THREE
Imani took the mic, a sly smile spreading across her face. "Thank you, everyone. I'm thrilled to be here tonight, supporting such a great cause. And I'd like to give a special shoutout to our cleaning staff, who worked tirelessly to make this event possible –” She stopped on her words then glanced at Luke's and his family, she could tell the surprise on their faces.
“Luke Anderson, please do well to assist with the cleaners. I bet you can do that? "
The crowd gasped, and Luke's family looked like they'd been slapped. Imani smiled sweetly, handing the mic back to the emcee. "Now, let's get back to the party."
As she walked offstage, Killan stepped forward, an extra glass of wine with him, leaned in, whispering, "You're stunning, you know that?"
Imani grinned, feeling a spark of satisfaction. "What do you think? I always am,”
“I never knew you were Imani Shawn, wow!” Killan said and Imani simply shrugs her shoulder.
“If you would excuse me, I have other guest waiting for me,” With that Imani left to meet with other guests.
The party started wrapping up, people started leaving on after the other, Imani remained in the ballroom even after her assistant had told her to leave.
Imani stood in the emptying ballroom, her eyes scanning the room with a critical gaze. She spotted Luke and his family lingering near the exit, looking smug and self-important.
Imani smiled sweetly as she approached them. "Luke, darling," she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "I think you've forgotten something."
Luke raised an eyebrow, his expression wary. "What's that?"
Imani's smile never wipped. "Did you forget your family is the one helping with the cleaning?”
Luke's face turned red with indignation. "You can't be serious."
Imani shrugged, her eyes glancing at his wife and her family. "I'm dead serious. You were so boastful earlier about being the new researcher my team employed. Take this as your chance to prove it."
Luke's sister, Rachel, the petite blonde, stepped forward, her voice shrill. "You can't make him do that. He's a researcher, not a janitor."
Imani turned to her, her expression icy. "Ah, but that's where you're wrong. Luke's been begging me for a job as a researcher with my company. And I'm willing to offer him...an opportunity. Cleaning the ballroom is part of the interview process."
Luke's eyes narrowed. "You're blackmailing me."
Imani laughed, a cold sound. "No, darling. I'm just giving you a chance to prove yourself. If you don't want the job, that's fine. I'll find someone else. But if you don't clean this ballroom, you can consider your chances with Imani Tech...null and void."
“Imani-”
“Shut up Mrs Amderson, I wasn't speaking to you,” Imani cut Luke's mother off, her smile never faded.
Elizabeth's face turned pale, and Luke's eyes flashed with anger. But Imani knew he'd do it. He needed the job, and he knew it.
With a tight smile, Luke nodded. "Fine. I'll do it."
Imani smirked then beckoned on the manager, “Mr Leo, please give Luke mad his family the cleaning supplies, they are ready to clean.” Imani told the manager then Mr Leo handed Luke a mop and a bucket.
"The cleaning supplies are over there. I'll be checking on your progress." Imani said and left.
As Luke and his family reluctantly began cleaning the ballroom, Imani watched, a sense of satisfaction washing over her. This was for all the times they'd looked down on her, all the times they'd made her feel small.
“I'm just getting started,” She whispered beneath her breathe then her assistant came back.
“It's time to get going now, Ms Imani.” Emily said and Imani finally stood.
“Tell the management to double the task for Luke and his family.” She instructed and with that they left the ballroom.
Imani was driving out of the hotel parking lot when she spotted Killan standing on the curb, waiting for a cab. She told Emily to pull over,, rolling down the window. "Need a ride?" she asked, her tone casual.
Killan turned, a hint of surprise on his face. "Imani, yeah. Thanks."
He got in, and the journey started, it took a while before Killan started talking.
"You're ruthless, you know that?"
Imani raised an eyebrow, “what made you say that?”
Killan chuckled, “ I saw how you made your ex husband clean the ballroom," He answered
Imani snort, “I just needed to do the necessary,” Imani said looking out through the window.
Killan nod, “I think I'm starting to see why you're so successful."
Imani's smile turned sly. "It's all about knowing people's weaknesses”
Killan kept chatting, asking her about her plans for the rest of the night, but Imani kept her answers short, not really indulging him.
Killan didn't seem to notice, or maybe he just didn't care. He kept talking, telling her about his favorite coffee spots in the city.
Finally, Imani spoke up, her voice cool. "You know, Killan, I'm only giving you a ride because you helped me out earlier. Repaying the favor."
Killan turned to her, a hint of amusement on his face. "Fair enough. I guess I'm just trying to figure you out, Imani."
Imani's smile was small. "Don't bother. I'm not that complicated."
They drove in silence for a bit, then Emily pulled up in front of Killan's estate building. "Here you are," she said, her tone dismissive.
Killan nodded, his eyes on hers for a moment before he got out. "Thanks for the ride, Imani."
Imani nodded, her expression unreadable. "No problem."
Killan closed the door, and Imani drove off, disappearing into the night.
Killan slumped onto his bed, his eyes staring blankly at the ceiling.
He couldn't shake the memory of her icy demeanor, her sharp tongue, and her piercing gaze. Who was this woman? And why did she fascinate him so much?
Killan replayed their interactions in his mind – the way she'd smiled sweetly at the gala, the way she'd stood up to Luke, the way she'd looked at him with a mix of amusement and disdain.
He groaned, flipping onto his side. Why was he so drawn to her? She was pricy, complicated, and probably trouble. Yet, he couldn't deny the spark of attraction he felt whenever they were near each other.
Killan's thoughts drifted to her words in the car – "I'm only repaying the favor." What did that mean? Was she just using him, or was there something more to it?
He sighed, throwing an arm over his eyes. He needed to get her out of his head. But as he drifted off to sleep, Imani's image lingered, her eyes flashing with determination, her smile cold and calculating.
And Killan knew he was in trouble.