice shaky, before fleeing the office.
Kimberly turned her full glare back on Kelvin. "What do you want? I've told you countless times—don't show up in my office, or anywhere near me, without notice."
Kelvin's smirk widened. "And who is he?" He jerked his chin toward Roy, who stood silently at her side, his presence steady and unshakable.
Kimberly crossed her arms. "He's none of your business, daddy's boy. Why—did your father send you here? Let me make something clear. I will never marry someone as arrogant as you."
Kelvin's jaw tightened, his eyes flashing with anger. "Kimberly, you will not talk to me like that."
"And what will you do?" she challenged, her voice like steel. "Roy, please walk him out of my office."
Roy moved forward, his steps measured. "Sir, this way."
Kelvin snapped, his tone sharp. "Don't you even dare think of touching me!" He stormed past Roy, fury etched in every step, and before he slammed the door behind him, he turned back. "This isn't over. I'll be back."
Silence settled as the door clicked shut. Kimberly exhaled sharply, her shoulders dropping. She crossed the room and sank into her chair—her chair—pressing her fingertips to her temples.
"It's fine, girl," Natasha said softly, placing a hand on Kimberly's back.
Kimberly's voice trembled with frustration. "I hate that guy. Why is Father like this? I've never made a single decision for myself, and now he wants me to marry him? He expects me to spend the rest of my life with someone like that."
Her eyes burned, and a few tears slipped down her cheek.
"I know, Kimb. Please don't cry," Natasha murmured, crouching beside her. "You don't want anyone else seeing you like this."
"You don't understand, Tasha." Kimberly's voice broke. "You know how my dad is. Once he makes a decision, it's final. No going back. I feel so… weak."
Natasha squeezed her hand firmly. "You're not weak. Look—tonight, we're going to the club. You need to cheer up. I hate seeing you like this. Kimberly Hayes isn't a girl who cries. You're a strong woman. Give me that mighty girl vibe, yeah?"
Kimberly sniffed, trying to gather herself.
"C'mon," Natasha grinned, tilting her head toward Roy. "Take a look at your bodyguard and smile. At least you've got some eye candy following you around."
"Stop it, Natasha." Kimberly tried to hold back a smile, but one slipped out anyway.
"That's the spirit, girl." Natasha winked.
Kimberly leaned back in her chair, her mind heavy with thoughts of her father's control, Kelvin's arrogance, and Roy's silent but powerful presence. The storm in her life was just beginning.