Chapter Four

There were very few things that irritated Ryke. People that talked to loud, Women that didn't understand the difference between a one time fuck and a relationship, People that wasted his time,  Prolonged conversations but most of all, it was not getting what he wanted.

He stared out his window with a frown on his face.

To say the meeting with Jacob Morgan had left him irritated would be an understatement.

"Mr. Sterling. It's finally nice to meet the genius behind Sterlings, Jacob said as he extended his hand for a handshake.

Jacob Morgan carried himself like he had seen it all. Considering that he was a man in his late seventies, he would be deserving of that right.

Peppered gray hair and beards with hazel eyes that looked kind when he smiled.

"Mr Morgan. The honor is mine", he took his hands.

" Why don't we get down to business. I went through the documents personally. Only the best for a company as good as Sterlings and I have to say I was very impressed. Well I hadn't expected anything less".

Ryke nodded.

"But there is an issue. You see I've always prioritized family over everything else. I would not be where I am today without the support of the people that I love the most. Family provides backing and stability even though you don't think you might need it. With your past and your background, though quite unfortunate, you do not have that. I want a man with a heart and not just a heart for business and that unfortunately isn't you. Perhaps in a few years, when you have a stable relationship we can see about having that collaboration but for now Mr. Sterling, I would have to reject your offer".

In all honesty, he didn't need  Jacob Morgan. His company was doing just fine on its own. But one  thing even he could admit  was that in business, you needed partners. You need to expand your network which was exactly what he was trying to do with Morgan.

Family had been nothing more than a painful nail. One he couldn't wait to get rid of. 

He built Sterlings from the ground. He had gotten this far without any backing or stability.

He didn't need it then and he definitely does not need it now.

"If there is a chance that you can have it all Son, never stop until you get it".

Sterlings was currently the third best accounting agency in the world.

"If you are not number one then you aren't a number".

Suddenly an idea popped in his head. He picked up his phone dialing a number.

Christian picked up on the first ring. Efficient.

"You keep the calls pouring in like this and I might actually think you miss me", came Christian's voice from the other end of the line.

Ryke kept quiet.

"I see, you are in one of your moods. What do you need Ryke?".

Ryke didn't have any one he could consider as a friend. He didn't like anything that could be used as a weakness but if he could have given out an ounce of his trust, Christian would have been on the receiving end.

"I need you to draw up another contract".

He couldn't see him but he knew he rolled his eyes," What is it about this time?"

"Put the same details as the previous one. All I need you to do is change the last part regarding ownership for a year".

"You are leaving the girl alone?"

Ryke glared at his phone, "Why would I do that?. I want you to replace it with a marriage agreement".

"You want me to what?. You want to get married?. Ryke is that not a little bit extreme?. The girl is only eighteen. She just got accepted into college. I could understand a year because of that twisted mind of yours but this is-"

"Is going to be ready in the next hour right?"

Christian sighed tiredly, "Do you want me to send it over to you?"

"No send it directly to Steele Co-operations"

"Ryke"

"Goodbye Christian" and with that he ended the call.

Two birds with one stone. He smiled.

******

The wind blew at  her hair causing the wavy strands to hit her in the face.

That had been a total burst. A year didn't sound so bad. She could suspend college and just pick up from where she left. School had never been a problem.

She bent down placing a rose each on her parents graveside.

"Logan said I'm your exact replica. I don't think that's true though. I don't think there is anyone in the world that can match up to how beautiful you were. Logan is having a really hard time now that's why he hasn't visited in a while. I'm scared Mum. I'm being forced to do something I don't want to do. If I don't, we could lose it all. We could lose our legacy.".

"It's just for a year but that is enough time for him to ruin me. I don't know what to do Mum. Logan won't admit it but I see it. He is scared that he has failed you and Dad. I hate that we didn't have more time together. Maybe if you had been here this wouldn't be happening.

Tears came to her eyes," I miss you both so much".

She knelt down kissing the stone of their graves.

The rain waited for her to get into her house before it came down pouring.

Her phone chimed indicating a new text.

Bels❤️❤️: You want me to come over and cuddle you to sleep?

God!!!. She really loved her.

Me: I would say yes but it's pouring heavily. I'll just have to manage Tootie.

Bels ❤️❤️: I can't believe you would replace me so fast.

She laughed. Her phone chimed again.

Bels❤️❤️: You feeling a little better?

Me: Yes. I'm just going to go to bed and hope tomorrow is better.

Bels❤️❤️: Goodnight. I love you.

Me: I love you too.

She got into bed. Her eyes had barely closed when her bedroom door flew open.

"You went to see him?"

"Jesus Christ Lo, when did you forget how to knock?"

He didn't answer her, " I specifically told you not to go and see him just like I told you not to plan that protest".

She glared at him. They hardly ever fought.

"What would you have preferred I did Logan?. Just sit back and watch my best friend's mother's restaurant get destroyed?".

"I could have helped her build a restaurant someplace else".

"Wow, so throwing money at people is the new solution. Hey there you have cancer?, take a million dollars and feel better".

"You know that's not what I meant. Ryke Sterling is not a good person. He is an egotistical asshole that thinks he can do whatever he wants without any consequence. I needed you to listen to me just this once Crystal".

She looked at him. She had really messed up by what was going on in his eyes.

"What happened Lo?"

"He had his lawyer draw up another contract".

Lo opened a piece of paper and started reading.

"In the event that Logan Steele fails or refuses to comply with the terms of this contract, he shall forfeit all rights and ownership of Steele Co-operations to Ryke Sterlings.

He read a few more lines, "He has only until the end of the day to sign the contract".

Logan looked at her, "It gets worse. Before he was only requesting that you would be signed off to him for a whole year. Now he wants a marriage?".

She stared at him confused, "A marriage to who?"

Logan handed her the paper.

"You Crystal. He wants to make you his wife permanently".

Crystal would agree that it came as a shock, but what was even more shocking was Logan’s  signature that glared at her in a  big bold intricate form.

The air in the room suddenly felt too thin. She kept trying to reach and grasp for it. 

The room began spinning.

"Snowflake!!!" was the last thing she heard Logan scream before she fell to the ground and everything went black.