Roxanne had remained as an observer since her marriage to Ciel. She was never included in things that concerned the family except when it's needed to put on a public display.
The estate where she stays with her husband is quite big and showcases power, and wealth.
She had been wandering around it for the few days she had been married, trying to get to know it's occupants.
She had been married into one of the powerful families in the country, but she never felt included.
She was not okay with being a wife that's tossed into the background. She would not let herself be looked down upon again, and disregarded.
Now that she's here, she would make sure she carry the Sebastien name with purpose.
And she was going to let Ciel know about it, tonight.
She found him in his study, as usual, with a glass of whiskey beside him.
He looked relaxed, but Roxanne knew better. The man was always watching, and calculating.
His sharp silver eyes looked at her as soon as she got in.
"To what do I owe the pleasure, my dear wife?" He asked with a smooth voice, intended to tease her, but laced with curiosity.
She moved forward and dropped some documents on his desk.
They were reports about finances, company structures, and investment analysis, and all the information she had gotten in the past few days.
"I want in."
"What do you mean in?" Ciel asked, arching an eyebrow.
"The family business." She pointed out, looking back at him. "I want to be involved in the Sebastien business."
The silence that followed was so thick with tension.
"Interesting." Ciel finally said as he leaned back in his chair with a smirk.
"Is that all you have to say?" She said, crossing her arms.
"I'm trying to see if I should laugh or be impressed." He said after studying her for a moment.
"But I am serious here." She said.
"I can see that." He replied, still smirking.
"Then give me an answer."
"Why the rush?" He said slowly as he sips his whiskey.
"Because I don't want to be seen as powerless. I don't want you, or anyone else, to boss me around." She retorted.
Ciel was amused. "And what makes you think stepping into the business can change that?"
"I am sure it will." She said with a steady voice. "I have the required intelligence, and the grit. If I would be a Sebastien, I don't want to be a useless one."
Ciel stood up slowly, walking to where she was standing. His height and the intensity of his look should have intimidated her.
But it didn't. Instead, she felt more determined.
"So you mean to say you want power?" He said in a low voice.
"Yes," she replied as she lifted up her chin.
At this moment, Ciel smirked the more.
"Then, you will have to earn it."
He returned to his desk, then rested against the edge as he folded his arms.
"We will have to see if are up to the task."
"What do you mean?" Roxanne asked, narrowing her eyes.
"If you want people to take you seriously at the company, it's only natural that you prove yourself worthy." He said with an assessing look.
"I will give you a task. If you do it well, I will take you seriously."
"What's the task?"
"Tomorrow, I have a meeting with a difficult client. He's considering pulling out of a big investment." He told her slowly, trying to measure her reaction before continuing. "Convince him to stay."
"You want me to negotiate with one of your clients?" She asked in disbelief.
"Aren't you going to be part of this world?' he asked. "Then let's see if you are truly to up the task."
Her heart raced, but she composed herself almost immediately.
"Fine. I will take care of it."
Ciel was clearly amused by her confidence.
"Good. This should be fun."
Meanwhile,across the city, Reina Renwick was sitting on a luxurious sofa in a nice, exclusive lounge, sipping her champagne.
Seated across from her was a man, who should be in his early fifties.
"I was told you are seeking an opportunity."
Reina said smoothly as she crossed her legs.
The man chuckled a bit, as he adjusted his cufflinks.
"And I hear you have a score to settle."
She smiled. "Let's just say my dear sister has been playing a dangerous game she is not prepared to win."
"And I do not have the intention to let her keep what is supposed to be mine."
"And what do you suggest?" The man replied as his face lit up with interest.
"Ciel Sebastien may be untouchable, but his wife? She is an outsider."
"And outsiders can be removed."
The man smirked. "Then let's talk business."
And just like that, the trap was set.
"Then we can talk business." The replied with a smirk.
And just like that, the trap was made.
Back at the Sebastien estate, Roxanne was sitting alone in the study of her bedroom, looking down at the heap of reports Ciel had given her.
She was doubtful. She had never handled a business negotiation of this size before. What if she could not pull it off?
No.
She would not fail.
This was her chance her prove herself, not just to Ciel, but to anyone who had ever doubted her.
And she does not want to waste it.
With some determination, she picked up the documents and got to work.
She would win.