Chapter 563: Engaged to be Engaged

Mina curled in bed next to the briefcase that held so much potential. In it was 520K, not at all standard interest, but she could ignore the neglected $33,234.72, telling herself that the missing amount covered the cost of the room she was in.

The thought made Mina's mind start running again. She forced herself out of the bed, hiding her money under it before she wheeled herself toward President Lee's study. She had over worked her leg when she started jumping up and down at the thought of being able to run away as soon as her injury healed. Of course, neither man knew the source of her excitement, they probably assumed she was happy about the money, more specifically; cash.

Mina knocked at President Lee's study door. It was cracked open, but she had not gotten to a point where she felt comfortable walking in freely unless the door was fully open. Once invited inside, she used her good leg to push herself into the office.

"What happened? Why are you in the chair?"

"Nothing, my muscles are just sore, and I don't want to aggravate them further, but that isn't why I am here."

"Mina, I already told you there is no catch, I gave you the money I said I was going to give you."

"No. It is not that either. I just have a question. When I first came here, did you buy the clothes for me or was it your sister?"

"Technically I ordered someone else to do it." Mina stayed silent for a long time and Ian knew she was processing, so he used the opportunity to insert a question of his own, hopefully to distract her.

"Speaking of clothing, what do you plan to wear to the Staton event? It is formal, so you will have to wear heels.

"I have been practicing, but I have left the details up to your nan. Don't worry, I haven't been asking her for favors, I know she isn't well; I just couldn't say no when she asked." Ian already knew that Mina was very sympathetic toward his nan. From day one, he never felt like he had to worry about her trying to take advantage of the woman, although he had witnessed her use his nan against him, Mina had never taken it too far.

"Aren't you tired?"

"I am, but I found that I sleep better when my mind isn't trying to build its own conclusions."

----

Once again, Mina was stunned by Miss Ruby's sense of fashion. The woman had picked a black dress that was embellished with randomly placed small gold metallic roses, and she loved it. It was fitted, but not in a way that made her uncomfortable, and because it was long sleeved and stopped mid-calf, it made her feel completely covered.

The shoes were also gorgeous, they had a chunky heel, but to take away from their bulkiness, they had rose pattern cutouts. So, while the shoe had the feel of a low heel boot, it appeared dainty, which complemented the dress.

Miss Sally had come to do her hair, but Mina insisted on little makeup, settling for just eyeliner, mascara, and lip balm that had the faintest tint to it. She was not the one looking for a potential partner, and she did not want to give anyone the wrong impression.

"Wow Mina, you look good. I almost wish I were in your shoes." The phantom who had come with her mother was staring and Mina struggled to remain polite. She did not hate Ellie; she just did not like her.

"It could be you if you would just let me dress you up," Miss Ruby said with a touch of aggression in her tone.

"Okay," Ellie said nonchalantly, and Ruby turned to face her daughter with a speed that Mina had never seen the woman move.

"What did you say?"

"I said okay. I was invited after all." Mina watched Miss Ruby look back at her with a conflicted stare.

"It's okay nan, you've got me off to a good start. Besides, I am sure your accomplice can help me with the rest." Miss Sally, who was still touching up Mina's hair, giggled. Mina had been referring to them as partners in crime from the moment they ganged up on her with the makeup. "By the way, I think Ellie would look good in pink. You know, to lighten her features a bit." Miss Ruby nodded in agreement, pulling Ellie out of the room as she looked back and glared at Mina.

"That was mean," said Sally. "That girl had been like a boy for most of her youth, pink may have been pushing it." Mina shrugged; a pink dress was nothing compared to the four months of guilt she carried.

By the time Mina's hair had been styled, Ellie was being dragged back into the room in a powder pink dress with matching shoes. The dress wrapped around the middle, and perfectly accentuated Ellie's natural curves.

"Wow," Mina said, unable to hold her words. "You actually look great in pink." Ellie shot her a warning look that melted into a smile when she realized her mother was watching.

"Sally, can you add a soft shimmer to Ellie's eyes and soft pink lipstick." Ellie kept her composure, but Mina could tell she was ready to run away from her mother's request. Mina decided to have fun at the woman's expense.

"You know nan, there will be lots of eligible bachelors at the event tonight; maybe Ellie will find a husband?"

"Wouldn't that be great? She isn't getting younger, and I want lots of grandchildren." Mina already knew this, she was aware that Miss Ruby lost her ability to conceive due to her injury, which was why she only had one child.

"How many?" Mina asked, staring at Ellie who had since turned red from anger and embarrassment.

"At least two from Ellie, one from Luna and three from Ian." Ellie made a face that Mina could not quite read, but then the woman hugged her mother tightly.

"Wouldn't you want more if Mina and Ian have children together?" Mina choked on the large amount of air that she pulled in, making all the women in the room laugh.

"I would love that, but Mina isn't interested in my Ian." Miss Ruby pouted, and Ellie rubbed her mother's arm in a comforting manner.

"Who told you that?" she asked, making Mina pick up the nearest item and throw it at the girl who easily dodged the makeup brush.

"Is it true Mina? Are you and Ian getting along now?"

"We-" Mina was interrupted by Ellie, who chimed in with a spin on the truth.

"Mom, Ian and Mina have been spending a lot of time together lately. Haven't you noticed that she is always by his side?" Mina's mouth hung open and Miss Sally closed it.

"You walked yourself into that," she whispered, making Mina's shoulder slump.

"Ellie, please don't lie," came a male voice that Mina never thought she would be glad to hear.

"Nan, Mina and I are working on something together. Don't listen to Ellie."

"Fine, but I still want three grandchildren from you." President Lee looked confused, and Mina turned away from him, not at all wanting to start talking about children with the man and his family.

"It's nothing," Ellie added. "How do I look?" she asked, spinning a little.

"I am not used to seeing you dressed up, but you look good. I wouldn't mind if you wore a jacket though." Ellie beamed and Mina tried to remember if she had ever seen the man behave as affectionately with his biological sister, but nothing came to mind. "Wait, are you coming with us?" Mina could not help but to chuckle at the tiny hint of panic in President Lee's voice and she leaped on her chance for payback.

"President Lee, why do you look so shocked? There will be plenty of eligible bachelors in attendance for Fiori, and she cannot marry them all. Ellie may meet 'the one.'"

"And you as well," Miss Sally added, but Mina was already prepared for that response.

"I am already engaged to be engaged."