Billionaire's Treasure

Chapter 9

HENRY

I'm looking forward to seeing that pretty blonde haired lass in the meeting today.

I'm preoccupied through out the drive towards BlackBerry Corporation. A driver had to pick me and drive me there together with my Personal Assistant.

“Here we are sir!” my Personal Assistant says, snapping me back to life. I was so much lost into myriad of thoughts.

At the reception, we meet the rest of the team and after exchanging pleasantries, we take the elevator to the tenth floor.

We meet Mr. Wilson outside the elevator and after greeting him, my eyes are caught by the blonde haired lass dangling from a man's neck, making me to clench my jaw in annoyance.

Tyler Wilson wears an unhappy frown and clears his throat. The man gently lowers her to the ground and they both turn to look at us.

He greets Mr. Wilson joyfully and I instantly recognise him. His name is Blake and we attended the same college. He's a smart ass guy and he's ready to take over his father's company any time from now.

Miss Wilson approaches me and greets me with the same professional smile she usually has.

I notice that her complexion is unusually pale and her eyes wear dark circles underneath.

She's wearing a scarf and I can see dark marks underneath. I assume that it's a hickey left there by her lover.

We make it to the meeting room and get down to business.

Blake introduces himself and apologises for not being around for last time's meeting.

I steal some glances at Beryl and she's busy writing down some notes though she looks sleepy. I swear I can see her stiffling a yawn.

Her cuteness is still evident but she looks weak and sick.

After the meeting, Blake approaches me with a broad smile. We hug each other then after withdrawing, he keeps the same smile and tells me how happy he is to see me.

“Same here Blake. You haven't changed much.”

I comment.

“Maybe we can catch up sometimes over a bottle of beer.” he suggests. “I will bring Beryl along.” he concludes. He's as mischievous as before.

“I will avail myself, be assured of that.” I assure him. How can I miss that date if the beautiful Beryl will be there? I can't!

After saying our goodbyes, my Personal Assistant and I walk out towards the elevator. We need to grab some coffee before my parents arrive for the contract marriage meeting.

I'm personally looking forward for the meeting since I will be making it clear that I won't marry that slut Brenda Wilson because her reputation is questionable.

The family has tried it's best to hide all the evidences but I had to do my research.

She's into drugs, a reckless drunkard, has caused several accidents while drunk and she has had several one night stands with random guys.

To make the matters even worse, a s*x tape was nearly released to the media last year. I'd rather marry a rat rather than getting married to her.

Even with the rumours said about Beryl, which I'm sure aren't true, I'd rather marry her. She's hard working and educated, unlike the illiterate lazy brat.

We're already at the coffee shop with my personal assistant Carla. I sip my coffee and sigh heavily, deep in thoughts.

“I hope Beryl accepts.” mum states immediately they get into the cafeteria hand in hand with dad. She's beaming with excitement like a teenager.

“Of course!” I reply, though I'm nervous.

I excuse Carla and send her back to the office to finish off some work and also attend to our afternoon clients.

Afterwards, my parents and I make our way back to the office. We land on the tenth floor and we can hear muffled shouts echoing along the hallway.

“Is that not Tyler Wilson?” mum asks with a frown.

“Does this happen a lot?” dad asks the elderly receptionist who's situated a the tenth floor to attend to the clients who wish to see Mr. Wilson.

“Unfortunately.” she sighs sadly. “Miss Beryl has to put up with his moods an awful lot. I don't know how she keeps up with his demands!” she appears sad and concerned as well. I guess her hands are tied and she can't do anything about it.

My father shakes his head in sadness after hearing that.

I can see how this affects him and mum as well.

Still in shock, we walk to the meeting room and make ourselves comfortable.

Many thoughts crisscross my mind and I can't stop wondering why Tyler was shouting to his daughter in such a manner. Isn't he supposed to love and care for her now that she's helping him make money?

Finally, Tyler enters with a broad smile, followed by Beryl.

“Hello Wayne, Leah.”

Beryl shakes their hands then takes her seat, focusing her gaze on the floor.

“Is Helen not joining us?” mum asks.

“No, she doesn't have much to do with business deals!”

Tyler replies.

Indeed she doesn't!

“I see...” she pauses. “Remember this is not only a business deal but a decision which will affect your daughter's future drastically.”

I notice a tick on his jaw as mum speaks.

“Of course it is.” he regains his smile. “I only want the best for my children.”

Mom nods, slightly content with the answer.

“The contract is already drawn up and the lawyers have gone through it.” dad explains. “It includes a prenuptial agreement, what's required within the marriage and business.” he says then pauses for a moment, studying Tyler briefly.

