losing everything

Chapter five

I replayed our conversation all through my ride home. The ride was quiet, just what I needed. I made a mental note to give the driver a five star rating.

By the time I reached my father’s house, it was way past sunrise.

I slipped inside quietly, hoping to avoid unnecessary conversations and my stepmother's satisfied expression. All I wanted was a quick shower, a change of clothes, and enough time to get to the office before the day officially started. If I could bury myself in work, maybe the humiliation of last night would dull a little.

The house was unusually quiet, which I was extremely grateful for.

I hurried upstairs to my room, dropped my bag on the bed before pulling open the wardrobe. My hands moved faster than my thoughts as I changed into a fitted navy dress and low heels suitable for a long day ahead. I really needed to be comfortable to bury myself in work.

Ten minutes later I grabbed my bag again and headed downstairs, already calculating how long it would take to get to the company.

I was halfway down the stairs when I heard my father's voice. As much as I was angry with a lot of questions, I'll rather avoid him.

He was standing near the large window, his back to me, phone pressed to his ear.

“I don’t care what you have to do,” he barked into the receiver. “ I want a meeting with Killian Montclair before he leaves the state and I want that contract signed before he leaves.”

My steps slowed.

Killian Montclair.

I had heard that name more often than not, Every major business circle had. Getting a contract with him was something my father had been chasing for years. He was rumoured a hard man to please, but one contract with him was a breakthrough for even the most influential men.

“I’m not paying you to give excuses,” my father continued coldly. “Get it done.”

He turned immediately and the call ended and caught me trying to tip toe out. I straightened quickly.

His eyes narrowed immediately.

“Where are you going?”

I cleared my throat and tightened my grip on my bag.

“To work.”

For a moment he said nothing. He scanned my outfit and turned back to his phone.

“Cancel that,” he said flatly.

My brows pulled together in confusion. “ Cancel what”

“Your job.”

I blinked. “ What do you mean”

He took a sip of the whiskey in the glass in front of him , his face already carrying that familiar look of irritation he reserved just for me.

“You will no longer work for the company,” he said flatly.

My stomach dropped.

“What are you talking about?”

“It’s a bad look for the company and this family,” he said dismissively. “After what happened yesterday, it’s better you stop working there. I don't want you spoiling the family name to the press.” His words felt like a punch. I staggered backwards.

The humiliation flashed through my mind like a slap.

“Elio publicly choosing your sister has already caused enough embarrassment,” he added coldly.

My fingers tightened around my bag.

“So your solution is to hide me?, strip me of my job?” I asked quietly.

“That is not what I said. Don't accuse me. Aren't you supposed to be grateful?” his anger flaring.

A hollow laugh almost escaped me.

“Grateful?”

“Yes,” he replied angrily. “ You came to me for help and I helped you,” he finished.

My chest tightened and I couldn't bring out a reply.

“But convincing Elio and his family to change his bride at the last minute needed some negotiating.

“ Why would you negotiate if he liked her already?

“ Still the plan wasn't to marry her”

Something about the way he said it made my stomach twist.

“What was the negotiation about?” I wanted to get it over with.

Father didn't say a word. He just stood there and watched me before disappearing into his study. I stood there waiting for him for what felt like hours before he stepped out with an envelope in hand.

He sat on one of the chairs and dropped the envelope on the table.

“ That was what saved you from the marriage.” He said relaxing.

I didn't know what was on the envelope but I felt I wouldn't like it.

I hastily tore it and read the documents. The words blur after the fourth read.

“ What's this?” I asked with shaky hands and legs.

His answer came without hesitation.

“You will transfer half of your shares to your sister.”