Chapter 26

Crystal POV

I downed the entire contents of the first cup and filled my second cup, repeating the same act not because I wanted to get drunk. I hated that she used us for the promotion of her book without giving us any payment.

The sales of her book are going to go way up, but I hope it’s worth the hype. I checked out the new stocks before he even told me about that; if only he knew how attracted I am to new stocks.

“What’s wrong?”

“It’s been a while, and you know how much it takes to be what you are right now, but giving her that promotion on a free platter seems too kind.”

“You know I can’t let you have a third cup; we’ve still got a long day ahead of us…” He stopped immediately when someone knocked on the door.

“Mr. Kieran.”

“Who are you and what do you want?” I asked, belching afterward, before turning my eyes to her; he signaled me to go sit down behind my table.

He figured out that the wine’s effects had started showing.

“Well, we heard of the benefits you’re giving us, the owners of the land close to your water reserve.” He said, adjusting his tie before taking his seat and resting his hand on my table.

“Yes”

“The land isn’t filled with gold; we only heard rumors about it and wanted to find out for ourselves, but since you want the land, we can sell it to you, but that's all expenses; a three-day vacation is vital.” He chuckled softly, crossing his hands while waiting for Kieran’s response.

“How much are you selling the land for?” I watched the look on my husband’s face.

“About one million dollars, give or take. I need the money because it’s going to help me in numerous ways.”

“That parcel of land costs nothing less than three hundred thousand dollars.” I chimed in, wondering why he would call that a huge amount because of the benefits he’d be gaining.

He must have figured out that Kieran is a rich man and can afford to pay one million because it’s for his people. If they start digging that land searching for gold, it’s going to ruin the pathway to their water reserves.

“That price is non-negotiable because if you don’t pay it, your pack is going to lack water. There’s a water pipeline underneath, and it leads to your pack, right?” He really had Kieran at that moment, and letting the seller leave without getting the land is going to be a big problem for him and for the pack at large.

“So you’re using that to your advantage?” I chimed in, not minding the look on his face. He turned to steal a glance at me because I was the only reason why Kieran was still thinking twice about signing the paper.

“One million dollars is nothing compared to your net worth. I did my research, so this is a fair price.”

“You should know that once you leave here with one million dollars, be assured that I’d figure out a way to get it back. Everyone has skeletons in their closet, and I have a thing for finding skeletons.”

“Who’s she?”

“My name’s Lyra  Blackwood, Kieran’s newlywedded wife. You should accord me some respect because I deserve it.” I got up to my feet, trying to walk, but I staggered. I almost lost my balance, but I grabbed the edge of my table.

“I think we should make it half a million; that’s a great pool deal. Your wife is wild.” The moment he cursed me, it felt like I had regained myself and my senses.

“Don’t use that word; I’m going to pay four hundred grand, and that’s the final offer accompanied by the all-expenses-paid three-day vacation in my hotel.” Kieran defended me and bargained just like I wanted.

“Just know that I’ll make the most of this opportunity. Make the payment, and I’d sign off ownership to you.”

“Alright then.” Kieran signed it, followed by the man and his partner, who surprisingly didn’t say a word throughout their conversation.

“That’s all settled. It’s all in there; make good use of it, and trust me on it.”

“Trust is really a giant word, and I don’t use it often.”

“Yeah, you don’t need to because there’s nothing involving trust right here. The land is ours, and you’ve got your payment. I’ll ask the accountant downstairs to get the cash ready for you; pick it up on your way out.”

“What about the cash count? What if it’s incomplete?” He still argued; his words pissed me off even more.

“Just leave already; you have what you wanted.”

“Don’t you dare say a word.” He approached me, raising his hand to hit me, but the next thing I witnessed was his right hand snapping behind his back.

He groaned in pain after hitting the ground, but his partner never said a word. He helped him out of the office while I stood there.

“Are you okay, Lyra?” He embraced me, revealing how tense he was because his heart was racing rapidly.

“He’s lucky I didn’t shoot his hand.”

“There’s no reason to do that. Would you have shot him if you had the gun? ”

“I wouldn’t hesitate to protect you, with a gun, a knife, or whatever. I can even use my belt to do so.” He chuckled before letting my cheeks rest on his palms and then kissing me.

The secretary barged into the office and found us kissing; she felt very scared, thinking we’d get angry at her.

“What do you want?”

“Boss, it looks like the telephone service has been disrupted. I came to tell you that we paid the landowners in full, and the land is all yours.”

“Take this document to Judge Johnson and make sure you tell him about the urgent feedback. It’s important.”

“Aren’t they scared of stealing from you?” I asked him as we both laughed at my question. It was a question, but deep down, he knew how everyone respected and feared him because of his rank and the stories surrounding Kieran  Blackwood.

“Thank you for the assistance.” He continued after she had taken the document and left the office.

“We’re one, remember, but sadly it has an expiration date attached to it.” I kissed his cheeks before gasping the moment he lifted me on his shoulders.

“We’re going shopping.” He was excited about it; he held me with his right arm and opened the door with his other hand.

“But I can walk.” I protested while lying on his right shoulder.

“I don’t want you to walk. Do you have a problem with it?”