Chapter 57 Chapter 57
Chapter 57 Chapter 57
Davis POV
I saw the resentment as soon as the elder Park met my eyes. I wasn't sure what Caspian was playing at, but he sure as hell was enjoying this reunion.
Soon after the reunion, Mrs Morrison, their housekeeper shooed everyone off to the dinner room, claiming dinner would go cold if nobody started to eat immediately.
“Here, Elara.”
I looked up to see Corian ladening Elara's plate with a huge steak and canapé.
“Corian, you must have known about this surprise, if you knew to be here.” Mrs Kathy smiled.
“Caspian did well to inform me about it.” He answered humorously.
I didn't fail to also notice the silent look that passed between Elara and the imp.
Since the meal started, Bill Park had remained silent, quietly taking in the play of things.
Sensing her father's predicament, Elara found her father knotted fist across the table and kneaded gently.
“It's okay, Dad. You weren't wrong in the choice of a husband for me. If only I had seen it then.”
The table grew silent. Even I was lost as to what Elara meant by those words.
The elder's brows quirked immediately, first in doubt, then in pride. Soon, his grin was all over the room.
Seeing that, everyone released a sigh of relief.
“I must apologize for my son's shortcomings.” I muttered.
Bill Park let out a gusty laugh. “You're not your son, Trent.”
The situation was hardly one where anyone should laugh, but the elder found it somewhat amusing.
Probably the thought that his choice happened to be the best and his daughter seemed to have realized her mistake pleased the man more than the thought that he was dining with the father of the man who had almost made them lose their daughter.
After dinner, Caspian took me to his office to have the much awaited meeting he had been asking of me.
As soon as the door closed behind the boisterous chortles and cackling coming from downstairs, I let out.
“Wise of you to kill two birds with a stone.”
Releasing a laugh, Caspian made to the small bar by the side of his Victorian office and started to mix some drinks.
“What would you like?” He asked.
“Scotch on the Rock.” I gritted.
Soon, he came over and went around the huge mahogany desk in the center of the room, and slid a glass across the table from where I stood, while he sat crosslegged in the swivelling recliner.
“Sit.” He uttered.
I sat, while regarding him dubiously. “I was of the opinion that your parents requested this meeting.” I said, cutting to the chase.
“I was willing to take a gamble.” He answered.
“That they'll banish your sister from here?” I fired sarcastically.
“Of course not! I knew father and mother wouldn't turn Elara away.”
“So, what was the show of asking me to help them meet?” I barked angrily.
“Because somehow I knew dragging you into it makes you accessible.” He answered directly.
I tried not to show anger. But deep down, I felt some sort of uneasiness.
“Don't get me wrong. I care a lot about my sister, but I knew reuniting with our parents wasn't going to be a problem, but I needed to be more diplomatic about dealing with our newest partner on the Johnson's account than I was about my sister's homecoming.”
Watching him silently, I reached for my glass and took a sip.
“I see.” I rasped darkly.
“I'm sure you do.” The immaculately dressed brother of Elara answered flippantly.
Just then, the office door shot open after a single rap, and Bill walked in with a smile, and in his wake was Elara.
“Father.” Caspian said with a fond smile, rising to his feet.
I rose too, and passed Elara a nod which she returned with a smile.
“I don't mean to intrude in your discussion regarding the account, but I'm sure you might want to include Elara in it as well.” Bill said.
Caspian stilled, then his brows furrowed in perplexity. “Father, Elara has been away for years. I'm sure she needs time to get a hang of things–”
“On the contrary, son. It seems Elara here has been busing herself while she was away. You won't believe that she still has the reins of control on our Sussex office.”
“Oh please, father.” Elara laughed.
Her voice sounded like music in my ears. It's good to see her happy.
“Um… Really? I guess hard work runs in the family then.” Caspian mused, breaking the light mood in the room.
“C'mon now, brother. You know I still have a lot to learn from you. I might as well start following you around from tomorrow.” Elara joked.
Leaning forward, Caspian poked Elara's nose playfully. “Of course, I should be that hard on you, since you've left me to deal with the family business for three years on my own. But I'm willing to cut you some slack.”
Elara let out a groan of relief. “I believe I should thank you for sparing my ass?” She threw, her eyes dancing with humor.
“Long enough for you to make the board meeting on Monday.” He answered.
Swallowing a grunt, Elara whispered. “That should be about the break I need to spend more time with Mother and Mrs Morrison, right?”
“Nothing more, kiddo.” Caspian answered.
“Then, I shouldn't waste more of it. I'll leave you to talk.” She said and stumbled out.
“I would have thought you would give her a break son.” Bill said, his eyes twinkling with excitement.
“I did give her a break.” Caspian returned.
“Thank you for bringing her back, son.” The elder said, suddenly going sombre as he thumped his son's arm.
“We all needed her back.” Caspian voiced. “This home was empty without our feisty Elara.”
“I think I would leave you both to talk–” I started to say, already being self conscious of my presence at this father-son bonding moment.