Chapter 82 The Dinner Conversation
Lana's POV
I wasn't sure how I was going to get through this dinner, with an attractive and intimidating man, seated at the head of the table. My hands were clasped on my lap under the table and I just wanted to go back to my apartment. Instead, I feel like a nervous little girl.
"Dad, I got a call from Sternpoint and I was offered to work with them, for my designs," Miranda said.
"I'm happy for you," Gerard said. I find him looking at me.
"Really? Other times you couldn't care less, even what you did to us," Miranda seems to be holding some hatred towards him, not that I blame her.
He finally removed his eyes away from me, to give his daughter a stern look, while holding her gaze. "This is not the time to talk about it," he said calmly, yet there was an authority to him. Arden doesn't speak about his mother, yet I dont't want to push about that because we have a lot going on already.
Miranda let out a breath before looking down at the table. He just sh^t her up, I guess it's because I'm here. "So, Lana," his attention was on me again, piercing through me, "I heard about the loss of your father and I am deeply sorry. I can't imagine how difficult it must be to juggle a huge company that is well known all around the world. I am also looking forward to working with you. I heard that you stepped down as CEO for now. Is that because of university?" he asked. His expression never changes, but my heart continues to beat at a rapid pace.
"Dad-"
"Let her speak," Gerard interrupted Arden. I could see out of the corner of my eye, that Arden was containing himself from lashing out.
I licked my lips which had red lipstick on them, his eyes followed the movement of my tongue, moistening my lips. "That is correct. I have amazing uncles that is managing the company on behalf of me. They are excellent at what they do. They do not sleep with women and women don't get to f^ck their way up the ladder," he scowled at me, while Miranda snorted with a laugh.
"Isn't that what your mother did when she was dating your father?" he asked. I could feel anger boiling inside of me. He falsely accused my mother of that.
I felt Arden's hand over mine under the table. "No, she worked extremely hard to get her own company. She didn't sleep with anyone to get," I corrected him. Although my father helped her.
"That is what you did with my son, you slept your way to getting extra credit. You put him out of a job and he is working for me now. How we do business is no one's business at all." I clenched my jaw. "I am still happy to be meeting you and to see the type of woman you are that my son has, so far I like what I see and what he has," he said, his gaze leaving at all. Arden's hand tightened on my hand, I could see Arden's jaw clenching.
"I'm glad that I met you, Mr Moses. I can see the type of father that raised these two wonderful people in our lives," I said with a small smile. I faked it.
"Dad, enough about this whole thing. I plan to move to Seattle to be with Lana, and to start a new life there. I want to teach again, so I won't be working long for you," Arden mentioned.
An older woman walked in with a tray. She placed our meals down. Arden was happy to see her. She seemed more of a motherly type of figure to him. She placed my bowl of fruit salad in front of me with a polite smile. I could feel the warmth oozing from her. But yet, I still feel those eyes on me, that calls danger. Everyone else had pasta and chicken. I'm surprised that I have my fruit salad. Arden must've told Gerard that I needed a fruit salad.
We started to eat and I was silent for most of the dinner. Most of all, I just wanted to leave. Miranda was talking most of the time.
"Have you taken care of Lucinda?" Gerard asked as I took a sip of juice. Placing it down, I looked at Arden.
"Yes, she will be in the mental institution. She is f^cked up and she mentioned something that you two spoke about or whatever happened between you both. Do you have any idea what this family put her through besides the fact that we lost a baby and her depression after that? Somehow, things got worse for her," Arden said, but there was a hint in Gerard's eyes that he knew to an extent what their "secret" could be.
"She is unhinged. Let her stay in the mental institution. She never belonged in our family from the start and that was all thanks to you," Gerard replied.
"Is that what you will try to do with Lana?" he asked his father.
"Who knows." Gerard replied , looking at me. "There is a function happening on Friday. I want you both to be there. Some guests would like to see you both," he said. "Lana is invited too."
"I don't think that is a good idea. I have studies that I have to do." I replied. "But thanks for the invite," he scowled at me.
"Nonsense. You will be there. No one refuses me," he said.
"I think we have had enough for the evening. I need to get back to Charl, " Arden said, standing up from his chair. Terry was baby sitting at Arden's place. "I need the bathroom," he excused himself and walked out of the dining room. It was only Gerard, Miranda and I seated at the table.
"I wish that you could stop what you are doing." Miranda said to him. "Get yourself a wife and stop acting like a horny young man trying to chase after women. I can't even believe you are my dad." Miranda said to him.
"That is enough. I get to choose what happens in my life and what I want to do." he replied.
"Well, you used Arden and I to do your dirty work too. You f^cked my life up. That was unforgivable. I'm glad that I got clean from drugs because you threw me to the wolves. Even that messed up club of yours. I hope that you get rid of it soon," Miranda was now angry. Forgetting that I was still seat at the table. I wanted to know more. I wanted to know everything that happened to Miranda.
"Thank you for the evening," Arden walked inside of the dining room and he was behind me, helping to pull my chair out. I stood up but Gerard's eyes took in every part of my body. I guess he sees what he likes.
"Thank you for inviting me over for dinner, Mr Moses." I gave him a smile and he nodded, but he never seemed to be smiling.
Miranda stood up and she took her clutch bag from the table. "See you in hell, dad," she said and stormed past us. She hates him very much, that I can see.
"Bye, dad," Arden said, and we left Gerard sitting all by himself at the table. He seemed to be in thought as we left.
There are so many things that I would like to know about Miranda. We never really sat down like friends and just talk. Perhaps I should invite her over to my apartment for a day of bonding. On the other hand, there is Cynthia, whom I feel should not get involved with Gerard. He is a predator, looking for his prey. He clearly checked me out to ruin Arden and me, but that won't happen because I am not Lucinda and I will never be.
I know that there could be something under that surface of Gerard that makes him do these things. He should try changing his ways and settle down because he is getting older to be a playboy. That is the correct word...a playboy.