Chap 22 Meeting Dad (1)

Elijah P.O.V

I woke up feeling good and rested. Today is going to be a long day and one that is going to be very busy. I got up and took a shower. I went into my walk-in closet and picked up a high collar black silk shirt and high waist black skinny pants. After putting them on, I pulled my hair up and tied it into a bun at the back letting the bangs frame my face. I wore black boots with a white trim and then pulled out a black trench coat that was given to me by one of my good friends, Jordan Black. I couldn't help but recall the fond memories I shared with Jordan.

Jordan is one of my best friends from university. We met in freshman year and bonded over how much we cherished our younger siblings. Jordan is a jewellery designer and one of the best ones. He is a sweet boy that shines brightly. He is currently in France and will be back soon. I couldn't wait to introduce him to Lucien. They will most definitely get along like house on fire. I chuckled at that thought and shrugged the coat on. I picked up a black Venetian lace mask that covered my left eye and cheek quite nicely. With that I grabbed my phone and headed down for breakfast. I greeted the servants on my way and they greeted back. I knew that they will forever be loyal to us no matter what.

I reached the dining hall and walked in to see Lucien at the table reading a magazine seriously with a stack of Belgian waffles and tea in front of him. The picture was quite cute. I noticed Lucien's outfit complimented mine. He wore a dark red turtleneck, black slacks with white sneakers and a red leather bomber jacket. He dressed up quiet nicely. I walked over to him and ruffled his long hair. He looked up and gave a bright smile. "Good morning Eli. Wanna have breakfast with me ?" he asked. "I would love to but first let me do your hair ?" I asked. Lucien beamed and nodded. He fished out a brush, comb and rubber band. I took his long silver locks and brushed it out. I picked up the comb and brushed back half of his hair to the top and pulled it into a bun. I brushed the remaining hair and let it loose.

He turned around and said " I like it. Thank you Elijah. " I smiled back in response. I sat next to him and the maid brought me a plate of cheese and sausage sandwiches along with a cup of black coffee.

We ate breakfast in silence. I knew that today is going a day of fun. Lucien tapped my arm. I looked at him. "Can I tie your mask for you ?" he asked. l nodded vigorously. He got up and took the mask. He snugly put on the left half of my face and tied the ribbon around my bun making it look elegant. We finished off breakfast and headed out.

Lucien grabbed a folder that was on the table. It was a portfolio of all the paintings he had drawn since he was 10. I am glad that he decided to take the chance to apply at the Estrela Art Institute. He looked nervous. I gently squeezed his shoulders and he looked at me. "Don't worry about all of this. You have the talent. If they don't get it, there are other institutes to apply to." I said. Lucien nodded and the tension melted away. I grabbed the car keys and pulled Lucien along. "Come, I will drop you off. " Lucien was about to protest when I further explained. "It is on the way to the office, so no protesting." Lucien shut his mouth and looked reluctant but his eyes were gleaming with happiness. 'So cute.' I thought mentally. We got into my Cadillac and headed out.

We drove in a comfortable silence. Lucien looked calm and sure. I smiled. "Eli, I have a feeling that Kain is going to screw up in today's meeting with the apprentices. So be prepared." Lucien suddenly said. I looked at Lucien thoughtfully. I knew that he was worried about today's meeting and it was for a good reason. "Lucien, I may not be recognised by the devils but everyone in the company including the board recognise me as the true owner. So, if Kain screws up, I will definitely be aware about it." I said with conviction in my voice. Lucien relaxed and nodded. We reached. I got out of the car along with Lucien and we stood in front of the gate. Lucien turned to face me. Before he said anything, I pulled him into a hug and squeezed him. He hugged me back. "You will do well. Don't think I will be upset if you don't get in. You can do this. I am proud of you. Go show them what it means to be a Fabbri and don't let anyone mess with you. I am here." I said. Lucien nodded. "I will, big brother. Watch me soar." he replied. I nodded. We separated and he headed inside with confidence in his step.

I watched him disappear from my sight and got into the car. I drove to the company. I had my Bluetooth ear pods in my ear when I heard my cellphone ring. I looked at the caller ID to see it was Clive.

I answered Clive. "Good morning Clive. How are you and Decker doing this fine morning ?" I spoke in my best voice. Clive answered "Good morning Elijah, we are doing quite well,thank you for asking. I called to confirm our dinner plans for tonight as Decker has been pestering me to see his Uncle Luc." "I have not been pestering. I am a good boy." I heard Decker yelling the background. i let out a hearty laugh. "Yes Clive, Decker is a very good boy. We most certainly will have dinner tonight with both of you. I will let you know if any changes occur tonight." I replied. Clive replied back "Alright, what is Lucien doing today ?" he asked curiously. I let a smile bloom. I had reached the company and parked. I made my way to the elevator. "He has gone to the Estrela Art Institute for the enrolment process. I pushed him to do so because I knew that he would be able to get in. It is a backup option in case he wishes to retire from modelling." I answered. It warmed my heart that Clive considered Lucien as a member of his family. I entered in the elevator and pressed the button to go to the top floor.

"That is a very good plan. Has he decided where to audition ?" Clive asked. "He has decided to audition at your agency. He has set his heart on this." I replied back. "Okay. I will keep an eye out for it. Have a good day at work Elijah. I will see you tonight." "Bye Uncle Elijah !!!" I heard Decker yell. "You too Clive and bye Decker. Be good for your daddy." I replied. "En, I will."Decker replied. "Bye Elijah" Clive replied and cut the call. I sighed. They are honestly so adorable. I am ready to date Clive but now is not the time. The elevator dinged and opened. I got out. My secretary, Thompson Hayes bowed. "Good morning, President Fabbri. I have your schedule for the day." he said. "Alright, hit me." I said. I sat at my desk and my personal assistant, Elise Green entered and gave my cup of black coffee. Thompson opened a file and began to tell. " At 10:00, we will be meeting with President Fir about the revision pricing of the leather. At 11:00, we have a conference with the heads of the departments for the weekly reviews. At 12:00....." before he could finish, the door banged open.

The person who stepped in was Project Manager Zeke Zyros. He is Denver's oldest brother and one of the most loyal employees of mine. I knew that Zeke would not behave like this unless something bad has happened. "What's the matter, Zeke ?" I asked. Zeke took a deep breath and then replied "President Fabbri, please come to Conference 3. Mr. Hasapi is messing up our project rules with the Fabbri apprentices and Mr. Fabbri himself. he stated that as family we will not pay and nor will we provide anything. Please save us." he bowed showing his desperation.

Anger filled me up at Kain's stupid actions. I got up and spoke to Thompson. "Cancel all my meetings and reschedule them for tomorrow. Elise, are the contracts I sent last night arrived ?" I asked. 'Yes, President. I printed them out and here." She handed me two files. One for me and the other for my biological dad and pseudo brothers. My heart began to beat with anticipation at the thought of meeting them as I left the office with Zeke and Thompson. We headed down to the Conference Room and I could hear Kain yelling at the top of his voice. Another voice was retorting back. I sped up and opened the door when I heard "You have no right to talk, Andre Fabbri. As a family member, you should side with us. What a traitor." Kain spoke.

I couldn't hold it in. I stormed into the room surprising everyone but not the employees. It looks like they were waiting for me. I walked up to Kain who stood flabbergasted at my appearance. I did the one thing I swore never to do unless I had a reason to do so.

I slapped Kain. Hard. The sound was loud. Everything remained silent. It's time to fight back for what is truly mine. Kain, be prepared to rot in hell.