Chapter 5 NO Mercy

Daisy's POV

With my documents in hand, I rushed back home to see Liam. We were done with one part of this strange marriage, and now it was time for the second: the contract. I already had it typed and printed; all that remained was our signatures.

"Here we go," I said as I handed the document to him.

He looked at it, then at me. "No falling in love, no kissing, no sex-and we have to live in your home," he said with a teasing grin as he signed. "I'm pretty sure I can keep my hands to myself, though I'm not sure about you." He then handed the paper back to me, and I signed too.

"Don't flatter yourself. You're not my type," I snapped, handing him a copy. "And yes, I don't want people suspecting this is fake. I like to interfere in my own affairs." I paused, then added, "There are many rooms upstairs. Just choose any you like."

---

It had been a week since I visited Mr. Samuel, and my inheritance was finally mine. I had secretly organized a board meeting scheduled for today and even handed over 5% of my shares to Liam. I couldn't wait to make my first move.

I woke up early that morning, my mind buzzing with anticipation. I chose a bold red pantsuit-powerful, intimidating, and impossible to ignore. After dressing, I stood in front of the mirror and practiced my speech.

"I, Mrs. Daisy Baker, am the new president of Turner Empire, given that I hold the majority of shares," I declared, a determined smile spreading across my face. Today, I would make them feel a fraction of the pain they'd caused me.

I grabbed my black Gucci bag and headed downstairs. In the kitchen, Liam was preparing something I couldn't quite make out. His calm, steady presence always made me feel both safe and conflicted.

"Good morning," I said, smiling deeply.

"Good morning. You look awfully excited today," he replied, his tone neutral.

"Of course-I just feel that today will be spectacular," I said, unable to hide a spark of hope.

"I sure do hope so," Liam said.

I moved over to the cabinet, reaching for a coffee mug. As my hand brushed the cool ceramic, I lost my balance for a split second and started to fall. Before I hit the ground, Liam's arms shot out and caught me. My body pressed against his, and I could smell the fresh, clean scent of his shower gel. I looked up, and our eyes locked. My heart raced, and for one precious moment, the whole world seemed to stop. Then my phone rang, and the spell was broken.

"Thank you," I mumbled, pulling away and heading toward my bag on the table.

I rummaged through it until I found my phone. It was Hazel, my assistant, reminding me not to be late.

"I'm on my way," I said as I slung my bag over my shoulder and moved toward the door.

"Is it time?" Liam asked, his calm voice now edged with excitement.

"Yes, it is. Let's go-we're going to be late," I replied, grabbing my bag. "I'm driving," he said as he reached for the car keys. Soon enough, we were off, and I couldn't help sneaking glances at him. Damn, he looked gorgeous. I muttered under my breath, "Get out of my head. You have an amazing day ahead of you."

"Are you okay?" he asked softly, his grey eyes full of genuine concern.

"Yes, I am. Eyes on the road, sir," I joked. We both laughed, even as my mind buzzed with plans for revenge.

---

The Board Meeting

When I arrived at Turner Empire, Liam opened the door for me. The lobby buzzed with whispers. Employees stared as we walked by, their eyes wide with curiosity. I kept my gaze fixed on the elevator, my heels clicking against the marble floor. I knew that walking in with Liam would cause tension among the employees, but I needed to see Trey's reaction.

The boardroom was already full when we entered. All eyes turned to us as we made our way to our seats-me at the head of the table, where I belonged, and Liam sitting beside me.

At the far end sat Anna. She looked ready to explode.

"Miss Daisy," Anna said in a voice dripping with disgust, "what are you doing here? This is a board meeting for board members, not for probationary employees and nobodies." A smirk played on her lips as she looked at me, then at Liam.

I leaned back in my chair, unfazed by her sneer. I smiled, feeling alive and in control. "I have a very important announcement to make," I said confidently.

Anna scoffed. "Unless it's about your resignation, we don't care."

I ignored her, pulled out a copy of my marriage certificate, and held it up for everyone to see. "I am finally married."

Anna's mouth fell open, and I secretly wished a fly would land on her tongue.

"What do you mean, you're married?" Anna's voice rose, now sounding nervous.

"My dear stepmother," I said, my tone sweet but laced with malice, "I've been married for a week now-and..."

Before I could continue, Trey slammed his hands on the table. "A week? Who the hell did you marry?"

I smirked. "Now, now, Trey. This is still a board meeting. Try to be professional, okay?"

Anna gulped and sipped water, her hand trembling. The board members murmured among themselves, some extending their hands in congratulations.

"Congratulations, Mrs. Turner," one of them said.

I crossed my legs, secretly enjoying the panic on their faces. It was time to drop the bomb.

"It's Mrs. Musk now," I declared, my smile widening as I reached for Liam's hand. I planted a soft kiss on his lips. He squeezed my hand and rubbed it gently.

Trey's face turned pale. "What did you just say?"

"This is my husband, Liam Musk," I said clearly, savoring the shock in his eyes. For a second, I thought Trey stopped breathing.

He slumped back in his chair, his hands gripping his head. "No. No, this can't be happening."

Before he could say anything else, I pulled out another document. "But that's not my only announcement," I continued steadily. "As per my late father's will, I am now entitled to my full inheritance. That includes 50% of the shares in Turner Empire, with 5% going to my lovely husband. I am your new president."

The room erupted in whispers. Anna jumped to her feet, her face red with rage, while several board members exchanged uneasy glances.

"You're a liar!" Anna shouted. "This marriage is fake! You're just trying to get back at Trey for dumping you!"

Some board members nodded, while others frowned. "There's no way you got married and kept your family in the dark," another added.

I tilted my head and replied coolly, "Well, maybe you don't know me as well as you think."

"If you doubt the authenticity of my marriage," I said, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear, "please contact Mr. Samuel, the Turner family lawyer."

Anna's eyes widened, and the room fell silent. One of the board members pulled out his phone. "I'll call Mr. Samuel right now," he said.

After a brief conversation, he hung up and nodded. "It's true," he announced. "Mrs. Daisy Baker's marriage is legal and valid. She has fulfilled all the requirements of her father's will."

At that moment, Trey bolted from his seat and stormed out, slamming the door behind him. The board members rose one by one to congratulate me and Liam.

But Anna was not finished. She walked slowly toward me, her smile cold and calculating.

"Congratulations," she said, pulling me into a tight embrace. Her lips brushed my ear as she whispered, "You think you've won, but the game isn't over, little girl. Bring it on."

A small smile spread across my face as I held her at arm's length. I knew the war had just begun.