Chapter 7 Disowned

He sat on the chair across from her and looked into her deep blue eyes while asking his questions. “How old are you?” “24. You?” “26. What’s your favorite color?” “Purple. Yours? “Blue. Favorite thing to do in your pastime?” “Read. Give me something more complex. You?” “Playing golf like an old ass man with my buddies or going to one of the private rooms at the lounge nearby.” “Interesting. How long have you been in business?” “Since I was 19. How about you?” “Same. At the time, my dad told me that I would take over Jackson Industries. It’s the one thing I wanted more than anything. For 2 years, it was mine, until Brigette forced her way into the company. After that, it felt like a competition with her. We’re sisters, well half-sisters, but sisters nonetheless. It’s hard not to fight or be in competition with your sister and we’ve been at each other’s throats all our lives. I always got the short end of the stick. Anyway, how has work been for you? “Well, I only have a younger brother. He’s 14 now, but he doesn’t show any interest in taking over the family business. I’ve only known business. When my dad trusted me enough to carry on the legacy, he inaugurated me as President. It’s the only job I’ve really known, but I don’t mind carrying on the legacy. “Must be lonely to have this big ass company and no one to share it with.” “No, it’s my place. Where I belong.” She hit the nail on the head. It’s lonely as hell, but I’ve exposed enough of my emotions to her and this definitely wouldn’t be another one. “Derreck, I should thank you properly for your help and kindness. How about a meal? We can head to lunch.” “Hm. I have a big appetite.” “No matter, we can go wherever you’d like” Derreck thought for a moment before mentioning the restaurant that he seldom enjoys. He stood up before her and looked at her. As she looked at the man in front of her, she was at ease. She felt really comfortable around him, safe. She stood up, grabbed her things and walked towards the door with Derreck not too far behind. As they approached the door, he grabbed the handle and opened it for her. They walked to the elevator that was exclusive to the CEO and descended to the parking structure. When they got to the parking structure, they headed towards the deep blue Mercedes that they arrived in. Derreck opened Leah’s door and helped her inside; once inside, he walked to the driver’s side and got in. Once they were situated, he started the car and headed towards the restaurant. The drive only took 10 minutes; once they arrived, Derreck parked the car and got out. Before Leah could grab the handle, her door swung open. “Allow me.” “Thank you Derreck.” The pair walked inside of Porterhaus. “Hello, welcome to Porterhaus. How many?” “2 please.” “Right this way sir.” “Here are your menus. Your waitress is Amber and she’ll be with you shortly. Enjoy your meal.” “Thank you.” Leah placed her purse on the chair beside her as she sat across from Derreck. She gazed around the building soaking it in. I come from a nice background, but I’ve never been here before. The floors are made of marbled tile with chandeliers lighting the place. There are candles on the tables, but they look more for a nightly atmosphere. It’s the size of a grand ballroom! The chairs are actually more like miniature sofas, so they’re not your typical chairs. She decided to speak up at Derreck. “This place is beautiful.” Like you. “Have you never been?” “No. We don’t really come around your parts Derreck.” “Hello, my name is Amber and I’ll be taking care of you today, what would you like to drink today?” “Water and a glass of red wine please.” “Yes ma’am and for you sir?” “A glass of water please.” “Of course. Would you like anything to start off with?” “Derreck?” “Can we get the shrimp and steak bites please?” “Right away sir. I’ll be back with your drinks.” “Thank you.” “Since we’re away from peering eyes and cameras, did you want to know about the ring?” “Ring?” “Mhm. I noticed you looking at it while we were in the car last night.” “You don’t have to talk about anything you don’t want to talk about.” “I appreciate your consideration Derreck, but it’s something I have to talk about. Where should I start?” “The beginning?” She let out a hearty chuckle. “We’d be here all day if I started that long ago. I’ll start from recent and lead us up to yesterday. Deal?” He gave a small nod and Leah began to speak about her life with Jason. Before she started the waitress came