CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO: … THE SUMMER BREEZE COMES

The creak of his bedroom door opening made him look up from his laptop.

"Ah. Sorry sir, I can come back later if you're busy." Smiling, he shakes his head motioning for her to enter.

"No need." The elder lady closes the door before heading to the wardrobe, putting away his laundry.

"Thank you." She returns his smile warmly, continuing with her work.

"How's she doing Master Ingram?"

"As expected of my sister." He couldn't help the smile that formed across his face. Guilt tugged at his heart, but he knew his cold shoulder was for her own good. He knew of his fathers' intentions in putting a thorn in their relationship for his own selfish gain but having to hurt her by playing along hurt more than he cared to admit. She may indeed not be his full sister, but she was his sister none-the-less. Subconsciously his fingers reached out to touch her face as the camera settled on her group.

"She's all grown up Mary." The stern face that peered back at him weighed heavily on his shoulders, the tug in his soul as his eyes stupied her face made him nauseous. She's not smiling again. It seems I only get this face even when she can't see me.

"Well, you have been gone for some time, sir." Sighing, his fingers continue to trace her face as though he was blind and studying her for the first time. It really hasn't been that long, but it seems like forever. Even when we lived in the same house, I ignored her. So I suppose in retrospect it has indeed been a long time.

"She looks so much like her mother, it's like I'm actually looking at the poor woman."

"Then her mother must've been a beautiful woman Master Ingram."

"She was." He smiled up at her as she settled behind him, her hands on his shoulder, eyes fixed on the monitor.

"She must miss you very much, sir."

"You think so? I can't imagine it. She probably hates me."

"I beg to differ, sir. She wouldn't have survived all this time only despising you. And if she did, she would've walked out a long time ago." Before he could reply a knock sounded on the door.

"Come in." The young man who entered bowed gently before passing him a cell phone.

"It's Mr. O'Donovan sir."

"Ah, thank you." Taking the phone, he gets up and heads to the balcony, the chilly morning air biting at his exposed face.

"So, how's everything?"

"It's as you expected sir. She is working to open it to the local schools and build a new dorm."

"That's my baby sister for you. What about Manning?"

"Mister Ingram did send her to sway the young miss, however, she didn't budge. Price also intervened and because of that I can only assume he's already signed the contract with her."

"That old man is really heartless." The sigh that escaped him lingered in the silence of the isolated balcony.

"I've also done an estimate on the Winter project as you instructed."

"And?"

"If she succeeds, it'll be very lucrative in the future. Even with the scholarships, I can only see profits, sir." He couldn't help but smile. She really is going to stick it to all those money-hungry businessmen and politicians. Her mother's daughter indeed.

"There are no ifs when it comes to her. She will succeed. Has she sorted out the investor's bit?"

"Not yet sir. Master Ingram has got sixty percent of the board of directors in his pocket still and with the few, she's managed to sway, it still isn't enough. Mister Irving is undoubtedly working with her, so I believe everything will go smoothly sir."

"Hmm. So, she's going to have to get investments from outside parties."

"She's in the middle of doing that sir. She seems to have already signed with Price and a few other companies in the local area, but she isn't quite there yet."

"She's already got the locals on her side huh."

"She's quite the businesswoman, sir." He smiles again running his hands through his hair. Maybe she really is more cut out for this than I am. I've got shares so if I add my lot with hers it should get her closer to her goal, but then father would realise I'm his puppet and I fear he'll do something stupid. Sigh. Why did I have to be that man's son?

"What about the tickets?"

"I'm having trouble acquiring one at the moment. The Master has been very thorough in making sure you can't secretly return I'm afraid. But..." the man on the other end trails off and he could feel his brows knot.

"What is it?"

"I didn't particularly look there, but, someone linked to the Fairchild group contacted me recently sir."

"Fairchild?"

"Yes, sir."

"What did they want?"

"Uh, well..."

"What?"

"Sir, they offered to help you get back into the country… sir."

"Why didn't you tell me this earlier?"

"It seemed too suspicious and I was afraid it was a trap by the Old Master sir. But with the way things are,"

"They're our only way in."

"Yes, sir."

"Did they leave any way of contacting them?"

"Yes sir, I'll send it right away."

"Thank you. Keep an eye on the old man. I'll contact you again."

"Yes, sir." Ending the call he looks at the number sent as he enters the room again, shutting the chilled air out.

"Fairchild huh?"

"Look, sir, that's the new teacher that joined the Academy, isn't it. Hmm, he's quite handsome isn't he." Looking up from his phone his eyes meet the man on the screen. Hmm. He is indeed handsome. My type too. Chuckling to himself he turns away to leave as the announcer starts talking again. Wait. Turning around his eyes lock with the man on the screen.

