Perfect Revenge (Revenge Series Book 1)

by Catherine Edward

  Suddenly, he realized what he had. The one thing his grandfather wanted him to give up. He finally had a woman, whom he trusted, liked and hopefully get married to in the future. The one woman who managed to get past his defenses.

  He would be a fool to give up someone like her. He would happily do any odd job than being married to Vannina. He wondered if Samantha would still have him when she learned that he was no longer a millionaire.

  Now that she was kissing him feverishly and he could feel the tears that were streaming down her cheeks. A single action spoke a thousand words and he embraced her as he relished the kiss filled with love and passion.

  He still fought with his past demons and he won't be able to give her a wealthy life. However, he will try his level best to find a way out of this issue. He could speak to his bankers and try to find new dealers who would be interested to buy the products.

  It would take some time, but he felt confident. Jenson will have some idea.

  She broke the kiss and he grinned at her, his insides feeling light as a feather.

  "Book our return tickets before the bankers find out that I goofed up. We have ninety days time to pay them and I'll talk to Jenson and see if we can find some new dealers in the meantime," he spoke softly as her grin widened.

  "Not needed. I suspected as much and already made a backup plan," she declared.

  "Backup plan?!" He asked as surprise coated his features.

  "Yes, but first I need to clean that," she said, pointing his knuckles and led him to the bathroom.

  "When you told me about Vannina and your grandfather, I did some research and found his tie with this particular European company. I read through the contract and contacted my dad's lawyer. No offense, Jerry is a good guy, but my dad's lawyer is good at finding the loopholes," she paused to wipe the now clean wounds dry.

  "There is a clause which allows the company to end the contract, but also another clause which allows us to sue the first party for damages incurred by their actions." She gave him a mischievous grin as she wrapped the white gauze in his hands. “It was something we added towards the end, according to Jerry’s advice and they didn’t seem to notice that little point.”

  "So you are saying that we can get our money back?"

  "Mhmm... According to the contract if they terminated the contract one week prior to the shipment they didn't have to pay anything. However, they will have to pay us for the loss they caused us by canceling the contract at the very last moment." She smiled.

  "Wow, I didn't think of that." He chuckled as they went back to the room.

  "As usual," she teased.

  "Now what?"

  "Well, now is the interesting part. Your grandfather is trying to sign a deal with Sinclair International. He almost finalized the terms and conditions and they will be signing the papers anytime this week."

  The excitement in her voice had him move to the edge of the bed.

  "And?"

  "You will be signing it instead of him," she smirked while he stared at her with wide eyes.

  "You-you didn't have to do that," he stuttered. Getting a deal with Sinclair International wasn’t a small thing.

  "I didn't do anything. Just told him that a gentleman called his daughter a tramp and he already knew that Finlayson Corp was capable to cater their company's requirements, so he proposed a deal and I agreed," she shrugged nonchalantly and Axel grinned widely.

  "I am not sure how I should respond to this," Axel said running a hand through his hair. “Thank you, Sam.”

  Samantha waved him off. "I protect what's mine, that's all."

  Her words warmed his heart as he pulled her closer and kissed the crown of her head. They stayed like that for a few minutes until she pushed him slightly. "We need to go downstairs, else you will miss all the fun parts," she said wiggling her eyebrows.

  "Fun?" Axel gave her a puzzled look.

  "See for yourself," she pulled him and he followed her downstairs.

  Chapter – 23

  When Samantha and Axel went downstairs, Sara and Henry looked at them with worry, but the intertwined hands of the young couple and the big smile on Axel's face seemed to replace it.

  They were eating a late breakfast in the living room and chatting happily with Grandpa Joaquin when the doorbell rang. A very excited Rodrígez was at the door before their servant could open it for him and Samantha snorted when he greeted a man with grey hair around his late fifties.

  If Rodrígez had bent a little more it would look like he was welcoming a Royal with a deep bow.

  He went to lead them to their office, but the new guy seemed to refuse the offer as he regarded Rodrígez with a cold look. "I'm not here for any pleasantries Mr. Del Campo," the new man announced.