over. “I apologize for the delay. Here are your drinks and your starter. Have you decided on what you would like for your main course?” “Derreck?” “Ladies first.” “I’ll have the filet mignon with roasted brussels sprouts and sweet potato mash.” “How would you like that cooked?” “Medium well please.” “Of course. For you sir?” “I’ll have the Tomahawk, medium well with broccoli and a baked potato.” “Perfect. I’ll take your menus and your food will be out soon.” “Thank you.” “Jason and I have known each other for years. He was basically a jock and out of my league. When we first started dating, we met in college. My parents allowed me to go to college for one year to ‘have the experience,’ but forced me to come back and take over my rightful place as the President of Jackson Industries. During that time, I was incorporated in a lot of extra-curriculars. It was a way for me to pass the time. I did volleyball, softball, choir, piano and dance. When I wasn’t doing either of those, I was tutoring or doing SGA. I enjoyed my time in college and would love to go back, but alas, my parents had other plans. Jason showed a deep interest in me for a while before I finally decided to give him a chance. Things went well for our first year; he treated me like a queen, until I moved back home.” Her gaze darkened and there was a flicker in her eyes. The light that had been in them, since Derreck went to his meeting, had vanished. Noticing the change, Derreck spoke up. “Ms. Jackson, you don’t have to continue.” He paused briefly. “Are you okay?” “Huh? What did you say?” “You don’t have to continue. I know pain when I see it.” “Leah. Ms. Jackson seems so formal. Like you said, we’re not colleagues.” “Another time then. Maybe when we’ve gotten to know each other further and it’s less painful. “Okay then. We’ll talk about it another time.” Their food arrived not long after their conversation ended. They sat and ate for a while. Leah’s phone began buzzing, but she decided to make that person wait. It was rude to be on the phone while eating. After they were done eating, Leah excused herself to go to the restroom. Once she finished, she went back over to the table. “Here you go sir. The one on the bottom is your copy. I just need your signature.” “Thank you.” He signed the receipt, left a tip and took his receipt in his hand. “Derreck, I was going to pay. It was my kindness back to you.” “Leah, let me explain. Though you offered, what kind of a man would I be if I let you pay the bill?” “Maybe so, but every once in a while, it’s nice for someone to do something for someone else or to repay a kindness.” “Are you ready to head back?” “Sure.” The pair had walked back to the car and made their way back to the office. During the drive, Leah remembered that her phone buzzed while they were eating lunch. She pulled her phone out of her purse and looked to see who was texting her. When she saw the name, her eyes flickered with fury. “You ungrateful, arrogant girl! You are DISOWNED! You have 3 days to retrieve your belongings from this house or so help me God, I will get rid of everything you own! There will be nothing left to indicate that you EVER lived here! The shares that are in the company will be sold and you will be left penniless! Don’t come back here ever again! You are no longer my daughter!” Well, he said it. I’m free! I told him that he would beg me to come back, let the countdown begin! With an aloof attitude, she replied. “Since I am disowned, there is no need for formalities Dylan. As for my shares, you cannot sell them without consent. I knew something like this would happen, so I got it in writing. I’ll be taking you to court for my shares. As for my things, I will be by to come and get them from the premises. I don’t want your money! Haven’t you noticed that I didn’t touch not one drop of your money since I left yesterday? Huh, you got nerve, I give you that, but you will be begging for my help in the future. I only have one thing to say, don’t bother. When the time comes, you’ll wish you treated me like a daughter and with respect!” Leah took a deep breath and the tears began to fall down her cheeks. In a low voice, she spoke. “It seems I’ll be troubling you once again, Mr. Gray.” “Where to?” “3326 North Maven Drive, North Town, Aurenda. We can go when you’ve completed your work at the office.” “Are you sure?” “Yes. You have important business matters to tend to. I’d rather go when they’re either asleep or not home anyway.” “Very well.”