Billionaire's Treasure

Chapter 3

BERYL

“Mother, you asked to speak to me?” I ask Helen immediately I get downstairs. The thing is, I always avoid them whenever I'm in the house so as to avoid trouble. Those three are a handful and handling them has proven to be a hard task.

She's seated next to her skimpily dressed daughter and Tyler is seated opposite them.

“I called you here to inform you that we're hosting the Smith's for dinner tonight. You don't have to be here but just to continue covering our dealings, you'll be here as usual, to be seen not to be heard.” Tyler says as the ladies murmur beside me.

“Brenda is getting married. We've agreed to marry one of you to the Smith's but obviously it won't be the pathetic you. It'll be our beautiful daughter here.”

I glance at Brenda who's smiling from ear to ear. She doesn't seem bothered by the idea of getting married to a total stranger. All she looks forward to is to get married to a wealthy man and be famous! All that matters to her is to maintain her expensive lifestyle.

“You need to dress up decently...get rid of that disgusting pair of jeans and t-shirt!” Mother says with disinterest. I really wonder why I still call her mother!

“Do you need me for anything else mother?” I ask. I'm already disgusted and I don't want to continue seeing their heartless and pretentious facades.

“No. You can leave and be presentable! We don't want to lose potential in-laws due to your wretchedness and untidiness.”

Well, that statement alone hurts but it's okay. I'm already used to their insults and verbal abuses. That was really a handful coming from her. Their insults never get any lesser!

Upon dismissal, I rush back to my room to dress up for dinner. I'm not interested in dining with them because I've always ate in the kitchen or in my room but since it involves business, I have no option but to attend.

I go through my closet and settle on a laced long sleeved navy blue dress which reaches just above the knees.

It's a v-neck and shows a bit of cleavage. I match it with a pair of golden heels and having set everything, I hop into the bathroom to run a warm shower.

While drying myself out, I notice that I have a lot of bruises as a result of being manhandled and I sigh heavily. Is this torture going to end any time soon?

I blowdry my hair and put a touch of makeup to hide the bruises andi conclude that I'm good to go. I always tie my hair up in a ponytail ever since Brenda and Helen decided to hack it and cut it off years ago. The pain I felt as they painfully pulled it from behind is still fresh up to date!

I walk downstairs and find father and mother chatting in the living room. Mother's head snaps at me as she scans my attire, then heaves a heavy sigh afterwards.

“That'll do for now! It's not like you're the one who's going to put an impression. It's Brenda's day!” she says while rolling her eyes. This woman...she never ceases to amaze me! Her hatred towards me is on another level.

My attention is caught by the clicking of heels behind me. Brenda's make up is freshly done and she's wearing a black strapless dress which goes up to mid thigh, exposing her well toned legs.

I somehow envy her body especially when mother compares me to her. Mother always shouts at me whenever I stuff my plate with food, citing that I need to shed off some weight!

“You're never going to catch a man looking like that Beryl!” Brenda scoffs at me upon seeing my dress code.

“No problem Brenda, I leave that to you!” I reply with disinterest. She can have all the men in the world for all I care!

“At least you know your place!” she says, flicking her hair.

“You look beautiful darling.”

Her dad says, getting closer to kiss her cheeks.

These guys have spoiled her so much. No wonder all she knows and does is going clubbing, getting drunk with alcohol and hard drugs then hoping on bed with any man at her disposal!

“Thank you daddy.. ” she smiles. “I was thinking of getting a new car, an Audi to be specific just like Blake's”

“Of course, anything for you sweetheart!” Tyler Wilson smiles before snapping at me. “Beryl, organise a new Audi and request all custom features!”

She just got a new Sedan!

“Yes sir! First thing tomorrow morning!” I reply.

“The Smith's should be here anytime from now!” mother states making Brenda to jump up in excitement.

All of a sudden, Tyler grabs my arm making me wince.

“Make sure you keep you face down....all the time and don't mess up.” he growls.

“Brenda will become Mrs. Smith so don't interfere!”

I nod and keep my gaze to the floor.

“I didn't hear you!” he tightens his grip.

“Yes sir! ” my voice comes out as a mere whisper!

He releases me and goes back to his scotch.

I really hope he doesn't get drunk because all the effects of the damn drink will be transferred to me!

I rub my arm and shake it off.

Just in time, the door bell chimes and Camilla scurries off to open the door. Everyone stands and waits for the footsteps to approach.

