Strings

Chapter 28

"Because Miss Marshall; The Fawkes are entirely your problem alone; all we're offering is a saving grace to your bad decisions." Everyone turns to me, and I surprise myself for being the one to speak up.

"Avery wha-"

"And we as the Knight Enterprises do not care to interfere with matters regarding The English mob and other such issues that do not concern us; for as it has been mentioned beforehand, we've already taken care of most of your doings and refuse any further involvement in the business."

"okay seriously A, Shut the fu-"

"Our business with Marshall & Co. will be limited in buying out your shares; what you choose to do with the bonds thus obtained is your responsibility alone, and the Knight Enterprises will absolutely not be getting involved in any of your other troubles; least of all in your underhanded deals Miss." I finish.

"And please" I find myself adding "Respect the decorum of this conference" I end with finality in my tone.

My dad looks at me. Actually looks at me; for the first time since we walked in. Do I sense a little pride in the glint? I don't know; as I shrug away the thought.

Another pause trifles around the room. They're connecting the dots Mr. Wyatt and my dad. They're going to figure out what this means.

"Absolutely not." Mr. Carter says exasperatedly, under his breath.

"Yes." Sam counter-adds gleefully.

"Both daughters of mine hold a 25% share each in the company. Avery's share remain intact and to her name as Mrs. Knight and Olivia's 25% will be sold to the Knight Enterprises under the guarantee of Mr. Knight; am I following this right?" Dad speaks out slowly, as if just coming to the conclusion.

Hayden nods; and all color drains from my father's face as he stares at Mr. Carter helplessly who looks like he'll throw up any second now. Olivia is still clueless to what this means, just glancing at one face from another, trying to make the heads from tails of the situation.

"It cannot be" my father mutters under his breath and I feel sorry for him; but he should have thought of this before he decided to never reprimand Olivia for anything ever.

"This means that Knight Enterprises will be holding shares worth 50% of Marshall & Co. and thus being equal owners entitling themselves to seats in the Board of Directors and the Board of Trustees." Sam draws up the conclusion for them as they still look pretty much in shock.

Olivia's jaw drops as she finally understands what this means.

Not only has she just been essentially kicked out of the company; Hayden and I will be 50% shareholders for Marshall & Co. Making every decision, every deal, every inner workings of the company to operate via us as the Majority share-holder.

My father pales all over and I decide to speak up for his sake.

"If I were you, father" I force myself to say as he looks at me with shock and bewilderment.

"I would take this deal. You know just as well as we do that nobody in the market can possibly afford to buy out Olivia's shares; Knight Enterprises here are generously ready to take the risk; besides-" I clear my throat;

"You can be assured that the 50% of your company's share is in very able and secure hands and most of all; The shares thus released; will remain with family; family you can trust." I speak, my voice quivering.

Despite trying my best not to appear weak, I look at my father straight in his eyes.

Trust me, dad. Just this once. I will never ever betray you. I will never ever do to you what Olivia has done; just please give me this chance. Trust me.

I find myself pleading with him internally.

Dad looks as if in some sort of daze; and leans across the table, seeking my hand. My eyes water at the gesture. He's reaching out to me. He just holds my hand, looking at my face, Searching for something; I don't know what; he opens my palm and stares at the deep purple scab from when I was attacked by The Fawkes and the lady had dug her pencil heels into my palm. Hayden must have told him about the attack.

I didn't want him to see it. I know he won't be able to sustain the guilt and the knowledge of the responsibility being his; so I just close my palm over his and give three gentle squeezes to his hand; almost wincing at the way it hurt.

I love you. Our secret signal.

Tears well in his eyes, and I don't even bother to look at the rest of the people present here in the room. He clears his throat and retreats back as if just awoken from a deep slumber with a bucket of cold water; but I find myself unable to move; not breaking away from his gaze.

He leans back as he looks at me and smiles, almost looking proud? A huge lump gets lodged in my throat as I brace myself as father clears his throat again ready to speak.

"Where do we have to sign?"

*****

PHEW! Another heavy chapter!!
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Xxxx