Chapter 7 YOU AGAIN

Chapter 7: You again?

Tasha's eyes widened in utter disbelief and anger as she exclaimed, "You again?!" She couldn't fathom that the person she had a contentious encounter with just last week was now standing before her as her first client.

Meanwhile, Desmond's expression mirrored Tasha's shock, his ocean blue eyes scanning her face as the realization dawned on him. "I never thought I'd see you again," he muttered, his voice laced with a mix of surprise and annoyance.

The memory of their previous encounter, where Tasha had spoken harshly to him, came flooding back, and Desmond's gaze lingered on her, his mind racing with the unexpected connection.

Desmond, attempting to maintain his usual arrogant demeanor, adjusted his suit and sneered at Tasha. "I'm astonished that a rude and hopeless individual like yourself could even manage a business," he spat, his voice dripping with malice.

However, Tasha refused to back down, her patience worn thin by his constant jabs. "Excuse me?" she retorted, her voice firm and assertive. "I think you're mistaken. In fact, I've never encountered anyone as rude and condescending as you. Your behavior is unparalleled in my experience." Tasha's response was sharp, her words a clear indication that she would not tolerate his insults without a fight.

Her disdain for Desmond ran deep, and she couldn't quite put her finger on why he evoked such strong emotions in her. All she knew was that she intensely disliked him. "I don't need someone like you in my business," she said, her words sharp and direct. "Your presence would only bring negative energy."

Desmond, never one to back down, shot back with equal venom. "Please, you're the embodiment of bad luck. I'd rather not have to look at your unpleasant face for another moment." The exchange was heated, with both parties exchanging biting remarks, their mutual dislike obvious in the air.

Back in the car, Kendell observed the heated exchange between her mother, Tasha, and the stranger, Desmond, with growing concern. She didn't like seeing her mother so agitated and knew she had to intervene.

Aware that her mother's secretary, Joy, wouldn't have let her leave the car without a valid reason, Kendell devised a plan. She feigned a urgent need, saying "I really need to use the restroom" while exhibiting exaggerated body language to convey her supposed distress.

Joy's expression turned concerned as she looked at Kendell, before responding calmly, "Okay, I'll take you to that nearby bush to use the restroom." However, Kendell quickly declined, attempting to assert her independence.

"No need, I'm a big girl now," she said with a forced smile, trying to appear more mature than her years. "Besides, it's not far, and I can see the car from there," she added, trying to reassure Joy.

Joy impressed by Kendell's quick thinking and resourcefulness, allows her to have her way. "Alright, be careful then," Joy said, patting Kendell on the shoulder before opening the car door to let her out.

Kendell smiled to herself, feeling proud of her cleverness as she exited the vehicle. She already had a plan in mind to address the tense situation between her mother and Desmond, and now she just needed to execute it carefully.

With a sense of determination, Kendell made her way towards the nearby bush, her mind focused on finding a solution to diffuse the conflict.

Without hesitation, she swiftly picked up a small stone and, with precision timing, threw it at Desmond. The stone hit its mark, and within moments, Desmond was clutching his forehead in agony, letting out a loud yelp of pain.

"Dahm!" he screamed, his voice echoing through the air. Meanwhile, Kendell quickly hid behind a nearby bush, holding her breath and hoping to remain unnoticed.

She peeked through the leaves, watching as Desmond struggled to comprehend what had just happened, his face contorted in shock and pain.

Tasha, who had been engaged in a heated exchange with Desmond, suddenly fell silent, her attention diverted to the sudden turn of events. She turned to glance behind her, wondering who could have thrown the stone that struck Desmond.

The unexpected twist left her stunned, but she couldn't help feeling a sense of satisfaction that Desmond had been taken down a peg.

A sly smile spread across her face as she gazed at Desmond, who was still reeling from the surprise attack. "I think the universe is finally on my side," she said, her voice laced with triumph and a hint of amusement, clearly pleased that Desmond had received his reward.

"With that, I believe our meeting has come to a close," she declared, her voice firm and resolute. "I refuse to survey the land for you, regardless of the offer. You'll need to find someone else to take on the task." She punctuated her statement with a stern glance, her eyes flashing with determination.

With a swift turn, she walked away, leaving Desmond to grapple with the unexpected outcome. Her departure marked a clear end to the discussion, and Desmond was left to face the reality that he would need to seek alternative arrangements. Tasha's confident stride conveyed her unwavering stance, leaving no room for further negotiation or debate.

Desmond, unwilling to concede defeat, shouted after Tasha, "Hey! I'm not finished, and you have no authority to end this meeting! Only I can decide when it's over!" However, Tasha remained unfazed by his outburst.

She pretended not to hear him, calmly approaching her car with a sense of purpose. Once inside, she ensured her children were secure in the backseat before starting the engine. With a swift glance in the rearview mirror, she pulled away from the scene.

Desmond seethed with anger as he watched Tasha drive away, his frustration boiling over. He clenched his fists, his mind racing with bitter thoughts. "How dare she?" he muttered to himself, his voice trembling with rage.

"What does she think she is, humiliating me like this... again?" He couldn't believe Tasha had bested him twice, and his pride smarted from the blow. Desmond's anger simmered, fueled by a deep-seated desire for revenge. He vowed that Tasha would pay for making him look foolish, his mind already turning over ways to exact revenge.

Still seething with anger, he pulled out his phone and made a swift call. "I want you to dig up every detail about the owner of Lighthouse Land Surveyors," he growled, his voice low and menacing. "I mean everything – from her childhood to the present moment. Leave no stone unturned."

With that, he ended the call and pocketed his phone, a wicked grin spreading across his face. "Let's see who has the last laugh," he chuckled to himself, already getting into his car. He sped onto the busy street, weaving recklessly through traffic, his anger fueling his aggressive driving.

As Desmond sped down the street, his phone vibrated, signaling an incoming call. He considered ignoring it, but the prestigious company's name on the caller ID made him hesitate. He answered, forcing a calm tone despite his simmering anger.

"Hello!" he said, his voice smooth but strained. The caller got straight to the point, "Has the land been surveyed?" Desmond hesitated, caught off guard by the direct question. "Uh, no... not yet," he replied, trying to sound confident.

"But it will be soon," he added hastily, attempting to reassure the caller. Despite his efforts to maintain a professional demeanor, Desmond's frustration and anxiety lingered, threatening to boil over at any moment.

The caller's next words sent Desmond's anger soaring. "I regret to inform you that if the land isn't surveyed promptly by Lighthouse Land Surveyors, we will be forced to withdraw our investment."

Desmond's disdain was palpable as he snapped, "What? Why specifically Lighthouse Land Surveyors? Can't we hire another company to handle the survey?" His tone was laced with irritation and a hint of desperation, revealing his reluctance to work with Tasha again.

The thought of being forced to collaborate with her after their previous encounters was unbearable, and Desmond's anger threatened to get the better of him.

"I understand your concerns, Desmond, but Lighthouse Land Surveyors are currently one of our top shareholders. We need to maintain a good relationship with them to ensure their continued support," Mr. James explained.

Desmond's frustration grew as he protested, "There must be something we can do about this, Mr. James. This can't be the only solution." But Mr. James was resolute, "I'm afraid not, Desmond. I have another call to attend to. Goodbye." The abrupt end to the call left Desmond seething.

He slammed his fist on the steering wheel, "This is unbelievable! Who does she think she is?" His anger boiled over as he muttered under his breath, "You've just made a powerful enemy, Tasha. Get ready for the consequences."