Chapter 8

*Lucas*

I didn't know what came over me when i practically shouted at Kiara. Maybe it was due to the fact that i was angry or livid over what she had done. I mean, who would even think of partying when your father was practically laying almost dead for months. If she had even half of a brain, she would know that she ought to have checked on her father in the times when he was quiet. Stewart told me a lot of things, things that Kiara wouldn't even believe if she told her but for now, he was going to keep quiet until the full import of what she had done sunk into her head.

''Sire, would you like me to reschedule your meeting?'' my secretary asked.

Annalise was my secretary for many years, the one woman who had made me sane in times when i thought i would loose it. Asides that, she was like a mother to me, alwaus giving me words of encouragement when i was too down to even do anything for myself. When i lost my parents three years ago to a fatal plane crash, i knew that my life would never remain the same but Annalise had given me a sense of hope, something i thought i would never experience in my life ever again. It was one thing to be hopeless and another thing to have people support you even in times when nothing made absolutely no sense.

''No, i'll see them. I need it to clear my mind off several things.'' i sighed.

If there was one thing she also knew how to do best, it was detecting people's emotions. She could literally tell when things were going wrong for me and give me the right support. She never for one day made me feel like i was cursed for loosing my parents at a very young age and for that, i was eternally grateful to her.

''Lucas, what's wrong?'' she asked.

She placed the file she was holding on the table, taking the seat in front of me as she looked with concern at me. I could tell that she was really worried about me and i couldn't blame her. I was worried myself because i didn't think that Barclay empire was in good hands. Stewart had toiled and laboured his whole life to build that empire and now i had a feeling that if things weren't done, he might loose it all.

''Remember what i told you about Stewart right?''

She flashed her mind back to what i had told her a few years back and i knew she was trying to remember. Soon, comprehension dawned on her face and she nodded in the affirmative.

''I had a meeting with Miss Barclay, his only child. I told her about my plans to take over the company just until it was back on its feet and she openly rebuked me, saying that i wanted to steal the company. I would never do that Annalise and you know it, i am only following the instructions that Stewart laid down for me. That company is in a serious financial mess and if something isn't done speedily to salvage it, its as good as dead.'' i sighed.

I ran my hands through my hair, thinking about everything i had talked in the boardroom. One thing i knew was that Kiara was angry, it showed in her face but still, there was nothing she could do unless she didn't want her father's business to go down the drain.

''Oh boy child. Lucas, don't be too hard on yourself. You have done exactly what Stewart wanted you to do and God rest his soul, i'm sure he would be very proud of everything you have done so far. So please, don't be hard on yourself. As for Miss Barcly, i'm sure she's still in shock over her father's death and you coming to tell her that all of a sudden was enough to make her scream and shout.'' she said.

I saw sense in what she said and i was quite glad that she understood how i was feeling. It made me feel safe, understood that there was someone who shared the same thoughts with me.

''Thank you for understanding me Annalise, this means a lot.'' i smiled.

''Anytime son. I've known you for several years and i have watched you grow and the last thing i'll see you do is to wallow in things that aren't your fault. You have done your best and i'm so proud of all you have accomplished at such a young age.'' she smiled.

I was grateful for her words of encouragement, her love and her dedication to me and my empire. Finding women like Annalise was very rare and i knew i had to cherish her for the rest of my life. I would never allow anyone harm her, that would be over my dead body.

''I think i'm ready to have that meeting.'' i smiled.

''Alright then, i'll have-''

Her words were cut off by my personal assistant who spoke through the intercom. I knew a message had come for me and it had to be an impromptu one. Jasmine would never do otherwise unless it was important.

''I'm sorry to disturb you sir but you have an important message.'' she said.

''Its okay Jasmine, what is the matter?''

''This might sound strange but Miss Barclay would like to have a meeting with you.'' she said.

Annalise and i looked at each other, finding this very surprising. Its been what? Less than five hours since i had gone to the Barclay empire and now, Kiara wanted to see me. What were the odds?

''Miss Barclay?'' i asked just to be sure.

''Yes sir and she sounds quite hysterical.'' she added.

There was confusion in my face as i stared at nothing in particular as Jasmine's words reverberated around my head. Kiara wanted to see me and for the life of me, i didn't know what to feel but if there was one thing i knew, it was that i needed to grant her audience and the time was now.