Inheritance

Chapter 3

"Wait! Would you mind if I accompanied you? There's actually someone I've been trying to avoid."He pleaded, while lowering his voice and turning his head to span the entirety of the hall.

"Oh Frank, let me guess. Another one of your failed one night stands? When are you finally going to admit that you're gay, so we can all move on with our lives. Don't worry, I'll still love you. Can't say the same about daddy Milton, though." I teased, but immediately felt bad when I noticed his eyebrows quirk inward.

Frank was an attractive man. Tall, dark-skinned, and bald with a freshly-lined beard. He always wore well-fitted, designer suits, ranging from deep blue to a vibrant yellow. He was thirty, which made him four years my senior. Although he wasn't the most masculine person on the planet, his money, power, and decent looks granted him unlimited access to most women of his choosing. 

Yet, I wasn't quite sure it was women he in fact desired. Regardless of the fact, he was the one and only son of Darrell Milton, which meant he wasn't afforded the luxury of choosing love. No, he had a strict image and namesake to uphold. I knew all too well that Frank would likely end up marrying whoever my uncle had lined up for him.

"Haha, very funny, Sasha. But, if I'm not mistaken, based on the latest gossip headlines, that's actually what I should be saying to you." He spat back, his eyes gleaming as he awaited my rebuttal.

Before I could spew out another one of my quick-witted responses, I felt a palpable shift in the venue's atmosphere. People in our vicinity gradually silenced their conversations to observe the arrival of a new presence. The unfamiliar energy was laced with pure dominance and authority, causing me to turn my head to inquire who, apart from my uncle, could command such attention. 

To my surprise, I was met with the dashing image of a grudgingly handsome man. Chiseled jawline, sleek button nose, plush pink lips, and sun-kissed skin. His brooding obsidian eyes complimented the dark, perfectly trimmed hair lined on his chin and atop his head. Judging by the generous size of his scowl, the man was in a strikingly unpleasant mood, which did nothing to take away from his very attractive looks. 

Observing him a while longer, I could see that he was rather athletic and lean, towering over my 5'9 stature. Quite impressively, given that I was wearing heels. I watched as he bypassed curious onlookers and approached the dessert table. Crowds uniformly parted to allow him through. 

Slowly and methodically, he maintained his pace, never showing a hint of anxiety at the many eyes bestowed upon him. Every inch of him exuded power, confidence, and sex appeal. His eyes relentlessly scouted the room, moving across time and space until they graciously landed on mine. His gaze left as quickly as it came, but returned once more as if he recognized something. 

My breath hitched when the intensity of his stare etched itself onto my skin. 

"Frank, do you know who that is?" I gestured my hand in the man's direction, once he had turned away. Met with silence, I turned towards Frank who was now engaged in a conversation with the one person, who only hours ago, I had almost read for filth on national television.

There he was. Gregory Connor. 

The man I had written numerous demoralizing pieces on. I had never actually seen him in person and, now that he was standing in front of me, I found myself growing a little less assertive and shrinking my ego to adjust to his intimidating posture. Truth be told, Google images did him serious justice. 

"Miss Milton." A rough voice snapped me out of my thoughts and the middle-aged man appeared before me.

"Mr. Connor. I'm so glad you could make it." I faked a smile to mask my spitefulness. 

Noticing the surrounding crowd of cameramen, who were no doubt counting dollar signs at the numerous ways this interaction could end, I extended a freshly manicured hand towards him. Almost immediately, he gripped my hand with a strong and unsuspecting force. 

His wide frame engulfed my entire view, as he parted his arms for what appeared to be the initiation of a hug. Rather than await my reaction, he pulled me in closer and slid his fingers down my spine until they landed on the small of my back, latching on firmly.

"Wh-what are you doing?" I let out, but not before releasing a moderate gasp, which landed a smirk across his rounded face.

"I hear you've had some grievances to express on my behalf. You should know that nothing in this city gets by without my knowledge." He teased, as an unwanted kiss landed on my cheek. 

"Ahem... I have no idea what you're talking about, Mr. Connor." I replied, despite my growing discomfort.

"Let's cut the bullshit, shall we?" He emitted a loud rumble and retracted back, slipping a white piece of paper between my finger tips before finally walking away.

Staring down at my hand, I quickly unfolded the crisp paper.

Don't make me an enemy. It won't end well for you. -GC

~~~

I know this chapter was a bit slow, but I just wanted to provide readers with brief context.

Who's ready for the next chapter?👀👀

Please vote/comment if you enjoyed this chapter. I truly appreciate any engagement!

--Chelly😘😘