Strings

Chapter 27

The six of us stand there in all our power. Each of our faces bearing a different expression anticipating over the turn of events soon to take place, only Hayden looks completely at ease; like the ocean before a storm.

Sam is the one to break the silence.

"Guests. Please be seated" he remarks and I can't help but admire at his transition to professionalism from playfulness.

Hayden sits down first, just assessing the three people sitting across from him, not saying a single word as his lethal glare is fixed at the people across from him.

Mr. Carter speaks first.

"I would just like to take the time to thank Mr. Knight for taking time out to sit with us. I am aware of how busy you are and we appreciate-"

"To the point, Mr. Carter, if you know what's best for yourself." Sam interrupts him.

That shuts his feeble attempt to impress Hayden real quick.

"Very well." My dad begins, still avoiding looking at me; his gaze fixed on Hayden.

"As agreed upon the-" he clears his throat "the arrangement made with the Fawkes; upon which we agreed to return the entire sum of money borrowed from their organization under the name of Avery Marshall-" I look at my dad and then at Olivia. Who's currently staring at the back of her hand, admiring her latest nail-do; not a least bit concerned about the mess she has created.

Was this really the same sister whom I once admired so much? Because when I look at her now all I see is expensive and exorbitant attempts to conceal the shallowness of her being.

"-we see it only befitting, that shares once secured under the guarantee of Miss. Avery Marshall be sold to obtain the money to pay back the Fawkes." Mr. Carter continues.

My breath hitches and Sam and I exchange glances. I can't believe this. Father is selling me out again. My heart breaks a little more. I didn't think that was possible. I don't ask for justice, sympathy, love or anything anymore. All I ask is it be treated fairly. Why was that so impossible a demand from my own family?

"No." Hayden's icy voice stops whatever Mr. Carter was saying next. Hayden offers no justification, no explanations; just his verdict. No.

"No?" my father asks.

Hayden doesn't respond back again. Only raises an eyebrow as if amused at who it was who dared themselves to question his dictum. His authority.

"Mr. Knight, surely you understand why it is necessary to sell the shares to a third party, to obtain the money required; one from whom Marshall & Co. can hope to retrieve and buy back the designated shares in the near future.

Help me understand why you'd oppose the notion when The alternative would be to sell the shares to The Fawkes themselves, the implications of which I am sure you understand; for I wouldn't want to belittle your expanse in the subject by explaining the scheme of international money laundering."

I hold back a scoff. Mr. Carter had some nerve, trying to get under Hayden like that. I hope for mercy, for Mr. Carter's sake. Even Sam had gone rigid at his tone and was about to fire back and was only held down by a simple inconspicuous gesture of Hayden's directed at him. He wanted to hunt all by himself. Wyatt had become his prey. In fact, I am willing to bet that Hayden would quite enjoy this as he narrows his eyes at the man, foolish enough to go up against Hayden.

"I am well aware of the implications; Mr. Carter." he pauses, a slow, delicious, lethal pause. "Regardless of how it may seem." he smirks and continues.

Even Olivia was looking up at Hayden now, at the edge of her seat; not bothering to conceal her attraction towards Hayden. It made me sick. She was always attracted to power and destruction and I was always the one to run away at the first sight of it. It's funny how tables have turned in our odds.

"Shares will be sold of Marshall & Co. that are under the name of the lovely Miss. Marshall, quite alright. "

Wha-

My head snaps at him. I notice Sam staring at him, appalled as well. Olivia has a dirty smirk plastered on her face and my father seems to take a breath for the first time since he walked into the conference room.

He can't be serious. He just refused the proposition. There's no way he'll throw me under the bus so why is he saying these things?

"But it would be the highest level of absurdity, if you walked into my headquarters with the expectation of selling the shares of my beautiful wife, Mrs. Knight."

HI GUYS! HOW ARE Y'ALL DOING?

SUPERRRR important chapter with a lot more progress!
Is it just me or has this been going super fast-paced lately?
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