  Everyone in the living room stopped what they were doing as they looked back and forth between Rodrígez and the new man. Axel recognized the guest as Mr. Ricardo Alvarez, he owned the Alvarez Enterprises, which happened to be the second-ranking after Sinclair International in the market.

  “That’s Dani’s Godfather,” Andrea whispered, and a sly grin lifted the corner of Axel’s lips.

  "Mr. Alvarez, I am sure we can talk about this in my office in a more comfortable manner," Rodrígez suggested.

  "No need. I am here to tell you that we are no longer interested in signing a business contract with your organization," Mr. Alvarez declared.

  Andrea snickered beside Samantha. She had never seen her grandfather’s bewildered look before, and he pulled the expression really well. Andrea knew the guest, she had met him at Samantha’s home a few times and he also happened to be her Godfather.

  In fact, the top three ranking companies in the market Sinclair International, Alvarez Enterprises, and Norman Group Holdings were started by the three best friends in the nineteen sixties, which was passed on to their children who were brought up together as one family.

  The three were really closer than any blood-related family could be though they posed as business partners on the outside.

  "What? Why? I agreed to all your terms," Rodrígez didn't bother to hide his surprise.

  "Well, for one Mr. Sinclair is convinced that your company lacks the potential. Also, it's not wise of you to go around and calling his lovely daughter, a tramp. It was a cheap action on your part Mr. Del Campo," Mr. Alvarez deadpanned and Andrea spat the milk she was drinking.

  A fit of giggles broke out and Axel tried to contain the laughter that threatened to bubble from his throat. The look on the face of his grandfather was priceless.

  Mr. Alvarez looked at the girls and his face lit up when he noticed Samantha.

  "Samantha!"

  "Uncle Rick!" She giggled and launched herself at him, embracing him with a tight hug.

  "What are you doing here?" He asked surprised.

  "My friend got engaged and I came here for the party," she answered.

  "And, he called you a tramp," Mr. Alvarez asked with a renewed anger.

  "That he did," she admitted.

  "Wait, so you are the Sinclair kid?"

  "She is," Andrea answered.

  Rodrígez looked at her with a dumbfounded expression and Samantha smirked.

  "I didn't know," he whispered after a few moments and the girls decided to go for another round of laughter.

  "Still, that doesn’t give you permission to call any woman a tramp, Mr. Del Campo," Mr. Alvarez sneered.

  Rodrígez looked torn, everyone watching the scene unfold could tell his ego and pride took a huge blow and he was trying to come to terms with the situation.

  “Mr. Del Campo, you are nearing sixty-five already. Maybe you should consider retiring from the business,” Ricardo quipped.

  Samantha bit her lip to hide the smile that threatened to split her face. She could tell everyone in the room was enjoying the show. Ricardo was known for his short temper and if given a chance he would happily have a go at Rodrígez despite his age.

  Grandpa Joaquin laughed at Ricardo’s snarky rem
ark as he gestured for him to come closer. “You are the Alvarez kid. How is your father?”

  “He passed away in his sleep last summer, sir.”

  “Oh, he is a good man,” Grandpa Joaquin recalled.

  “Yes, he is,” Ricardo replied in a soft tone.

  “Samantha, has he met your man yet?” Grandpa Joaquin asked Samantha, who blushed at the word ‘your man.’

  "No, grandpa,” She answered. “Uncle Rick, come, let me introduce you to my boyfriend," Samantha decided to distract the older man.

  “Boyfriend? When did this happen?!” Ricardo exclaimed.

  “Um… Recently,” Samantha bit her lower lip nervously and motioned Axel to come closer. “This is Axel, CEO of Finlayson Group.”

  “Oh, so you are Axel. I heard a lot about you,” Ricardo commented and gave Axel a once over. “Gregory talks a lot about you. He says you are very hard working,” he said, shaking Axel’s hand and clapped on his shoulder. “Do you mind if I share a word with you, Axel?”

  “No, sir.”

  “Good. Samantha, give us both a moment or two, will you?” With that, he led Axel out of the living room and to the secluded area outside the mansion.

