The expensive mistake.

Tricelle Wincher

"I can't believe you're trying to take over the business, just because Dad left it to you!"

Anne snarled at Tricelle, her freshly manicured hands clenching the brown envelope she had brought with her.

"Well, I'm the one that has worked here since I was nineteen. I have more experience running a business. It only makes sense for me to take the lead," Tricelle answered sarcastically.

She watched calmly as her older sister's frown deepened, the sun was spilling into the office, making Anne’s red face even brighter.

Anne had lush golden hair that flowed down her back like a river, and her dark blue eyes could make any man's knees weak with demand.

'Mother, always said she was the better-looking one. If only her personality matched her face,' Tricelle thought bitterly.

"That's not fair! Just because you're a workaholic and have 8 years of experience, doesn't mean you automatically get to be in charge. I am the eldest!" Sweat dropped down Anne’s face, as she slammed the brown envelope on the desk before Tricelle, and her frown slowly turned into a wicked smile on her red lips.

"Here is the documentation from my lawyer."

Tricelle’s soft blue eyes briefly gazed over the envelope that was thrown in front of her.

She knew that her sister would have been upset by her father’s will, but talking it to court was a little absurd.

"Don't put up a fight, Tricelle. You know this is best for the company."

Anne said, leaning forward over the desk. Tricelle could almost see every inch of Anne’s cleavage.

As usual, Anne was so used to seduction that she did it unintentionally.

"I'm the one who has been working here, I've put my blood, sweat, and tears into this company while you've been off gallivanting in your fantasy world."

Tricelle said with a stern voice, as she pushed her sister slowly away from her face with a pen.

Taking a deep breath, she relaxed a little, she wished she could just slap her sister straight off her high horse.

"Don't get comfortable."

Anne snapped when she saw that Tricelle was not going to entertain her outburst.

With a smile on her face, Anne slowly straightened her back and pulled her tight purple dress back into place.

“Read it, and come back to me.”

Anne stormed out of the office without waiting for Tricelle to reply, leaving the office doors wide open.

For a few moments, Tricelle could only stare at the open doors, wondering how they could have drifted apart in the last few months. Her sister used to be her friend, even when Tricelle’s ex fiancé made a fool out of her in front of all their friends and family, her sister stood by her. It all changed so fast in the last couple of months, and she didn’t know why.

Taking a breath, her blue eyes scanned her father’s office.

She was surrounded by memories of her father's successful business. The walls were lined with awards and accolades, a testament to his hard work and dedication; he was a proud and hardworking man. In the corner of the desk his golden name card stood glistening in the sun.

“EVAN WINCHER”

She sighed loudly as a deep sorrow filled her. She could feel the weight of his absence.

He would have stood up for her. He would have chased Anne out as soon as she raised her voice like a spoiled brat.

"I miss you, Dad," Tricelle whispered.

It has been a week since he passed away. Tricelle knew that he would one day be taken from her, but she never thought that it would be so soon and so sudden.

.

She slowly stood up and moved to the window that overlooked the community garden in front of the building, her pale complexion reflecting in the large window.

Her dark red hair looked lifeless as it hung down in waves over her shoulders to the nape of her back, and her eyes were glistening with tears. She felt drained to the core. She wanted to mourn her father, but for the last few days she was only fighting the wolves that wanted to pick on the remaining pieces of her father's carcass.

She quickly wiped away a tear that had escaped before she turned her attention to the brown envelope that was watching her from the desk.

“I wouldn't be surprised if Anne had planted a bomb inside of it.” Tricelle thought to herself with a mocking smile.

Making her way to her desk, she took the envelope in her hand. Sighing as she tore the top piece off, and dread filled her as the papers slid out effortlessly.

As her eyes rolled over the front page, her heart stopped.

The lawyer's name was written in bold at the top of the paper. Shawn Draxson.

Anger stirred inside of her. He was a horrible person, but one of the best lawyers in the city. Anne was indeed going to put up a fight, and she was prepared. If Shawn was taking her case, Tricelle would have to fight for her life.

Tricelle sat down behind her desk, clenching the papers.

“Shawn f**king Draxson”

She said through her teeth.

Shawn was no stranger; he was once her friend and then her fiancé, and then he broke her in pieces.

