Chapter 44
Victoria was a great company. After breakfast, she had us do yoga to help improve flexibility, and then for the rest of the morning, we played board games that Xander had somewhere in the house, and for lunch, we cooked and baked and we settled to eat by redesigning the living room with pillows and blanket for a comfortable movie afternoon setting and later in the evening, we left the house to the spa.
Victoria booked us in for facials and massages, and we had our nails done while she told me excitingly about the fragrance line she was unveiling in a month.
I was glad for her company more than I’d thought I would be considering I’d just met her that morning. She was pleasant, bright, and extremely nice and sweet to me. It made me feel at ease but my thoughts were still on Xander and she noticed.
“Do you want me to call him?” She asked as we headed into a cafe to grab some desserts.
“Can you do that? I thought he’d be too busy.” I asked not bothering to hide the eagerness in my tone.
She shrugged. “He probably is. I’ll call Olivia but I don’t expect much from her, she acts so possessive about Xander and only listens to my mother,” Victoria said, pursing her lips.
I thought it was weird that Olivia acted that way about Xander so much so it was noticeable to almost everyone but she cared about him and she got the job concerning him done so it was a win in a way. I didn’t think she had any attraction to him but if her behavior was because she did, I wouldn’t be surprised.
“Hi, Olivia, how are you?” Victoria asked. I tried to figure out how the discussion was going but I only got bits from her end so I waited until she was done and when she pulled the phone from her face, she had a somber look on.
“What’s wrong?”
“Olivia said tensions are rising in the company because of the upcoming CEO election. Xander has been in a meeting with my grandfather for hours and the only thing she can tell me is things are not looking good for him.”
My face fell. “Is there… is there anything we can do to help?”
“Not really. My sisters and I have always been cast aside by my grandfather when it comes to company matters.” She let out a breath. “Listen, Kathleen, none of these is your fault. My brothers and grandfather have always had this sort of relationship that is toxic, we’ve always been scared of what would happen if things were to go south. It’s obvious Xander is my favorite sibling but I do care about my brother, Micheal, it’s just, he can be a bit of an asshole. He has always been in competition with Xander and can get ambitious to an unhealthy level… it’s uncomfortable to see.”
“I didn’t know,” I said quietly. Her words sank in me.
“No one outside our family and the company does. My grandfather is no saint either, I love him with all my heart but he is vicious, snobby, and controlling. I can imagine what Xander is going through because of his relationship with you but it is a good thing someone is standing up to him and I trust Xander, he is going to get out of this somehow.”
I swallowed and nodded but I didn't believe her— I didn’t believe there was a way for Xander to win this without doing what his grandfather wanted.
“Come on, let’s go. We can have dinner at our family home and I’ll show you Xander’s old bedroom to distract you.” She said, chuckling.
“Your mother…”
“Oh, forget about her. She probably isn’t at home and even if she was, you are my guest.”
Even though I still had my doubts, I got into her car and she drove us to their family home, a big, beautiful house tucked in the outskirts of the city surrounded by rolling hills and a stunning view. The house had a lovely exterior and a warm, inviting atmosphere with a circular driveway that screamed luxury.
I was in awe of their home and I couldn’t stop gaping as Victoria led me into the house through the sprawling hallway and up the stairs. We’d almost made it to the top when we heard a voice, “Victoria, is that you?”
Victoria shut her eyes and took in a breath before turning around. “Leah, what do you want?”
I recognized Xander’s sister immediately. She looked like him in the way Micheal did. She was pretty with a hair full of thick, black hair that rolled down her back. The smile on her lips was malicious and her eyes lit up with something mysterious.
“I thought that was you, sneaking into the house, and is that our brother’s fiancée?” She asked, running her eyes through me.
“Hello,” I croaked.
“Mom,” Leah called out, “we have guests.”
Victoria balled her fists. “What are you doing, Leah?”
“Come down, come down,” Leah said. “Let’s be properly introduced.”
“It's fine, I'm here,” Victoria said and we went back down the stairs.
Leah pulled me into a stiff hug. “How are you? You are even more beautiful than the tabloids said, I apologize for what they said about you but I guess we get used to it right? It's the price to pay for being with my brother.”
“Leah, don't.”
“What?” Leah asked, raising her brow. “I'm just making conversation.”
“Listen, we are not here to cause any more ruckus. I just wanted to distract Kathleen. Just pretend you didn't see us and let it go, okay?” Victoria asked, her tone quiet.
“Of course not, you are here, Victoria and with no other than the star of the news today. How could I pretend not to see you plus you know I've been searching for models for my new line and Kathleen here is just what I envisioned,” She said, her eyes on me but they held no warmth.
“You know that's impossible and you don't want to get Xander mad,” Victoria warned.
“Oh, to hell with Xander. Anyway, you are in luck, what a coincidence that you came at the right time. Mom has guests so we can all have dinner together.” Leah said, her hand behind my back as she gently pushed me toward a set of imposing doors.
“Stop it, Leah,” Victoria warned but Leah ignored her and pushed open the door leading us to the dining room.
I felt my blood freeze at the sight in front of me.
“Isn't this all fascinating?” Leah asked, humor in her voice as she watched to see my reaction. “Julia Wynter and her stepmother are also here with us. How wonderful!”