8. Louise's weapon

MALCOLM

"Master York, welcome back-"

I storm into the house, ignoring my workers standing by the door to welcome me back. With my fist clenched and teeth gritted in annoyance, I don't bat an eyelid their way.

"Sh-Should I set dinner for you, sir or would you prefer it in your study?"

I can't forget the way she looked at me when I pulled her so close. I'm half pleased that I was able to tear her mask even if it was for a moment but as if she had been programmed, she wore it back and acted like nothing happened.

That darn woman! What's with her attitude; The silent treatment and the expressionless face?

"Miss Marilyn slept off while waiting for you to return, sir. Would you like to have dinner with her?"

Why the heck did I kiss her? I couldn't stop myself. The woman who has haunted my dreams finally appeared in the flesh, it was impossible to keep my hands to myself. Touching her shoulders wasn't enough and pinching myself didn't feel real-- what felt real, though, were her soft lips and her cheek in my hands.

She had been too startled to kiss me back but I wish she had. I wish she had let me explore her mouth a little more. Her attitude was unfamiliar but that mouth still tasted the same to me.

Her reactions this time, pissed me off. Darn it, Caroline! I wanted her to slap me or yell and remind me of my sins.

I'll take anything she has to give right now, punish me a little and let me beg for forgiveness. How the fuck am I supposed to get through to a woman who seems like the past is behind her? I wish I could do the same but that's only when I've let go of her.

My past is far from behind me. It wakes me up every morning and even now, stares me in the face with no atom of care.

"Dammit!" I curse and hear someone gasp in shock. I turn around quickly to see one of my maids startled in shock with a hand over her chest and her eyes wide in fear.

How long has she been following me?

"Patricia," I call her name and she takes a deep breath and quickly bows, lowering her eyes.

"I-I'm sorry, Mr. York. I didn't realise you were mad. I didn't mean to upset you-"

"No, no it's fine," I inhale deeply, trying to focus on the present. "What do you want?"

"I just wanted to inform you about Dinner-"

"I'm not hungry," I wave off and try to leave.

"B-But, Miss Marilyn, Sir. She's been waiting for you. She's had nothing to eat all evening," her eyes are wide with pity trying to guilt trip me.

"Where is she? Get her to come to the dining room, I'll join her shortly," regardless of how uncomfortable I feel right now, I have to put that aside for my daughter.

I suddenly remembered that I promised to spend more time with her today. I would've gotten here earlier if I hadn't chased after Caroline-- speaking of that, I call one of my bodyguards forward and we walk to my study.

"Lawrence and Peter lost them at the mountains, sir. They are on their way right now," Ken reports as I pour myself a drink.

"I need to know who sent those people after her. Give me a list of the guests who attended that event, the members of the board and their calls during the time of Caroline's appearance to when she left."

"Yes, sir."

"Also," I rub my neck, "Put someone on her tail and report back to me at least three times a day every move she makes. Don't be caught."

"Yes, sir."

Once he leaves, I throw my head back as I swallow the harsh whisky burning my throat. I wish her reproach would come with the same intensity.

I stand before my window with a hand in my pocket as I stare and get lost in my own head.

Isn't it too early to try to kill your own niece, Edward? No doubt, he's my first suspect... And only suspect. Who else would want to drag the position of Chairman?

Now that she's heiress, she has no idea what's coming for her. I realised too late Edwards greed and thirst for power. Being with Louise is too risky for our daughter and I refuse to put her through so much again.

I take out my phone and put a call across to Tony. It takes a while before he picks and while I should feel bad for disturbing my assistant so late at night, I console myself that it only ever happens once in a while… only every weekday.

“Mr. York,” his voice is groggy and I hear him stretch and sigh like he has just been disturbed from a deep slumber.

“I need you to set a meeting for me for exactly 10a.m tomorrow. It's with Miss. Caroline Quinn who is presently the heiress of Quinn's Corp-''

“Ah… I see,” he doesn't sound too impressed. I can imagine the poker face he has going on. “Anything else, sir?”

“Send a copy of the divorce papers to Mrs. Louise's lawyer by morning and… gather information about Miss. Caroline for me. Anything you can find, Tony.”

“Okay. I'll get right to it, sir. Can I request a raise-”

“Okay, sleep tight,” I hang up before he can continue and dump the phone on my table. I catch movements from the corner of my eyes and I lift my head to the door to see a beautiful brunette poking her head in. She's looking directly at me and doesn't break her gaze.

“Marilyn,” I set my drink down and walk out from behind my desk. “Come here, sweetie,” I stretch my hand to her and she walks in in her blue pyjamas and matching bonnet and flip flops.

She's rubbing her eyes as she walks closer and when she puts her hand in mine, I pull her in to kiss her head and hug her. She's almost reaching my chest level– it's like she gets taller everyday.

“You let me fall asleep waiting for you, dad,” I hear the pout in her voice and I immediately lift my hands to show her how guilty I am.

“Something came up,” I say. “Have you had dinner yet?”

She shakes her head and a yawn rips out of her, “I'm not hungry. Did mom return with you?”

“She's not here yet?” No surprise there. “Maybe she stopped by your grandfather's.”

Marilyn frowns and folds her arms under her breasts, “Did you two fight again?” Even she knows her mother runs back home for every little disagreement.

I chuckle and lean to kiss her by the cheek, “It's fine, love. It's nothing for you to worry about.”

“Don't treat me like a little kid, Dad,” she grumbles but still stays for the kiss.

“You are a little kid,” I cup her pouty face and stare at the only gift that has kept me sane for years. She has no idea how pleased I am that she looks and takes nothing from her mother.

“I'm almost seventeen,” she rolls her eyes.

“That's still a hundred years away in my eyes,” I let go of her once my phone starts to ring. “I'll come join you for dinner, I promise.”

“Did the Uhm… event go well?” She asks, sounding a little strange, that I pause and throw my head at her. She's standing awkwardly now and I wonder what this is about. She's never cared about those things before.

“Meh,” I shrug. “I should've just played dress up with you.”

She chuckles at my tease and when she swings one of her legs forward, I know there's something she wants to say.

“That's… not what mom said,” she mumbles, fixing her eyes on the floor first before She lifts them and looks in my direction. “Is it true you're… filing for a divorce, dad?”

Her question catches me off guard that I freeze for a moment, unable to blink or breathe.

That corny woman-

“A-Are you going back to her now?” The look in her eyes says it all and I know that Louise has pulled all her cards on the table, grabbing me by the balls once more. Using my own daughter– how fucking pathetic!