“Are you alright, Miss?”

The soft voice that came from the door startled Tricelle.

Yanking her head up, Tricelle met the gaze of her father’s secretary standing at the door.

Leya stood in the door in her familiar gray suit and soft smile on her face, as always her brown hair was neatly tugged away in a perfect bun on her head.

“Miss?”

Leya asked again, concern written over her face.

“Sorry Leya, I was just going through some… papers that my sister left.”

Leya watched as Tricelle tried hiding her fresh tears, wiping them away before they reached her cheek.

“I will be just outside if you need me Miss.”

Leya said softly, when she saw Tricelle avoiding her gaze. Closing the large doors behind her, Tricelle felt a sense of comfort. She always appreciated Leya’s soft approach to horrible situations.

After a few brief moments alone, Tricelle continued reading the papers…

The document suggested that the eldest daughter should inherit the whole company rather than the youngest one. Inheritance laws typically dictate that assets are distributed based on a set of predetermined criteria, which may include age, level of involvement in the business, and other relevant factors.

“It is true, Anne was supposed to inherit the company, but her involvement was less than the mice that chewed on the cardboard boxes in the storage rooms.” Tricelle thought angrily to herself before she continued reading.

The whole document revolved around the fact that her father was not in his right mind when he decided to leave her the whole inheritance.

"That bitch."

She muttered under her breath, as she threw the papers back on her desk.

Yes, it was true her father had been very paranoid and strange in the months leading to his accident, but he was in his right mind.

"I can't believe her!"

Tricelle slammed her fists onto the table. Making a few pens fall to the floor.

Suddenly, the phone rang, filling the large room with the familiar sound she was used to.

For a few moments Tricelle could only stare at the phone before she grabbed it and placed it next to her ear.

"Tricelle Wincher speaking"

She said, trying to sound calm.

The silence over the phone made her frown slightly.

“ Hello?”

“Yes, I would like to speak to Evan’s successor.”

A deep, commanding voice spoke.

"I am Tricelle, I am the CEO.”

Tricelle rolled her eyes as she thought that she might not be the CEO next week.

“Is there anything I can help with?"

The deep voice was quiet for a few seconds before he answered.

"I am sorry to hear about Evan, my deepest condolences."

Tricelle rubbed her forehead, she was so tired of people saying that to her and not meaning it.

"Yeah, thanks."

The voice was silent.

"Hello?"

"Yes, I am still here... I have made reservations for tonight at the 'La Belle Elisia'. I was wondering if you would accompany me."

Tricelle sat speechless, she had no idea who she was speaking to her first instinct was to say no, but the voice spoke again.

"It was originally for me and your father. We wanted to close a deal, but under the circumstances, I would like you to join me."

La Belle Elisia was a favorite spot for the elite of the city, who would flock to its doors in hopes of experiencing a taste of luxury. It wasn't a place Tricelle would normally go to, but something in the man's voice pulled her.

"I will go with you."

She said with hesitation.

"Good, I will let my driver pick you up at seven."

The line went dead, leaving Tricelle staring at the phone.

"Why did I say yes?"

Tricelle muttered to herself. Maybe she just wanted to feel close to her father, or that this would be the last deal she could get for the business before Anne took it from her.

Tricelle quickly dialed Leya’s number. Her fingers curled around the handset.

"Leya, can you please find out who just called my father's office."

"Yes, Miss."

Tricelle could hear Leya’s fingers typing away on her computer. She smiled; she always called her 'Miss', even though she was twenty years older than her.

"Miss, the number is linked to Mr Eric's foundation."

Leya could not hide the excitement and surprise in her voice.

Tricelle frowned; she had only heard rumors about old Mr Eric. He was said to be an awful brute. He was ruthless and feared by many.

Rumors spread that he had the power to destroy whole companies with one phone call. He could even let people disappear without a trace.

A cold shiver ran down her spine. She knew her father always held him in high regard and that he was one of the few people that saw him as a friend. But she didn't pay much attention when her father spoke about him.

"Thank you, Leya."

She placed the phone down with a hard thud. Looking at the office, wondering what deal her father was busy with.

"That's just great, dinner with an old man that could make me disappear."

Tricelle said out loud, grabbing her bag and heading towards the door.