Betrayed Heiress Strikes Back

Chapter 6

As the morning sun spilled across the Byrd estate, Kya's mind raced with the secrets she must keep hidden beneath her poised exterior. The polished chrome of the Rolls‑Royce Phantom idling at the front steps was impossible to ignore—sleek lines, quiet power, the kind of car that didn’t need to roar to command respect. Julian stood beside it, immaculate in a charcoal suit, posture straight, expression unreadable. He didn’t call out, didn’t wave, didn’t even offer a greeting. He simply opened the rear door and waited.

Kya descended the steps, her heels clicking against stone. She had chosen her outfit carefully: a tailored ivory blouse tucked into a high‑waisted black pencil skirt, the fabric hugging her curves with understated elegance. A thin belt cinched her waist, and her heels—classic Louboutins with the signature red sole—clicked with authority. Her hair was swept into a sleek low bun, exposing diamond studs that caught the light. She looked every inch the heiress, but also the strategist—sharp, composed, untouchable.

She paused, arching a brow. “You know, most men would at least say good morning.”

Kya noticed the difference from the 'caring' Julian last night to his business side in the morning. She wondered if he had always been this serious. And then she thought, he probably woke up on the wrong side of the bed, and she'd just overthinked.

Julian’s gaze flicked to her, steady but silent, then he took a deep breath and whispered, “Good morning.”

She smirked, sliding into the car. “That’s better.”

Inside, the leather smelled faintly of cedar and luxury. The silence stretched, heavy and deliberate. Kya tapped her nails against the armrest, waiting for him to say something—anything. He didn’t.

Finally, she broke the quiet, her voice dry. “You really should try conversation. It’s good for business.”

Julian adjusted his cufflinks, eyes on the road ahead. “Results are better. But sure, what would you like to talk about this early in the morning?”

Kya rolled her eyes, leaning back against the seat. “Nevermind.” She kept quiet after that.

The Phantom glided to a stop in front of the Gray Corporation’s headquarters, a towering glass building that reflected the city skyline. Employees paused as Julian escorted her inside, whispers following in their wake. Kya straightened her shoulders, her chin lifted. She wasn’t just the fiancée—they would learn she was a force in her own right.

Julian leaned closer, his voice low. “They’re curious. Ignore it.”

“I’m used to stares,” she replied smoothly. “Usually they’re judging my shoes.”

His lips curved faintly, almost imperceptible.

The boardroom was sleek, all glass and steel. Executives sat around the long table, murmuring until Julian entered. He introduced Kya with a simple, firm statement: “This is Kya Byrd. She’ll be working alongside us as part of the merger.”

Kya nodded politely, her smile measured. She could feel the weight of their scrutiny—was she capable, or just the fiancée? Do they even know she is his fiancée?

Then the door opened again.

“Elena Carney,” Julian said, his tone clipped. “Head of Marketing.”

Kya’s stomach dropped. She remembered her.

Elena walked in, her gaze locking with Kya's, a silent challenge sparking between them that promised to upend the fragile peace of the boardroom. Her heels were sharp stilettos, her hair cascading in glossy waves over her shoulders. A diamond pendant rested at her throat, catching the light with every movement.

“Pleasure to be here,” Elena said, sliding into her seat. Her eyes flicked to Kya, lingering just long enough to sting.

Elena stood at the head of the table, her voice smooth and persuasive. “Our campaign will focus on exclusivity. Limited releases, premium packaging, and a narrative that emphasizes luxury. Consumers will feel they’re part of an elite circle—one they’ll pay to stay in.”

The executives nodded, murmuring approval. Elena’s confidence was undeniable, her smile flawless.

Kya sat back, pen poised, her expression calm but calculating. She waited until Elena finished before speaking, her tone measured, professional. “It’s strong,” she said, tapping her pen lightly against her notebook. “But exclusivity alone risks alienating a broader market. If we integrate predictive analytics, we can anticipate consumer behavior shifts and adapt the campaign in real time. Luxury is powerful, but relevance keeps it alive.”

The room went quiet. A few executives exchanged glances, intrigued.

Elena’s smile didn’t falter, but her eyes sharpened. “Interesting,” she said lightly. “Though I believe the elegance of simplicity is more persuasive. Too much data can dilute the emotional appeal.”

