The Clawson family

Third person POV

Elisa Clawson stood fixated at a corner , a glass cup in her hands with her eyes resting on the newly weds who at the moment were having their first dance.

For some reason she couldn't help but feel so uneasy.

"You're troubled too, right? She heard a voice behind her and she spun round to see her cousin Alfonso who was draped in a quality cream colored tuxedo standing behind her. He gave a sly smile. She didn't even know when he arrived.

"What are you doing here Alfonso? She half yelled and he gave a shrug.

"I came to meet my sweet cousin of course. Besides didn't you miss me? You barely call these days" He said as he slipped his hand around her waist. She frowned and slapped his hands away.

"Behave yourself. we're in public and my husband is around here somewhere " She said in a whisper and he scoffed.

"It must be tiring sharing a bed with that oaf. Honestly at times I get jealous. I wish you didn't have to tolerate him. I wish he didn't have to have access to you"

"Oh? You'd rather I go broke and wind down in the gutters then? No, thank you Alfonso.  You better swallow your jealousy and accept the fact that I won't leave my husband. Anyway I had been meaning to call you.... concerning Lance"

"Ah yes, he's getting married right? Never would have guessed it"

"He's part of the company now"

Alfonso gave a slight pause and looked to her with widened eyes.

"He came groveling before the old man and apologized for leaving and Elder Clawson forgave him as well as giving him rights in the company also and a position in the executive seats"

"That's unbelievable. The old man doesn't forgive that easily. How.....

"I'm as surprised as you but then, Lance had come like a completely reformed being, completed covered in a cloak of humility. For someone like Lance whose pride could outstretch an ocean it was surprising and overwhelming. What was more surprising was his request to be apart of the family business even after establishing his own and the old man agreed to it just like that! He conditioned him to get married in accordance with the family tradition and before we knew it, he had sent the old man an invite after a month to show his seriousness! She stated with a gulp.

Alfonso rubbed his chin.

"So, what's on your mind?

"I feel like he's planning something Alfonso. Something that will be the end of us and also I suspect he knows about what happened in California"

Alfonso felt his heart stop and his eyes widen. He shook his head all of a sudden.

"He couldn't possibly know. My men covered all their tracks. Besides he's a billionaire. The incident could have been plotted by anyone, even petty kidnappers. Also Lance has numerous enemies. If he's suspicious of who attacked him, then I think we would be the last to come to mind. The family wasn't in contact with Lance as at the time. You said you had only met him once five years ago and it was by accident"

"I know but why now? The attack happened last year and he suddenly winds up back into the family the next year? Why does he suddenly feel remorse towards his actions. Why does he repent now and come home like some prodigal son? I haven't been able to sleep well since Elder Clawson announced his involvement in the family business. I just feel like something is wrong. We have to do something about him"

"Do something about who Elisa?

A gruff voice came and she sighted her husband Greg who had a scowl on his face. She flinched but quickly comported herself. She forced a smile.

"Oh Greg honey...we were just discussing about the contract with the Edwards. Nothing important"

Greg raised a brow and his eyes shifted to Alfonso. He scoffed.

"You brought your freeloader of a cousin here? You do know this is a socialite event. Top individuals as well as our business partners will be here. Father's most notable connection will be here and he doesn't want anything out of place. You better keep that fiend of yours under control. I can't afford any slip ups"

Alfonso gave a sly smile.

"Aren't you moody as usual. it's your youngest son's wedding party, shouldn't you be happy? You look like you fell into a pile of shit on your way here"

Greg twitched and clenched his fist. Elisa gasped.

"Alfonso, please"

"He started it. I mean it wouldn't be bad if my brother in law at least greeted me with a little courtesy right? After all these years. You're still childish Greg and really short sighted" He dipped his hands into his pocket and looked towards the dancing couple.

"Lance is back. That boy built an entire software company from scratch at the age of 21. He perfected it and dominated the tech world before he clocked 25. His brain is a hive of innovative and mountain moving ideas. I mean any company in the world would want him on their team but the question is, if Lance becomes part of the family business then what'll happen to little old you? I mean you're not growing any younger and neither are your ideas. Sooner or later you'll lose importance"

"You bastard! Here you are running your mouth when you feed off my family's money"

"Ooh. Least you forget, I'm a major shareholder. Plus I've contributed more to the family business than your sorry ass ever could. Isn't that the reason your father never trusted you enough to hand the business down to you fully?

