章 49: Chapter 49 - Control

"Sorry, I am just following the terms we signed on. I am going to have to ask you to leave now."

I wasn't even angry. I was more annoyed than anything else. I guess I expected more from her. Sure it was a traumatic experience but thats all the dirt she could find? Not that my family had anything to hide but rather she defined that as a gotcha moment?

Sol eyes told me everything I needed to know. Her face an open book to her inner thoughts. What was most interesting was that she did not even know why she did what she did. She seemed shocked at her own actions, angry at herself for ruining her own work, and also a look of pity. Though who she pitied was the million dollar question.

"I am really sorry. Please let us do a do over, I will only ask the questions we discussed beforehand." She pleaded again gripping her work badge tightly, her tan fingers turned white from how hard she was gripping, but I would not budge.

I looked over at Zhavia who then directed everyone out. Though I made sure to have the last word. "I am not planning to heed to someones mistake. Take responsibility for your own actions."

I did not bother to look at anyones reaction. After hearing the door shut, I turned around to affirm that everyone left the room, then I slumped into my office chair. 'So irritating.' Though Sol did not find anything crazy, that particular incident was a hated core memory of mine.

As it was I was not super keen on being in the public eye. I even petitioned to my family to not have anyone know my identity but by then people already knew who I was. My spending habits also made me notorious.

It was the first time someone retaliated against my family directly. Despite how by the rules my family has ran our businesses, there was bound to be individuals who did not like us. One of the main arguments is the pool of income. 'How can one family be in control of that much money and have major power in various aspects in society.' The distribution of power was the main problem.

Deans family also faced similar critiques. But when my father pulled out his investments, he anticipated some type of anger but not directed at me.

That day was awful. The feeling of your throat closing up and no air coming in scared me. Alarm bells were running in my head as I raced to the nurses office. I tripped and fell on the floor just before reaching the office. My face and eyes had swollen up and my tongue felt large in my mouth. I could not even see who took me to the office.

Felix stayed with me and even went to the hospital with me to not leave me alone until my parents arrived. It scared my whole family straight. When I was little I carried my Epipen in my bag but because caffeine was not super accessible unlike nuts or other food related allergies I felt comfortable to leave it in the nurses office.

I was usually very careful of my foods and drinks so I never anticipated needing it. Since then I usually carry it with me.

To say my dad was furious is not even a good descriptor of his reaction. He is normally a very relaxed even tempered man but he yelled so loud at everyone out of anger. His face even matched his hair, a vibrant red. I would argue that since that incident my parents were even more helicopter parents. They hovered and fretted at not being able to protect me. Especially since I was just collateral at their decisions.

When I was stable my parents were already working with the family lawyers to ensure I got justice and ensure the kid was drained of everything. But I decided to work a deal instead. It ended fine and those involved had moved on.

'Did Felix tell her? How did she even know about that? Did someone else tell her?' Doubts floated in my head at who wanted to see me suffer. I never bullied people in school so I was unsure of how I made an enemy. Or maybe I was not as kind as I thought and remembered myself to be.

'Whatever is the case I also need to warn Dean about it.' He was the only one who was actually booked in because he was a suspect but also because of how badly he hurt the guy who did it.

With the exhibition going on I did not want the focus to be drawn to that. I sent him a text to meet in person to discuss it and also informed my legal team to contact the magazine company to ensure no part of the interview is released as well as informing them of the breach of contract.

"These past couple of days have been hectic." And I anticipated the next few months would be the same. The familiar buzz from my phone indicated that a text came in and I was sure it was Dean. But to my surprise it was from Dante. He sent me his flight information which let me know that within the next week he would be arriving.

We have texted briefly going over itinerary details and things he would like to do during his visit. He mainly booked everything himself and would just send updated documents and details for me to be informed of his stay.

Initially he planned to stay at a hotel but I guess his family has a home in the city which he will stay at instead. When I looked it up it was a really nice classic penthouse. I offered to meet him at the airport but he insisted that he picks me up instead.

"I want to do things normally. As much as I appreciate the offer I have a few surprises I want to share once we have dinner."

Felix was never like that. Though I did not mind meeting him halfway for things, it felt nice having someone just ensure your wants and needs are met.

I was nervous but a small part of my heart felt excited to meet him. Maybe he was who I was waiting on.