"What did they say his name was?!"

"Huh? Oh. Fairchild sir. Jason Fairchild."

"F-Fairchild?" His eyes dart from the number on his phone to the man on the screen. That's ridiculous. It can't be? Right? As he continues to watch Atlas' face once again comes into view and the man turns smiling - at her? This is live TV, right? No way. Dialing the number, his eyes remain on the screen. Connecting, his eyes widen as the man dismisses himself, getting up from his seat removing his phone from his jacket pocket.

"Hello, Mr. Ingram. You're late." Silence. What the hell is going on?

"W-Why? How?"

"It's time to come home don't you think Mr. Ingram?"

Why would you help me?!"

"Why wouldn't I?" The man chuckles into his ear and his breath catches as the camera pans back to him and he smiles into the camera.

"Who exactly are you? What do you want?"

"There's a precious treasure you hold that I'd like you to set free in return of course. We're businessmen after all."

"Precious? Treasure? What are you..." Atlas's face comes up on the screen again and the realisation hits.

"You don't mean… Atlas… you like Atlas?!"

"On the contrary. I'm in love with your sister Mr. Ingram. And I want to help her to end this stupid game. I'm mad to the point where I'll gladly buy this stupid school she's holding on to so dearly because of you."

"What the hell are you saying?"

"I'm saying that I know she's Nolan Ingram and I know about your father's immature game. There'll be a jet leaving in six hours for which you've already bought a ticket and it won't be leaving without you. Now I'm sure you're watching the competition so you understand I'm close enough to the little master." The way he referred to her scared August but he didn't know why. Who was this man, brave enough to personally lay claim to his sister?

"Just who are you?"

"Jason Fairchild. Was there really any need to ask again?"

"What if I offered you something other than Atlas? Is there anything else you want? Anything...?!" He's cut short by the man mocking laugh and he shivers in response.

"You have nothing that I want Mr. Ingram. Atlas is the only thing I need from you. You should be honoured that I'm even asking for your blessing… nicely." He says flatly and August could tell the man's mind was already made up. Is this man serious?! How exactly is any of this him asking for my blessing! Nicely?! Sighing inwardly he pinches the bridge of his nose.

"Did she tell you who she really was?"

"Not really. She told me bits and I figured it out - naturally." He could tell the man was smirking, teasing him.

"Well don't you sound arrogant." He retorts, rolling his eyes.

"Thank you." Jason replies, chuckling at August's obvious frustration.

"Good grief, you're annoying."

"You two really are related." He says chuckling again and August relaxes slightly.

"Alright. I have a feeling you've already made her yours so I don't think I can protest."

"Smart."

"I'll accept your help."

"Good choice."

"How old are you?"

"Old enough to know what I want and get it at any cost." A smile forms across his lips and he couldn't help the feeling of relief that overcame him.

"You said six hours, yes."

"I did. I'll have someone distract your little watchmen and take you to the airport. When you land, someone will pick you up and take you to the Jade hotel. Stay there until I come to you."

"Will Atlas know." There's a brief pause before Jason sighs.

"No. It'll distract her. This is between us."

"Why are you seriously doing this?" August askes again impatiently and Jason chuckles before replying.

"Hmm. You're somehow not as cute as Atlas."

"What?! Of course not, I'm a guy after all."

"But I'm your type aren't I?" August could tell he was smirking again.

"Well, aren't you confident."

"If I wasn't, Atlas would never have trusted someone like me."

"Naturally. She's an Ingram."

"It doesn't matter what her last name is. She's just the woman I love."

"Then, I hope you continue to feel that way. If you think fathers bad I can assure you I am way worse."

"That would scare me if I didn't know Atlas. I believe she's much tougher and scarier than you both Mr. Ingram."

"Haha, I suppose you're right." August couldn't help the feeling of relief that washed over him by simply talking to the man called Jason Fairchild. Of course he annoyed him beyond belief but something about the man's honesty calmed him, especially the way he spoke of Atlas. This was a battle he'd already lost.

"Well then. Get ready. You don't need to pack too much. I'll have someone arrange clothes and necessities for you before you land. Safe flight."

"Thank you." Ending the call he sits at the laptop again, eyes trained on Atlas. I'm coming home baby sis. The tears that lined his eyes threatened to fall but he knew he couldn't stop them. Not this time.

"Good news sir?" Mary asks, placing her hand on his shoulder.

"The best. Please get my small travel bag ready. I'm going home." The elder lady stared at him dumbfounded at first before a warm smile formed along her lips.

"The best it seems indeed sir." Smiling, she got to work. Six hours huh? Jason Fairchild. Who are you really?