CHAPTER 10

Genevive Tessa Robert

`I didn't mean to disrespect her, mom. I am just reminding her of her place in the family. She might be the elder one, but I am the one who remained and stood by you and Dad.` James replied, gaining the approval of other people on the table apart from my parents.

I breathed hard, trying to suppress the anger rising up. I am carrying a child. I don't need this kind of negative feeling, but somebody needs to put James in his place. Thankfully, Dad came to the rescue.

Dad raised his right hand, silencing everyone. `James, you`re right, but do I need to remind you about your failure as the company's head of operations? Your exorbitant parties that sucked our profits? The investments you made that made us lose investors and shareholders? If I hadn't sent you that seminar, maybe we would be sleeping on the streets at the moment.`

James stuttered, `But, Dad, I apologised for the mistakes and went to the seminar because it was the right thing to do. Also, I don't know why you`re shading me in front of everyone, especially Evie; it's not as if she did you guys right!

`Just shut up,` Dad growled, pointing his finger at him. `You would respect Tessa if you wanted to remain in this house, and for your information, I know your mom promised you a token if you stayed in the seminar. Well, I'm sorry to disappoint you, but it was a trick!`

I chuckled, not caring about the pain visible in James`s eyes. It served him right. He always thought he could get things his way because he was the last child and the only son of the family.

I stood up, smiling, and said, `Thank you, Dad, for the backup, and I also want to add one more thing for James's advantage: I am expecting a baby by September. No, I won't be revealing the paternity of the child, and I won't be answering any questions concerning my divorce.` 

James whistled, `Congratulations, sis. I knew something was up when you rejected the wine. I promise to be a good uncle and stay within my limits. Also, avoid getting on Dad's toes.`

Everyone laughed as I settled back. I wanted to retire to the room since Vera had decided not to show up, but I thought against it. The dining table was livelier after James apologised and started his seminar adventures. 

An hour later, the last couple left, leaving James and me to deal with the kitchen chores. I knew I needed to talk to him about working with the family company. Yes, I was pregnant, but it wasn't a bad thing to do part-time activities before I took a break.

`So,` I started, watching his facial expression. `I was wondering if you could speak to mom and dad on my behalf. You know it's pretty boring to stay alone in this massive house while everyone is at work or doing some activity. I know you might not want to help me because of tonight and other times, but I am really sorry.`

He laughed, arranging the plates on the rack. `You`re beating around the bush, Evie. What do you want? A job or tickets to the movie theatre?`

`Very funny, James.' I laughed. `I want a job and not just anyone, something that makes me take decisions and seal deals.`

He hummed, watching me closely. `Why do I have a bad feeling about this request? Are you planning on ruining somebody?` 

Gosh! I knew I should have rehearsed my words before dropping them. Now, James is suspicious. It wasn't like I didn't want James to know the plans I had for Kyle and his family, but I needed to be sure they would work before letting anyone know. Also, my dad would disagree if he got to know that I was plotting against Kyle. He would prefer to do it his own way.

I had to think fast before I planted a seed of doubt in James`s mind.

`Well, let's just say, I want to be busy before Robert junior comes in. It will also be exciting to get on your nerves and suffocate you with my wins.`

`Right, Evie. I know you`re up to something, but I won't pry yet. I will talk to our parents, but I am not sure they will want you to work full time, so whatever decision they take, please accept it.` 

I grinned, hugging him, `Thank you, James. You`re the best junior brother ever, and I love you so much!`

He shrugged. `I love you too, but don`t think of suffocating me with your wins because I am the genius here and you`re the talker!`

I nudged him lightly, `You haven't stopped this annoying bragging! Anyway, I might be the talker, but I do know how to make you give up.`

`Of course, Evie. I am off to bed. I have a late morning meeting to attend and a golf match to settle with a friend. Goodnight, sis.` he winked, giving me a brief squeeze.

Maybe I should have told him about my plan, but knowing James, he would want to know every detail about the marriage and the divorce. I wasn't ready to start reliving the experiences I passed through, nor was I ready for James`s cold judgement.

My phone buzzed. It was Vera. About time, she called.

`Hello, babes. I am sorry I missed your family dinner. After the delivery of the work, I got a call from my folks, and I had to drive to their place to resolve a drama. I just returned a few minutes ago. I am so sorry,` she breathed rapidly.

`It's alright, dear. I hope it wasn't a serious drama?` I asked, settling on my bed.

Vera chuckled. `It wasn`t. They had a misunderstanding with their neighbours and called the cops to arrest them, but plot twist: my folks were found guilty, and what should have been settled with an apology turned into an arrest. I had to spend an hour and a half trying to convince the cops that my folks were good people and not troublemakers. It was really hilarious and annoying.

I chuckled softly, imagining how Vera would have been soothing the cops while firing cold glares at her nice, stubborn parents. I had met them a few times, and they always had the best advice to give, even when it was unsolicited.

`Sorry, babes. I am sorry your parents had to go through that process. What was the misunderstanding though?`

She sighed, `Their rose garden! Their neighbour just plucked one and left a dollar bill as compensation, but I trust my parents to see it as an insult. Then, they accused their neighbour of destroying the patterns they used in growing the roses. I was shocked, Tessa!`

I chuckled harder. Her parents were the greatest comedians. Who calls the cops because of a rose plant that was paid for? 

`I am sorry, babes. You know how your parents can be. They`re sensitive, especially when it comes to their rose garden. I am glad you saved them from cell, though.`

`I am glad I did. Enough about them; how was dinner? I hope James didn't give you much trouble,` she asked.

`He did, but Dad came to my rescue. He also promised to change immediately. I announced I was expecting a Robert Junior.`

`Nice. You should check the gender of your baby, though, so that we can start getting ready. I personally hope it's a junior, Tessa.`

I giggled. I had played with the idea of checking the gender after four months, and after speaking to mom, I felt it was a good idea. 

I replied, `Alright, I would check it. I also spoke to James about the job, and he promised to speak with Dad. 

She hummed, `Good girl. Once you check it, inform me immediately so that I can start shopping! About the job, I still feel you should have told your parents yourself. You`re the older one, not him, and they value your opinions more.`

I sighed. She won't understand why I decided to let James do the talking. `I am a bit tired, babes. We will talk better tomorrow, okay?`

She sighed, saying good night and cutting the call.

I might be older, but James was the decision-maker when it came to the family business. I used to be, but after I abandoned my folks for Kyle, things changed. Vera was right about me telling my parents myself, but based on previous experiences, James was good at getting them to say yes to his requests, while when it came to me, they would ask questions, do research, and ensure the requests were profitable.

As I closed my eyes, my thoughts wandered to Kyle and his family. It would be a great shock when they discovered I had been accepted back into the Robert family.