ch 13 (E pov)

"Well- didn't Ceo inform you?"

"Even if I did that doesn't excuse the fact every single one you went behind our backs"

"Why does it matter? You want these properties sold I'm willing to buy them. Isn't money the most important thing here? Hand me the contract I'll sign it"

"Let me make this clear" I said leaning forward. "I do not need your disgusting money. I DO NOT NEED ANYONE'S HELP ON WHO WILL BUY THESE PROPERTIES! This Meeting Was Done Behind My Back Breaking A Rule. Therefore The Consequences Are Severe." I said loading my own gun. What's this rule that I'm talking about?

It's a very simple one really. Basically any contract between two parties must be done in the presence of someone in charge. That way there is a superior witness in case things go south. It's like the King's signature in a way.

If a contract is done without the knowledge of said subject then it means death. That's one of the many rules set by the Lings. A rule no one disrespects, not until now.

"Ceo Ling, Please It's All A Mistake!" Pleaded Mr. Stone the main bastard who prays for my death.

"Is it now? See a few minutes ago you were willing to sign a contract without my knowledge. Now it's all a mistake?" Putting my gun away I sat back and laughed. This whole thing is a joke.

How is it that they are willing to disobey my orders with so much courage but the minute I show my authority they become whiny dogs.

"I'll do this one favor, I know some of you were forced into this without knowledge. The rest of you, it's obvious what the plan is. It was all a surprise attack against me. Thinking I'll never know, here's the thing though I too have a surprise" as those words came out of my mouth the doors opened.

Everyone froze, their faces went pale, the room became cold. All it took was for Xerxes to enter the room.

"Ceo Deimos Madam Deimos please take a seat. Now shall we continue from the top or shall we cut to the chase. Or will there be any more surprises? "

It was at the moment they knew they had fucked up. Ceo Deimos is like the angel of death to many organizations. He controls the media, news outlets, even cops. He's known for his temper, that's why many avoid him and don't even think about making deals with him.

"Ceo Ling What Is The Meaning Of This!?"

"OH it's simple really, he'll buy these properties. "

"You do realize that he cannot right? No matter what you try to pull off, there is no agreement-"

"We've been in a relationship for some time now" everyone gasped. Relationship? No one would believe that, I don't. How did the relationship happen? When was our first date? When did we have time to go out?

Nothing was rehearse or thought of. Honestly I didn't expect to make this announcement so quickly and unpleasant. I had no choice. If I didn't step in they would've sold the properties. They would've had the upper hand.

"How-when-.....Ceo Ling! You-You nasty child, being in a relationship with-with THAT MAN can't be and will not be tolerated!"

"According to who?" Asked Xerxes getting up from his seat. "Isn't her private life matters upto her? Why can't we be in a relationship then? Oh thats right because you didn't expect she'd have someone like me beside her."

"...."

"Tell me, weren't ya'll the ones who wanted her to marry, setting her up on dates, forcing her to be in unwanted relationships? Saying how much you worry about her, and she needs to settle down. Tell me then, why isn't our relationship acceptable?" He kept speaking standing behind me. His scent filled my lungs, knowing he was behind me sent electric waves all over my body.

My mind began forming images of his naked body against mine.

How does he look like behind all those clothes?

Is he muscular like Zion? Or does he have a dad bod?

What's his natural scent like?

How soft are his lips?

How rough are his hands?

How would it be laying in bed next to him? Would we be staring into each other's eyes or would our bodies be covered in sweat?

The devil is whispering into my ears telling me to find out. God do I want to. How is he is doing nothing yet a lot at the same time.

Esme control yourself.

"We have rules that must be followed-"

"OH bullshit. You want to talk about such rules only when they're convenient to you. You have broken a rule today, and multiple in the past, what's so hard to believe about their relationship? They have a past and God has allowed them to continue their story."

"Extactly what rule are you referring to? Because the one I remember clearly states that a contract between two companies can not be held unless tied together by either relationship or business trade. In this case it's relationship" I added walking away from the connection I had with Xerxes.

"If that's the case then, I stand with you Ceo Ling. Your father would have agreed to this. "

"I too stand behind you."

"So do I"

"Count me in" Spoke the few people who had been on our side since my father was Ceo. Those people I can excuse, they usually follow protocol and I know for certain they only play along to get information.

Those who didn't speak looked at each other, anger building deep inside. I want to so badly get rid of them but I can't. I need valuable and reliable proof to do so. My gut feelings and a few misunderstandings here and there aren't sufficient.

Firing someone is easy in regular business but in my company it's difficult to get hired and more difficult to get fired. Unless of course it's something severe. That's another reason why I need Xerxes on my side, only he can help me gather enough evidence. Not that I need him but I know this is also an agreement I did with my father.

"Very well then, we'll be expecting some kind of media coverage "

"That won't be necessary, Diamond is getting married that's all the coverage the Lings need"

"If news of this gets out, I know who I'll go after" I stated, ordering the doors to be opened. Once the room was cleared my mother turned back and locked the doors. Mother not now, please.

"Que putas es esto Esme? Mas te vale que me des una explication!" (What the fuck is this Esme? You better give me a good explanation!)

"Mama, calmate. Iba a hablarte de nosotros pero-(Mom calm down. I was going to tell you about us but-")

"Putas hijas, de eso yo se. (I know about that) I'm talking about the properties. What do you mean selling these properties and what properties to be exact?"

Waite she knows about us? How does she know? Thats not important right now.

"We had a meeting discussing some properties a few days ago...I agreed to sell these properties but never said or agreed to who" .

"What properties?"

"....California, Washington, Nevada..." I didn't go on hoping she got the hint.

"...you don't mean...Esme we can't *whisper* not those"

"What is it about those locations specifically?" Asked Xerxes but we didn't say a word.

I didn't remove my eyes from my mother. I know what she's saying, and she knows what I'm saying without speaking.

'Esme, those hotels are the symbol of our family. They are the foundation of our company's roots'

'I know...that's why I decided to play along with marriage so I can figure out a way to keep them

'Child, what if he can't help? What will we do then?'

'I'll need to make a pact with the Devil if things don't go my way'