“Good evening Mr. and Mrs. Smith, and Henry of course!”

Mr. Wilson greets them warmly.

“Wow! What a lovely home you've got here!” Mrs. Smith compliments. She's a beautiful woman who's aging gracefully and has a million dollar smile. That's Leah for you and I sometimes wish Helen was like her!

Everybody greets each other joyfully as Brenda throws herself at Henry Smith who looks unaffected by her theatrics.

Mrs. Smith's eyes sparkle when she looks at me. Suddenly, she engulfs me in a motherly warm hug, making me to stand there shocked, stiff and confused at her sudden action. I'm not used to being treated with care and love.

“My goodness! You look so much like Judith!” she exclaims as her eyes begin glistening with tears. “You have Wade's eyes too!”

Her hands are still on my shoulders and she gives me a sad smile before her husband pulls her back.

“I'm sorry dear, I'm Leah!”

She says gently, smiling at me. “I'm so pleased to meet you!”

“Beryl!” I smile at the sweet beautiful lady in front of me.

A throat clearing catches my attention and I freeze. I'm taking all the attention away from Brenda and I was initially advised against it!

“Shall we have dinner?” mother says pleasantly before throwing me a hateful glare. I think I'm already in hot soup!

I wait for everyone to take their seats before I take mine. I'm lucky to sit next to Mrs Smith while Brenda sits next to Henry Smith who seems uncomfortable in her presence.

They converse as they take their dinner while I just keep my head down as much as possible to avoid being reprimanded later by Tyler.

“How are you dear? I hear you work with your father and you do very well!”

Mrs. Smith asks.

I turn my head to look at her hazel eyes which are sparkling with interest...

“Yes! I work as father's Personal Assistant. It can be quite interesting...” I reply, smiling politely.

“Did you attend college?”

Mr. Smith cuts in.

“Yes sir...” I reply, uncomfortable with the sudden attention I'm getting.

I swear I can feel two glares drilling holes in the sides of my head.

I'm doomed.

Father won't spare me! He'll definitely accuse me of stealing attention from his darling girl. Oh my!

“I'm sure you're very proud of her hard work Tyler!” he says turning to Mr. Wilson.

“She's still young!”

I almost choke on my drink.

Tyler shifts uncomfortably on his seat. “Yes, I'm proud of my two girls!”

Lies! Liar! I hate you!

My heart is screaming!

He can lie oh!

Brenda is trying to catch Henry's attention by holding his arm and accidentally brushing her breasts on him.

His facial features harden as he looks over at her with disinterest, a slight frown forming on his face as she flirts with him!

“So Brenda dear, do you also work for your father?” Mrs. Smith asks and I almost choke on my wine for the second time!

Brenda? Work? The girl is as dump as a doorknob! She is useless!

I receive a glare from her like I'm the cause of all this and I shift uncomfortably on my seat. I'm sure she'll complain to her parents later!

“No, I don't...” she replies, smiling curtly.

“What about college?”

Mr. Smith asks.

“Brenda doesn't need to go to college. She's a smart young lady and she has started investing already!” her mother comes to her rescue.

“I see. You sound so pleased with her progress! You must be very proud of her!”

Mr. Smith concludes.

“Of course! Not only is she beautiful but she's also smart! She's the best daughter one can ask for!” Helen showers her with fake praises.

“How lovely...” Leah says and I can feel the sarcasm in her words. She's not convinced one bit!

I continue picking at my food, praying that this dinner ends soonest! I'm already in trouble so the earlier I get my punches the better!

I feel someone's gaze at me and I look up to meet Henry's bright eyes. His gaze sends shivers down my spine and I feel butterflies forming in my stomach.

Oh my!

I've heard he's a womaniser and he only gets involved with actresses, air hostesses and models... I'm sure these are the same eyes he charms them with.

He's handsome, possibly the most handsome man I've ever seen. His well built body and demeanor makes me gulp continuously.

He's tall...

Every woman's dream and the reason why most ladies throw themselves at him. I shift my gaze from him and focus on my plate.

I feel nothing...totally nothing for him....except for the butterflies in my stomach. We've no connection at all.

Brenda deserves him and he deserves her too.

Mum is busy trying her best to shift the conversation to Brenda and I seriously don't care. We continue with out dinner, only nodding here and there to avoid looking disrespectful. I can't wait for this dinner to be over so as to head to my room to rest!