Chapter 59 New beginning
Eva responded to the kiss with the same intensity of passion as her husband. As Stephen pressed his lips against hers, he felt her response and couldn’t help but smile.
After a passionate kiss, Stephen was the first one to break this kiss, and he told Eva
“I want to compliment you more, but I fear it may keep you up tonight, and we have a crucial day ahead tomorrow, so let’s save it for another time. So it’s a wonderful night for now.
Stating that Stephen kissed her forehead and slept, pulling her in his arms, Eva touched her swollen lips to believe what had happened now was not a dream. Despite her denials, she slept holding onto him, finding solace and safety in his embrace, like she had never felt before.
The loud sound of the alarm startled Eva the next morning, and she got up with a jerk. She couldn’t remember setting the alarm the night before.
While observing the area, she caught sight of Stephen’s closet and witnessed him emerging from it, donning his formal clothing.
“Good morning, love .“
“Hmm, “Eva stated, rubbing her eyes, trying to open them completely
“Come on now, get ready and reach for breakfast. “
“Isn’t it too early?”
Stephen chuckled and told her,
“For you it is, but I have no other option than to disturb your beauty sleep, as we have to do a lot of work today. I’ll be waiting for you downstairs, ok?
Declaring this, Stephen left the room, and Eva entered the washroom with a sulking face.
After finishing her morning routine, Eva entered the dining room, where she spotted the other family members already settled at the dining table having their breakfast
Eva greeted others and got settled on her seat, which was beside Stephen. She served her plate while having her food. She noticed Steve was holding an ice pack and rubbing it on his head
“God, what happened to you? Steve?”
“Nothing to be worried about. He got too drunk last night and is now suffering from a hangover. I don’t understand what the need was to get drunk like this, at least when we are the host of the party too, “Rose replied in irritation
"Mom, please, at least you spare me and it did not intend for me to drink much but two ladies were bent on making me depressed so I just drank more than I should have .“
“Whom are you talking about?”
Eva bit her lips and replied, “I think he is talking about me and Samantha. But trust me, mom, we were just pulling his leg. Sorry, Steve, if my words hurt you.”
Steve raised an eyebrow at her. “It's ok, leave Sam. she is a declared psychopath but at least you didn’t mean what you said, “
“Yeah, at least not everything, “Eva replied with a serious face.
Stephen smirked at herwhereas Steve told Rose, “Look at her mom. She is teasing me again. I don’t know what spell Stephen do on this naive
Steve muttered, and others shared a laugh at his expense.
“Enough of this. I've got to tell you something important. Liam had summoned a meeting of the board of directors of the Hudson empire.
“Today.. that man is such a demon; he knew that we had a tiring party last night, yet he arranged the meeting next morning, “rose complained
“He must have planned something for you.
I know you are much more capable of handling them
Still discuss every point of the will with our legal team."
“I am already expecting a good welcome for me but it will disappoint me as I am not attending this meeting."
“What? And why are you not willing to attend it? This will go against us if you miss this. You understand this, right?” William stated in worry
“Dad, I told you I am not attending but we will not miss this meeting."
“What do you mean?”
“The actual owner will attend this meeting after all; it’s her right. Eva Stephen Smith, “
Eva choked on her food; Michael passed her some water and she drank it in one go. After controlling her breathing,
“Me.. No.. I am not attending any meetings, and I am not ready to face that man.
Declaring this, Eva excused herself and rushed towards her room.
Stephen sighed, whereas Rose supported her statement
“She is right. Don’t you think she is too na?ve for handling this? And especially when I know who is on the other side.”
I understand that you may have doubts, but I want you to know that I am certain of what I am saying, Mom. Let me assure you, I have complete faith in her and her abilities. Despite her naivety, she is far from being a fool. So let me handle this. “
Stating this, Stephen followed her. Rose exhaled a breath andMichael,
“He will not listen to me. Why didn’t you talk to him, Michael? Aren’t you scared about Eva?”
Michael replied with a smile, “I trust Stephen‘s instinct and if he is saying that Eva will handle this, then she will definitely."
“I agree with Michael and you know Stephen, Rose. If anything went wrong, then I am sure that he must have prepared a Plan B. So just stop worrying yourself unnecessarily,
Stephen reached his room and found Eva sitting on the bedside, holding her face with her palms.
He reached to her and took her in a side hug
Eva held onto his shirt and asked him with tears in her eyes
“Why do you want me to do this? You could attend this meeting too. Then why are you
“Shh., first take a deep breath and then listen to me. “Stephen passed her the glass of water from the side table
Eva wiped her tears and held the glass. She sipped the water slowly and kept it on the table
“Good! First, attend this meeting, as it’s your place to do so. Your grandfather left it in your name. You are the rightful owner. Second point: if you trust me, then you have no reason to fear anyone. I promise nothing will harm you ever.”
“Stephen, I know what you are trying to say, but I am scared. What if I messed up?”
“Don’t worry if something occurs like that. Then I know how to handle this, but I know you and trust my words. You are going to give a fright to the Hudsons.”
Eva smiled at his words. Stephen placed a kiss on her forehead and told her to get ready
When Eva reached the closet, she found a big box in which she noticed a note stuck in it.
“New dress for a new beginning."
A smile spread across Eva’s lips. She opened the box and was stunned to notice a black formal dress.
When Eva reached downstairs all swathed in her dress, Rose, William, and Michael passed an encouraging smile at her.
Stephen reached to her and introduced her to a man who was standing in the living room
“Eva, meet your manager, Mr. Miller
Eva noticed the man, who appeared to be in his thirties and was dressed in formal clothes. He greeted Eva with a curt nod and Eva returned the gesture
Soon they started working for the Hudson's office. All the way Stephen kept briefing her about the upcoming meeting, which was rather making her more nervous.
The moment the car halted, Stephen told Eva,
“All the best, dear, and I am in a nearby office. Don’t worry, I am near you only, OK? “
Eva gave a nod at him and stepped down from the car.
In Hudson office
The board members were restless from the moment they heard about the partition of the business empire. For years they have been having a hard time dealing with the devil, Liam Hudson, who never heeds their words.
It was his fear that they cannot sell the shares of Hudson Company to any other party. The reason was apparent, as Iiam knew these people would live under his fear and another person would change his game. Still, he needs their investments in his company.
But now the situation has changed, and another party got half the empire. They all heard that Stephen smith will handle this business in place of his wife, who is the actual owner of this property now
Liam entered the conference room with a team of lawyers. The others stood up to greet him except an old man who was a close friend to Liam’s father and a shareholder of this company.
Liam got settled on his chair and started with his words
As all of you are likely aware, I have previously communicated the purpose and agenda of this meeting.
I just wanted to inform you we have a recent addition to our board of directors who will join us today for the very first time.
It is important to note that this individual earned their position through charitable efforts recognized by my father.
Although Stephen Smith is not the rightful owner, he will take the place of his wife.
As a friendly reminder, please keep in mind that Stephen Smith is only a temporary visitor to our company and I have no intentions of allowing him to overstay his welcome.
Since you all know me and are familiar with my ways, I urge you to pay close attention.
I hope that you have successfully received the point I was attempting to convey.
The other board members understood the threat behind his words and gave a nod.
Following a brief wait, a group of lawyers and an elderly man entered the conference room.
The other attendees were eagerly waiting to meet Stephen Smith, but as soon as they noticed someone entering the room, a pin-drop silence took over. It was none other than the true and rightful owner of the company.
Eva Stephen smith