Kya smirked faintly, her voice still calm. “Emotion drives the purchase, but data ensures it repeats. Without both, the campaign is a one‑time spark instead of a sustained fire.”

Julian’s gaze shifted to Kya, steady and attentive. “She’s right,” he said, his voice clipped but firm. “Exclusivity must be paired with adaptability. Consumers change faster than brands. We’ll revise the campaign to include predictive analytics.”

The executives nodded, murmuring agreement. Elena’s smile tightened, but she inclined her head gracefully. “Of course. I’ll revise the proposal and coordinate with Kya for final approval.”

Kya’s lips curved faintly, venom hidden in elegance. “I’ll look forward to it.”

As they walked down the corridor, the hum of the office fading behind them, Kya glanced sideways at Julian.

“You know,” she said lightly, “most people would congratulate me after a meeting like that. A simple ‘well done’ maybe?”

Julian’s stride didn’t falter. “You don’t need congratulations. You did what was expected.”

Kya arched a brow, smirking. “Expected? That’s your idea of praise? Remind me never to ask you to write my performance reviews.”

His lips twitched, the faintest ghost of amusement. “They’d be short.”

“Of course they would,” she shot back. “Two words: ‘Adequate. Survived.’”

Julian finally turned his head, gray eyes steady on her. “You want more words?”

“I want substance,” she countered, her tone playful but edged. “Something that proves you’re not a statue in a suit.”

He stopped, silence deliberate, then leaned closer. “Statues don’t open doors. Or stand beside you when you’re challenged.” His voice dropped, softer now. “Or kiss your cheek when you’ve earned it.”

Before she could react, his lips brushed her temple—quick, restrained, but undeniably intimate.

Kya blinked, caught off guard. Her smirk faltered, replaced by something warmer before she masked it again. “T‑That almost sounded like affection.” Her voice wavered, betraying her rattled composure.

Julian’s gaze lingered, unreadable. “Almost.”

Her heart thudded. What game are you playing, Julian Gray?

The meeting had barely ended when Kya and Julian stepped into the hallway. The hum of conversation from nearby offices carried faintly, but the corridor itself was quiet—too quiet.

Elena was waiting. She leaned against the glass wall, arms crossed loosely, posture casual but calculated. Her smile was polished, the kind that looked warm from a distance but carried frost up close.

“Kya,” Elena said, her tone dripping with false warmth. “You were… impressive in there. Though I suppose it’s easier when you’re presenting to an audience that already wants to like you.”

Kya slowed her steps, tilting her head. Her lips curved into a faint smirk, the kind that promised elegance but hid venom. “Funny. I thought they wanted results. Which is why they preferred my suggestion.”

A couple of junior employees passing by slowed, pretending to check their phones, clearly eavesdropping. The tension was magnetic.

Elena’s smile tightened, though she masked it with a light laugh. “Oh, don’t mistake courtesy for preference. My campaign was already strong. Yours was… an accessory.”

Kya stepped closer, her heels clicking sharply against the polished floor. She lowered her voice, calm but edged with steel. “Accessories complete the look. Without them, things feel unfinished. You’ll find that out when you revise your campaign—again.”

For a moment, Elena’s composure wavered. Her eyes flicked to Julian, searching for support, but he remained silent, his gaze steady on Kya. His presence was like a wall—cold, unreadable, but immovable.

Julian’s hand brushed lightly against Kya’s back, grounding her. His voice was low, meant only for her. “We have to go."

Kya’s smirk deepened, her eyes never leaving Elena. “I hate to cut our conversation short, Elena. But Julian and I have other important things to do." Kya emphasized the word 'important' while slightly brushing Julian's arm.

Elena’s laugh rang hollow as she straightened, her heels clicking as she turned away. “Yes, Ma'am. I'll go ahead too and make sure I make Julian proud." She did not like how Kya showed her position in Julian's life. Elena had already heard about the engagement from her mother.

Kya watched her go, her smile sharp as glass. The junior employees exchanged glances, whispering as Elena disappeared down the hall. As the whispers faded, Kya's thoughts lingered on Elena's parting words, a chill settling in her chest. Did Elena want Julian back? She doesn't even know why the two stopped dating.