Katrina Cole is a successful business woman, and is the CEO of a multi million dollar luxury jewelry company, Nico Cyryl. She is independent, stubborn, confident and aware of the power she holds because of who she is. Not only is she a great business woman, but she is the definition of a beauty with brains. Lennox Houston is a boxer trying to make it big. Lex is cold and reserved, but he really is just heartbroken. When Katrina comes along, he doesn't think of her all people, to be the person who helps him feel again. But with Katrina married, and Lennox hung up on another girl, can they get through their obstacles? Is it even love at all?
Chapter 1 Introduction
“Over the past few years, Nico Cyryl has been flourishing immensely, being one of the most profitable luxury jewelry companies in the entire world. However…”
Katrina tried with all her might not to fall asleep. She looked around the boardroom, where everyone had gathered for a meeting. Nico Cyryl. She had inherited the multi million dollar company which was found by her great grandfather and named after him. Ever since the time she was a little girl, she had always been aware of the power that came with being who she was. The power that came with being a Cyryl.
“Mrs Cole?”
Katrina was pulled out of her reverie by her assistant. Everyone at the table looked at her expectantly.
“What do you think about the offer?”
“What was the offer again?” Katrina asked.
“What do you think about selling 2.5% of Nico Cyryl to Mr McClain?” the man rephrased.
“I think your offer is complete crap,” Katrina answered honestly, confident as always. “So no thank you.”
It wasn't an unusual answer coming from the CEO of Nico Cyryl. Everyone remained unfazed, as they were used to her being like that.
“Ma'am if you just–”
“I said no. I will not be swayed or forced into changing my answer. But of course, the shareholders have a say as well. All opposed?” she asked, looking at the board members.
No one said anything.
“There you have it Mr…?”
“... Hendricks…” the man replied, annoyed.
Katrina plastered a thin smile on her face.
“If no one has anything else to add, I'll just wrap this up. Have a lovely day everyone,” she said getting up, knowing very well that she wouldn't give a damn if they got run over.
Katrina and her assistant left the boardroom. Everyone gave way as the CEO walked passed and greeted her. Katrina was not respected because she was the CEO. That was just a side thing. Not respecting her just seemed inappropriate. It was impossible. From the way she looked, the way she spoke, the way she walked, laughed, moved, it just all deserved respect. It also helped that she was a Cyryl and that she was the most independent, most fierce and stubborn woman they had ever known. Most importantly, she had a mind for business and was intelligent.
“Kat, I think you should take the rest of the day off,” her assistant said to her.
Katrina gave Nathan a look and he chuckled. Nathan had been working for Katrina ever since she became the CEO, when she was just nineteen years old. They hadn't known each other before that, but Nate successfully became one of the very few people Katrina loved and cared for. He was also one of the only people who could get through to her.
“Why?” Katrina asked Nathan.
“Because you were falling asleep during the meeting. Please Kat. Go home. And just...relax.”
Katrina sighed, “I couldn't sleep last night with all of Daniel's bitching. You know, sometimes I really wonder why I try.”
“So do I,” Nathan admitted.
“It's complicated. In the world of–”
“In the world of money and power. Yeah, yeah, I've heard that a thousand times.”
Katrina smiled, “Right.”
She took her purse from Nathan.
“I'll see you tomorrow I guess,” Katrina said to him.
“That you will.”
Katrina gave Nate a kiss on the cheek and took the lift to the first floor. Outside, a car was already waiting for her. Katrina got into the backseat of her favorite vintage car, which was her grandfather's and took a cigar from her purse.
Her driver, Damien, handed her a lighter and a glass ashtray that had her initials in it.
“Thanks D,” she said, putting the ashtray on her lap.
Katrina lit up the cigar and opened the window.
“How come you left work early today ma'am? Are you feeling alright?” Damien asked.
“Oh don't worry about me D,” Katrina said, puffing out the smoke into the cool air. “I'm alright.”
“Yes ma'am.”
Katrina pressed the cigar onto the ashtray as the car entered the gates of her mansion. She took her purse, thanked Daniel and went inside.
She handed her bag to the first maid she saw and plopped herself onto the leather couch. Her cat, Lolo, leaped onto her and curled up in her lap.
“My beautiful Katrina.”
Katrina groaned, recognizing the raspy voice immediately. She opened her eyes and looked at her mother.
“What are you doing here?” Katrina snapped.
“I'm here to see my daughter. Is that not allowed?” Penelope asked, inviting herself to sit down.
“No. I thought I told you not to come without telling me beforehand.”
“For goodness' sake Katrina, I'm your mother!”
“Thought I also told you not to call yourself my mother.”
“But that's what I am. Whether you like it or not. And you are my daughter.”
“Penelope. Leave.”
“Jeez Katrina–”
“Now! I said go! Just...go!” Katrina screamed.
Penelope sighed, “Fine. I'll go.”
“Nope. You're joining us for dinner.”
Katrina turned to see her husband Daniel. In a suit as always.He walked over to Penelope, loosening his tie and draped his arm around her.
“What did I say about kicking your mother out? She lives far Kat. You can at least offer her some food.”
Katrina tensed up even more.
“This has nothing to do with you Daniel,” she grimaced.
“It has everything to do with me.”
Katrina carried Lolo in her arms, “Fine. Enjoy your dinner.”
She walked upstairs, ignoring them as they called her. Katrina locked herself in her room and laid on the bed. She ignored her husband banging on the door, eventually falling asleep.
Penelope hated her mother not because she drove her father to killing himself, but because she never apologized for it. Katrina's father was madly in love with Penelope, after meeting her through his housekeeper. He was smitten by her beauty and witt. He went through a lot to finally make Penelope his wife, since his family was convinced she only wanted his money.
After being married for twelve years, Kai caught his wife with another man. She proclaimed her love for him, right in front of her husband. Kai was heartbroken and so he killed himself. Deep down she knew that it was not her fault, but someone had to be blamed.
Katrina hated her mother for not apologizing and for not caring that he died. In fact, she was happy. Because now, she could be with the bastard. ‘In the name of love.’ She hated her mother for not seeing her wrong doing.