CHAPTER SEVEN

~LEONARD

Driving into this compound made the hairs on my body stand, sharpening every instinct in me.

We may share the same name, but these people are wolves in sheep's clothing. I would rather walk into a den of wolves.

Whatever that old geezer had to say, he better be quick. They may have wanted Adrian to take the position, but my achievements were making that increasingly difficult.

I stepped out of my car, and scanned the building one last time as I adjusted my cufflinks, before walking towards the entrance.

I walked straight to the dining area. It was called a dinner meeting but there wasn't actually going to be much eating.

Just green snakes lying in the green grass to jump on anyone who lets his or her guard down.

As punctual as I am, I could not beat Grandpa, Leonhart Montgomery, to any event. He sat at the head of the table with his low gaze that could have probably seen me from the entrance.

I didn't greet him as usual and I sat on the other end of the table. If he was King of the jungle, I was the predator creating tunnels right under him.

“You were the last person I expected to see today. You really want this position?” His aged but authoritative voice grated on my ears.

“And you really want to die with it.” I responded, still watching him.

He immediately chuckled.

“You know, I would never say this, but speaking with you is the only fun I have going on.” He drank from his bottle of water.

“And that's supposed to make me happy, why?”

“I don't care how it makes you feel. I just hope you know how to use that tongue when I'm not its opponent.”

My eyes lingered on him for a while. I never understood him, he never gave his own sons the opportunity to get the company, but he was enjoying having his grandsons go head to head.

My dad struggled to build the Marine division, but they never gave him what he wanted, Grandpa's approval. Not even at his funeral.

I didn't want his approval. To hell with it. I only wanted to find out what happened to my dad that night, and I intended to find out.

Laughter echoed behind me. Adrian and our cousin, Francesca had arrived, displaying a united front while biting themselves at the back. At least one of them was.

“Hey Grandpa.” Francesca announced, a devious smile plastered on her face. Then turned to me. “Hello, Leo.”

“Hello Grandpa.” Adrian simply said. He didn't spare me a glance. Not like I cared, he was a spoiled child.

“Welcome, where is your father, Adrian?” Grandpa asked, looking straight at him.

“H-he is on his way. Should I call him?” Adrian said, his voice slightly shaking as he struggled to keep a straight face.

And this was the man of the company. Can they be done already?

“Sorry, I'm late. Business. Hello dad. Francesca. Son.” Adrian's father, Alfred, finally showed up running in.

Leonhart would have started this meeting already, but he waited. I can't wait to hear what he wants to say.

“It's time I decided who is worthy of the Group.” Leonhart said and suddenly the dining area grew with enthusiasm.

“There is really no need to drag this out. Everyone knows I'm next in line.” Adrian said, drawing strength from the presence of Alfred.

“Indeed,” Francesca said, still with that stupid smile. “There is a difference between being next in line and,” she looked towards me, “fighting for it.”

“Exactly Francesca. And Adrian, what makes you think you're qualified?” Leonhart asked him.

“I'm the obvious choice. I've been groomed for this position my entire life. I've managed several divisions under my father's supervision, and the company's profits have increased every year.” Adrian answered.

“And you, Leonard?” I stared at him as he called my name.

“Leonhart,” I started and everyone looked at me like I was insane. “I don't think I need to answer that question. I started a whole division on my own. From my father's groundworks. I don't think I need to fight for this.”

“Leonhart? Don't you have respect for your elders?!” Alfred said, his voice rising with each word.

“Alfred, keep it down.” Leonhart said, motioning him to calm down. “You are confident. I must say, it's not an easy feat, but that doesn't make you qualified.”

“What exactly are your qualification? The highest amount of betrayal? The best liar?”

Leonhart began laughing at my words.

“You always have a way to make me laugh. If you keep touching old wounds, they won't heal.”

“I haven't found the right medication. And trust me, when I do. It won't be a clean treatment.” I said, looking at him, dead in the eyes.

Alfred scoffed, Francesca drank her wine and Adrian leaned on his chair, eyes focused on Leonhart.

“Can we forget the man with Daddy issues and carry on the discussion?” Adrian asked.

I curled my hand into a fist. Oh, I would love him to say that to my face.

“Thank you Adrian. As I was saying, I won't use your past to judge you. But from here on out, I don't need more scandals to my name.” Leonhart continued.

“Yes, please respect each other's wives. We are a respectable family.” Francesca chimed in, obviously trying to aim at me.

“Women of the family should also learn to close deals with mouths and actions, not their pussy.” I retorted, sitting straight as I was losing my patience.

“How dare-”

“Enough! Francesca, never interrupt me again. And you Leonard, never speak that way about your sister again.” Leonhart shouted.

Sister my ass. She was the family slut, a snake. I would kill her first if given the opportunity.

“The next president of Montgomery Holdings will not be chosen by blood.” The entire table froze.

That was the fairest thing I had heard all my life. If it was by blood, I stood no chance, Adrian was next.

“It would be evaluated by merit.” Leonhart ended.