As I stepped into the ballroom with two bodyguards flanking me, I was greeted by complete silence. However, it was soon broken by the sounds of thunderous applause.

Flashing sweet smiles and gracious nods of acceptance at the crowd and paparazzi, I made my way over to the podium. Making a polite gesture, I requested for the crowd's silence. Taking a deep breath, I flashed a tenative smile and launched into my well-rehearsed speech.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I know my sudden appearance may have come as a shock to many. Months back, I left Manhattan a disgrace and I know without a doubt that many of you hold me in complete and utter contempt. But I beseech you to please listen to what I have to say..."

On and on I went for the next four minutes. Looking around at the crowd as they lapped it all up, I suppressed the urge to snort in disbelief. "Gullible fools," I scoffed to myself.

Quickly wrapping up my speech, I gave a smile of thanks turned to leave. As soon as I dismounted the stage, I was immediately accosted by a huge crowd of people. I braced myself for a long siege of fawning from my long lost "friends" and the press.

Throughout the night, I mingled, chatted and mixed. Finally I was approached by a group of middle-aged men in impeccably cut suits. "Kathryn, it's wonderful to see you again," one of the men addressed me. "Thank you. It's great to see you again, Mr Anderson. How's the company doing?"

Exchanging a pleased look with the other directors, Mr Anderson gave me a pleasant smile. "Fantastic. But under the leadership of Ms. Merteuil..." he trailed off for a minute but soon recollected himself.

"What I'm trying to say is that your father stated in his will that you were to take over the company when the board of directors saw fit. And now that you have come of age, we feel that you are ready to head Merteuil Corporations. We're welcoming you into our fold with open arms, Kathryn. We'd like you to take over the company."

Widening my eyes, I allowed an expression of surprise and happy disbelief come over my face. But I quickly replaced it with a look of concern. "My mother is running the company now, Mr Anderson. I left New York on rather unpleasant terms with her. She may not want..." I broke off and bit my lip, lowering my eyelashes.

Flashing me looks of sympathy and concern, the directors assured me of their full confidence in me. "I'm sure you'll sort out your personal issues with your mother, Kathryn. But if she's unwilling to give up her position as CEO, we are techincally entitled to turn this into a legal issue."

Feigning a look of horror, I exclaimed "but I could never do that! Even though we have differences, I wouldn't DREAM of doing that to her! She's my mother after all."

"I understand Kathryn, I'm sure you'll find a way. In the meantime, can you come into the office on Monday? I'll show you the ropes."

"I'd be happy to, Mr Anderson. Thank you all so much." I said.

As they left, I felt a surge of elation. My mother abandoned me when I'd needed her the most. Recalling the mantra I'd chanted to myself on the steps of Manchester Prep, I swore to make my mother pay.

I'm Kathryn Merteuil and nobody fucks with me.