  “Is this some sort of game you are playing, boy?” Ricardo hissed and Axel gave him a puzzled look.

  “I am not sure what you are implying, sir,” he replied heatedly.

  “Hmm… I see. Let me be more specific. Is Samantha a part of your revenge plan, Mr. Finlayson?”

  Axel staggered a few steps back with his eyes wide as he looked at the older man. Several questions bombarding his brain at the moment.

  “What? No! Definitely not!”

  “So you don’t disagree with your revenge plan, then,” Ricardo smirked and Axel wondered what did the old man wanted from him.

  “I just found out that Samantha’s father owned the Sinclair International,” he answered vaguely, not wanting to accept Ricardo’s claim.

  “So, will she play a role in your war against Alicia McKenna?”

  Axel gazed at Ricardo for a long minute before taking a deep breath. “No,” he whispered. “She doesn’t know anything yet.”

  “I’m all ears, Axel.”

  “Why is this a concern? How did you know about this anyway?”

  “I am her Godfather and it is my duty to know these things. I know your past and the little revenge plan you set in motion a few years ago. My only concern is that I don’t want you, using Samantha for your victory,” he finished with a warning look.

  Axel took a shuddering breath. “Samantha will not even know about this if I can help it. I had given up the hope of finding love and having a family of my own. Then Samantha entered my life and changed my perspective on everything,” he explained in a gentle tone.

  “I don’t when or how it happened. She makes me happy and I finally found the one girl, who has not judged me for my actions, instead stood by my side at every step I took. She looked past my façade and here we are. I would never do anything to hurt her,” Axel promised.

  Ricardo looked thoughtful as his gaze bored into Axel. He relaxed his posture and nodded at Axel in approval.

  “You’re lucky, boy. You got yourself a keeper. A random fact, Sinclair women usually have a soft nature, yet they protect their family ferociously. She took after her mom. She would never give you up. That is until you stay true to her in every way possible,” Ricardo said, thrusting his hands into his pant pockets.

  “I was a victim once and I would never wish the same fate on any human being. Well, there is only one exception,” Axel chuckled dryly.

  “You must tell her. She won’t take it kindly if she were to find it on her own. She won’t leave you, but you’ll be in the doghouse for a very long time in the future for hiding something like this,” Ricardo mused.

  Axel scratched his chin thoughtfully. “Sounds like you’ve come across something similar. I don’t know if I am ready to tell her everything yet. She knows that my past is not fancy.”

  “Give her a chance. I am sure she’ll understand. As for the first part, I can say that Gregory was in the doghouse for two years,” Ricardo winked and laughed as Axel’s expression morphed to that of horror.

  “You’re joking, right?” Axel asked with a bewildered look.

  “Unfortunately, it’s the truth. I told you, Sinclair women are ferocious yet soft,” Ricardo chuckled again.

  “What did he do?”

  “Um… Let’s say there was someone similar to Alicia in his life and he handled the situation in a most immature way possible. I got to give it to you kid, you’re good. Just reach out if you need anything from us, will you?” Ricardo clapped on Axel’s shoulder and squeezed gently.

  Axel smiled, he liked Ricardo. “Sure, sir.”

  “Cut the formalities, boy. Call me Ricardo or Uncle Rick,” Ricardo told him and Axel nodded with a huge grin. “Now, let’s get back before little Sammy comes for rescue.”

  “Uncle Rick!”

  Both of them turned towards Samantha who was coming towards them.

  “Told you,” Ricardo murmured earning another chuckle from Axel.

  “I thought you needed only a few minutes. I hope you are not drilling my poor Axel,” Samantha commented and stepped into Axel’s embrace.

  “Not at all. Just preparing him for the family barbecue, that’s all,” Ricardo shrugged.

  “Yeah, and I’m definitely getting that bulletproof vest,” Axel commented earning a heartfelt laugh from Samantha.

  “My dad could be scary, but he is a big softie on the inside,” Samantha announced.

  “That’s true,” Ricardo agreed. “You should be beware of her brother Eric though. He’s way too protective of his family.”

  “Yeah. But, he will survive,” Samantha grinned.