Greg clenched his fist almost ready to throw punches but Pearl arrived just in time.

"Are you two going to embarrass us here? At Lance's wedding? We're his family. Shouldn't we try to behave with some grace. Right father? Pearl shot and Greg bit his lips in remorse.

"You're right" He straightened his tie and glared at Alfonso one last time before walking off.

Alfonso snorted. His phone buzzed in his pocket and he brought it out. His eyes glowed the next minute and he cleared his throat.

"You ladies enjoy yourself. I need to take this call." He said as he moved away and Pearl rolled her eyes.

"Devon, my purse"

Devon, her husband hurried to her side stretching her purse out to her.

"Thank you. Mother have you seen this? She brought out her phone and shoved it in her mother's face.

"What.....

"It's an analysis on the company's overall profit report in the last six months. Did you notice anything peculiar?

Elisa gasped when her eyes sighted it.

"Is that a minus? 5% decrease!

"Yes and guess what? The Marshals just climbed up the stock ladder this morning. Now we're falling behind. It's all thanks to your turd of a son" She sneered as she slipped her phone back into her purse.

"Ronald...where is he?

"How should I know? What am I? His baby sitter? I haven't heard from him"

"He called you five times love. You refused to pick his calls" Devon muttered and Pearl shot him daggers for looks. He gulped and looked away.

"So anyway mother, I don't know what you plan to do but better do something about that oaf of a son of yours. Directing manager or not if he doesn't fix this mess then we'll slowly wind up down hill. Also Lance is back now. We have to do something before he brainwashes grandfather and becomes the DM(directing manager)"

Elisa's eyes widened. Pearl was afraid of Lance too?

"Oh ....but I thought Lance was your favorite?

"There is no favorite in business mom. Yes, Lance is my brother and I regard him better than I do Ronald but... Lance has a strict and unmoving work ethic. If he becomes part of the management board then all my plans will go down the drain and I'll lose the things I've worked so hard for. So you and your idiot of a son better work something out or I will" Pearl spat and moved away. Devon gave a gentle bow to Elisa and moved away taking hurried steps towards his wife.

Elisa sighed and ran her hand through her hair.

"Where is that boy?! She grumbled.

Sapphire's POV

The reception ended soon enough but the celebrations didn't end there. Later on we all went back to the resort for what Aunt Kathy called a special family dinner party. The resort was owned by the Clawson family so a special section was reserved and prepared for the occasion. I had, had to change into another dress again.

Everyone was downstairs but I excused myself and went up to the suite. No one was around the rooms except me. I had lied about taking a pee break just to get away from everyone especially Lance.

I was sitting in the room at the moment thinking about my life.

Should I run away?

No, if I did my mother would die. What if I contacted the police? Lance would probably just buy them over. I clenched my fists.

I couldn't get out of this predicament and even if I decided to kill myself. it wouldn't work. All those options would harm my mother in one way or another. 

Then an idea struck at my thoughts.

What if I ran away after my mother got better? Yes, I would find a way to get money, then I'd wait till the right time. When it came, I could go get my mum and flee. Maybe to Asia or even Europe. Lance wouldn't be able to find me there. I'd even change my name and ID.

"Have you done it?

I heard a deep voice almost in the form of a whisper outside the suite door. Who was that? My curiosity got the better of me. I took off my heels and inched closer to the door.

"Yes, I placed it inside his drink." Another voice came but it was female. I couldn't recognize them but I listened closely. 

"How many minutes before it takes effect?

"Five minutes sir. No one will be able to trace it back to me sir. I assure you"

I gasped. Was this ......

"Good"

The sound of rumpled notes of paper probably money followed.

"Let's make sure Lance never sees the light of day again"

Just then I felt electricity slide down my spine. Lance?

I gasped in horror as I understand what was happening.

Lance was going to be poisoned!