Inheritance

Chapter 8

"Hello everyone, sorry to keep you waiting. Shall we get started?" Frank gestured for the folks currently standing in the room to sit down. 

He sounded more confident than usual, as he prepared himself to defend the family business. I would let him do the majority of the talking and simply follow his lead until he missed any crucial points. I began pulling documents from my bag, while Frank did the same.

"Actually, as you all know, Milton Co. will be sold to Kirks & Marsh. We have unanimously agreed that this decision is what is best for the company." My uncle concluded.

"Well, Sasha and I have actually prepared a thorough presentation addressing why we shouldn't rush to such an ill-advised decision-"

"Sorry Frank, but the meeting actually ended five minutes ago. I'm sure everyone is quite busy now and must get back to work." As if on cue from my uncle's words, the board members began to gather their items, adhering to his subliminal message to make scarce of themselves.

"Wait-but we were told that the meeting didn't start until 9am." I remarked, confused by the dubious scene unfolding before me.

"Oh yes. We ended up moving the meeting time, since I have an important appointment to tend to. I guess the information wasn't relayed to you both. What an honest mistake." My uncle released a loud cough, before scratching his head. I looked over at Frank who now bore a defeated expression. 

We both knew that the oversight hadn't been a mere coincidence.

"Anyways, I should get going. You kids should come visit more often." My uncle finished, walking towards the door and pausing momentarily to pat my head before disappearing beyond the four walls.

Once everyone had followed suit and left the room, I stayed behind to discard some of the documents I'd spent hours compiling but that were now rendered useless. It was clear that the company would be sold, and no one was against it, which meant they obviously knew something I didn't. 

Was Milton Co. in trouble?

 I slowly tossed the remaining files back into my bag, drowning myself away in self-pity. After the files had been cleared, I released an exasperated sigh and turned to leave the room, only now detecting the subtle shadow looming over me.

"Nice outfit, really compliments your eyes." Gregory Connor spoke from the back of the room. I must have failed to notice his presence when I initially entered the conference space.

"What do you want and why are you speaking to me?" I impatiently parked my hands on my hips, turning to give him the attention he so desperately desired.

"Listen, Miss Milton. I'm not sure if you've noticed, but I don't need permission to speak, particularly to you. I say and do whatever I want. In fact, most women would be grateful if I simply looked in their direction." Sure the man was handsome for a person in their mid-forties, but that statement was sure to be a stretch.

"Good thing I'm not most women." I retorted. Cocky prick.

"Oh, but I bet you are. Loud and defiant in public, but begging to be fucked like a slut when you're all alone." I nearly choked on air, appalled at the very casual way he spoke to me with such callousness. Recomposing myself, I settled my mouth into a frown.

"Wouldn't you like to know."

"I suppose you're right." His eyes darkened and only then did he allow himself to fully take in my appearance. I became visibly uncomfortable from the way he suggestively stared back at me. My hesitance allowed him to move by the door, intentionally blocking my escape.

"Am I interrupting something?" Kendall's deep voice rippled through the room, effectively causing Gregory to back away from the doorway. 

"Kendall, I was actually just leaving. If you'll just excuse me..." Gregory briskly cleared his throat, then glided past Kendall to exit the room. The way Kendall's presence had caused his previously boastful attitude to shrivel was rather pleasing to watch.

With Kendall's face now holding a lasting glare, I wondered whether he had overheard any of the inappropriate words previously exchanged. Stepping fully into the room, I noticed how he chose to keep the door slightly ajar.

"If you're concerned about the company, I can assure you that Mr. Milton is simply doing what he knows will be in its best interest. I would never do anything to jeopardize a business that feeds families." He finally spoke, once ensuring that Gregory was no longer within hearing range.

I found myself struggling to believe his dense words, despite sensing the sincerity behind them. No matter how he put it, he was still buying out my uncle's company, which made him no different from any other greedy business man.

"And you know this how?" I snapped. 

His face softened for a brief moment before it returned to its hardened disposition. He studied my guarded demeanor, his clouded eyes glossing over my face before the rest of my body. The ends of his lips curved upwards, as he released a curt chuckle.

"It must be hard." He concluded.

"What is?" I questioned.

"Pretending." He paused momentarily, then continued. "Pretending to be such a perfect fucking butterfly when deep down inside you know that you are just like everyone else and all you want is to be set free. A perfect, privileged princess. You don't know shit about life."

I stood there speechless. Somehow, his piercing words had infuriated me beyond control because he knew nothing about me. I hated how his assumptions alone had the ability to make me so angry. 

It was truly unfair of him to judge who I was based on the lifestyle I was afforded today. Besides, how was he any different?

"I have no idea what you're talking about. But I hope you know that I'm far from what I appear to be on the surface." I asserted, feeling proud of myself for convincingly holding my ground against the intimidating man. 

Leaning up against the wall, he folded his defined arms across his chest once again. He disregarded my words, proceeding to interrogate me in his deep, rich tone.

"Tell me, then. Who are you, Sasha Milton?" 

The room filled with silence and tension, as I struggled to form a coherent response to his simple question. The truth was, I was still trying to figure that part out myself. With one last daunting stare, he turned on his perfectly polished heels, and left the room. Leaving me alone once again to process my disordered thoughts. 

~~~

Do y'all like Kendall? Be honest lol

Remember this is a slow burner and only gets better with time!

~Chelly😘😘