  Ricardo could tell Samantha was falling deeply for Axel, her eyes said it all. Gregory had only one worry when they found about Axel’s revenge plan. Though they were furious at first, his thirst for revenge made sense. There was a strong reason behind it and now that Ricardo has spoken to Axel, he decided that Samantha was not a part of Axel’s scheme and it was just a coincidence.

  “All right, kiddo. I should get going. Else, I will be late for the meeting,” Ricardo said and opened his arms widely looking at Samantha.

  She jumped into his arms, giving him a bear hug. “See you soon, Uncle Rick.”

  “See you too, kiddo. Tell your mom to make that mean dum biryani of hers for the barbecue,” Ricardo winked.

  “Sure. Will Antonio come too?” She asked hopefully.

  “Yes. His fiancée wants a baby shower similar to Amelia. So, we’ll be staying in New York for a while,” he informed.

  “Wow… That’s awesome. I can’t wait to meet Gracie, it’s been so long.” Samantha bounced up and down, drawing a smile from Axel’s lips. He never saw her this enthusiastic and he hoped the barbecue would be fun, nonetheless.

  “I can assure you, that she too feels the same way. You know, considering that she lives alone, she craves for friends.”

  “Well, you can rectify that problem easily Uncle Rick. Let Antonio handle the New York operations and Keith handle the Spanish operations,” Samantha suggested.

  “Yeah, we are talking about that too. Considering that he just finished his studies, he will need my help. So we will have to move to Spain temporarily. At least until he gets a hang of it,” Ricardo mused.

  “Oh,” Samantha pouted.

  “Okay, I am getting late. Sorry, no time to meet the rest of your family, Axel. See you soon,” Ricardo hugged both Axel and Samantha before getting into his car.

  Samantha watched him leave before turning to go in with Axel. “Uncle Rick has three sons. Antonio is Eric’s batchmate. Keith and I are six months apart, he is younger than me. Then, there is Julius the naughtiest of the bunch, he and Ryan go to the same University,” she explained.

  “He is Spanish.”

  “A hybrid actually. Uncle Rick’s mom is from Spain and fathe
r is an American,” Samantha replied.

  “Like me,” Axel smiled.

  “Mhmm…”

  “So, your mom is from India?”

  “Yes. Mom went to college here in New York. She met dad through one of her friends and the rest is history,” she smiled.

  “It’s really tough to memorize all these names. Is there anyone else I need to know about?” Axel asked cautiously and already knew the answer.

  “Yes,” she smiled mischievously as she dragged him inside.

  Chapter – 24

  It was around nine p.m. when Samantha boarded her father's private jet with Axel and his family. Andrea and the girls gave them a teary goodbye with promises to meet each other soon.

  Vannina showed up once in their place, but kept her claws to herself when she noticed Samantha glued to Axel, giving her a stink eye. Rodrígez didn't meet her gaze and when they left, he was sulking in the background unable to bring himself to bid them goodbye.

  Sara bid goodbye and hugged her father before leaving while Samantha just gave him a curt nod.

  "Oh dear, I never thought I would travel in such a luxury," Henry commented excitedly as he stretched his legs. "These cushions are soft like a rabbit's fur," he stated enjoying the feel of the comfy couch under his palm.

  His actions reminded Samantha of an excited child who was opening his Christmas present. Sara chuckled, but didn't look fazed like Henry.

  "When had you ever owned a rabbit, darling?" Sara teased.

  "Oh, I had them when I was a kid. My grandfather presented them to me."

  "And, you starved them to death,” Sara snickered. “Thank you for the ride, Samantha. It is comfortable indeed," Sara grinned. "You know, I never saw that kind of expression on my dad's face before. You nailed it."

  Samantha just grinned as she sat on the couch opposite to them. Axel watched his father with amusement. The interior of the Jet looked like the VIP suite of a luxurious five-star hotel. There were two bedrooms inside the Jet. Samantha shared the room with Sara while Axel and his father took the other one.

  Samantha had texted her dad briefly about her departure, either Eric or her dad would be receiving them at the airport and she couldn't wait to see them. Though it was only two days, she missed them.