What's Mine...

Chapter 18

What's Mine.

Lyla Atelo

"I'm one of the solicitors for the Oakwood Corporations, you can call me Taylor Ranch." Sage's butler/driver stepped forward and brought stretched out his hand. "You have a nice home."

I wondered if Michael recognised him from that night as the man who drove my car back to the house. Stealing a glance at Michael's face, I could tell he couldn't recognise the elderly man. Three other men stood behind Mr. Taylor in well tailored suits. I squinted my eyes and tried to look behind to see... if he had come.

"Come inside, please." Michael's voice was pleasant as we stepped out of the way to allow them to enter.

When we were all settled into the living room, Michael was the first to strike a conversation.

"Well, Mr. Taylor... I'm extremely honoured to be graced by your presence. To be honest, I was still— I still am— dazed by the news that I am the only person selected to have my company invested in by your boss."

Maybe it was a trick of the sunlight, but Taylor seemed to grimace after Michael had stated that.

"Well... Before we go into such a serious business, can we have dinner while discussing? Fill our bellies while—" Michael nudged me and sent me a warning glance.

I could tell that it meant I should behave myself. I cleared my throat in apology and plastered back my fake smile. If he wanted me to play the obedient, I might as well do that. I wouldn't like it if he accused me of being the reason why his business partners disrespect him.

"My apologies," He began to clear the air. "My wife and I spent all day preparing dinner and she just can't wait for you all to taste what we have for you. We can talk business and eat later. I'm a man who values my company and—"

"All that won't be necessary, Mr. Atelo." Taylor began, shifting forward in his seat. "We have all evening to talk about the contracts and everything. Mrs. Atelo," Taylor turned to me with an easy smile, "We will take your offer to have dinner while we discuss."

After grunts, we all proceeded to the dinning table where I proceeded to dish out the different kinds of meals I prepared.

"Er erm..." Taylor cleared his throat while signalling to one of his partners who produced a thick booklet. "Mr. Atelo... About the contract and investments in your company. You can go through this document and tell us what you like or don't like."

If someone's eyes could shine as bright as the sun, Michael's eyes did that. One look at him and you could easily tell that he was floating in the ninth heavens.

He stretched out his hand and collected the document. "I don't need to read through anything, I will just sign it. I trust in your company. I believe..."

"Are you sure, Mr. Atelo? You might want to read through that contract." Mr. Taylor said a little too sweetly. It was then I began to worry.

I wanted to kick Michael's leg under the table, but it wasn't going to bode well for him. If Mr. Taylor was here to do something concerning my husband, he was likely sent by Sage. And Sage... I didn't know what was on his mind. He was cold, hard and unreadable. What did he want to do to Michael? Why were they suddenly interested in the company?

"Mr. Taylor..." I cleared my throat, ignoring the pointed stare that Michael gave me. "What made my husband stand out? Why was he graced with this contract?"

Mr. Taylor smiled lightly. "Actually, your husband got granted this opportunity because of you. In all the women that were in attendance, you were the only woman who showed a lot of elegance and grace. You embodied what it meant to be a wife and a mother. That's the reason why."

Oh really? I eyed Mr. Taylor who winked at me. Winked? Have I gone blind?

"Here it is, Mr. Taylor. I have signed on all places that needed to be signed." Michael stretched the document across the table towards Mr. Taylor.

Mr. Taylor collected it, flipping through the pages while nodding in contentment. He gave the document to his nearest companion.

"Make sure you give Mr. Atelo his copy of the contract."

The man nodded and pushed his seat away from the table, disappearing out of the house and reappearing after five minutes to deliver the documents to Michael.

Michael happily collected it. By this time, Mr. Taylor and his partners were done with their meal when they stood up. Michael stood up as well, stretching his hand out for a handshake.

"It's really nice doing business with your company."

Mr. Taylor laughed heartily. "Thank you, Mr. Atelo. The workmen will be there at 8am to demolish the building. Once everything is done, two million dollars will be transferred to your account."

There was a pindrop silence in the room. My entire body went still.

Demolish?

"Demolish?" Michael was more dumbfounded than the rest of us.

"Yes, Mr. Atelo. We will be demolishing your building and destroying everything as stated in that contract, in return, you will be compensated with two million dollars." Mr. Taylor pushed his spectacles over the bridge of his nose. "I had asked you to read it over and over again, but you weren't listening."

"B...but... You said you were going to invest in the company over the phone. You said—"

"We said that because your wife stood out during dinner last night. But, after reviewing our security footage, we found that it was you who had an uncouth behaviour. Not only that, we dug deeper into your company and we realized that you mismanage a lot of funds. Your company was already on the brink of collapsing, we are just completing it for you. You should be happy... Two million dollars is a great sum of money... And my boss did that for the sake of your wife. He wishes you the best of luck."

With that, they were out of the house. An hour later and Michael had not moved from where he stood, clutching the document in his hands. Cold sweat poured from his forehead. He was still shocked.

It was at that moment that my phone pinged with a message from an unsaved number.

"No One Will Hurt What's Mine And Go Scott Free! Not Even Michael Atelo."