“Infidelity won't be tolerated nor will any questionable behavior that could put the family at risk. Breaking the agreement will bring major losses to the offending party.” I state as a matter of fact. “You're welcome to read the contract and have your lawyers read through it. There are no loopholes. It's airtight!” I explain further, not shifting my gaze from Tyler Wilson. This old man is fishy and I promise myself to deal with him if he crosses my path!

Mr. Wilson nods while Beryl scribbles notes in her note book as usual.

“There will be an engagement period that will be assessed upon agreement.” mother states kindly. “In about three weeks, there will be an engagement party to announce the business partnership and marriage. They'll date and know each other then move in together after the engagement period has commenced!” she smiles. “This will give them time to know each other before marriage.” she adds.

“Okay, I'll be sure to pass the information to Helen and Brenda.” Tyler says as he flicks through the contract.

“Beryl, make copies of the contract when we're done here!”

“Yes sir.” she responds and I notice that her voice is quiet and meek in the large room.

“Actually Tyler...” dad speaks up catching everybody's attention. “Brenda isn't the one who will be getting married Henry.”

I can see the shock on Tyler's and Beryl's faces.

“What are you talking about?” He asks, his voice dark and low.

“I want to marry Beryl, not Brenda!” I say with a smirk then lace my fingers together and sit back on the comfortable office leather chair. Drama is about to unfold.

Beryl stares at me in shock, parting her rosy lips and widening her eyes. The colour in her face drains instantly.

Well, I'm enjoying the show because the look on her face is priceless!

BERYL

Did I hear that right?

What the hell did he just say?

I feel my jaw dropping immediately the words leave his lips.

Is he for real?

Is he trying to sign a death sentence for me? Because that's what it looks like.

Tyler and Helen will skin me alive thinking I manipulated them! I'm so shocked such that I forget to breathe.

I break into a cold sweat while Mr. and Mrs. Smith wear happy and proud smiles. Henry Smith sits the nonchalantly.

At the corner of my eyes, I can see Mr. Wilson's face contorting and growing red in anger.

My hands shake and my face pales further than before.

“Did this little slut seduce you into making a decision?” he yells in anger, making me to flinch and shrink back slightly.

Leah stares at him in pure shock. It's like she can't believe that the old man has just insulted me.

“No she didn't!” Henry states calmly. “And please stop calling her names. I wouldn't forgive anyone disrespecting my future wife!”

What?

He's not even affected by him even one bit. It seems he really knows what he wants. Is this what they had planned all along? To make me Henry's wife instead of Brenda? Oh no!

“I won't accept a wife who's a drunk, sleeps around with random strangers and regularly partakes in drugs and even has a s*x tape floating around!” Henry shifts and rests his head on his hands. “I won't have a partner who will bring down the family and business.” he states as a matter of fact.

My mouth runs dry.

I don't know how he got to know about all these but I'm going to get all the blame.

“I'll have you know that Brenda is twenty times better than this woman!” Tyler spits in in utter anger and disgust. I know he now hates me a hundred times more than before!

I squeeze my eyes shut hoping this will be over soon. His true colours are finally out. He ain't doing anything to hide the fact that he hates me. He openly loathes me!

Mr. Wilson rises on to his feet and leans over the table while pointing at Henry.

“You better rethink your decision boy!” his tone is threatening.

I keep my head bend, not wanting to look at anyone for fear of further exacerbating his fury.

“I've made my decision already and it's final. Speak to your family. Whether you accept or not it's upon you.” Henry's tone is firm. He doesn't seem moved by his outbursts at all.

I want to help the business...I really do, but will I be able to marry a stranger? Someone I barely know? Will Mr. Wilson accept? Henry is a stranger for Christ's sake, but again, do I have a choice?

“Beryl!” Mr. Wilson calls out my name, snapping me out of my thoughts. He's already walking away hurriedly and I run after him without even a goodbye to the Smiths.

I'm literally trembling.

When I get into his office, I'm smacked across the face really hard. A cry leaves my lips as I stumble on the wall but I manage to stay on my feet. Tears form in my eyes and spill down my cheeks.

I haven't felt this kind of force in a long time.

I'm cut off by another slap and a rough grip on my ponytail. “Did I say you could speak? How did he find about Brenda?” he questions while breathing fire.

“I didn't talk to anybody. I took rid of the evidence but it doe—”

He cuts me off with another punch on the gut making me to fall to my knees while desperately gasping for air.

“Get out of my sight and go home. I'll deal with you later. Make sure you finish your work there!” he orders.

“Yes sir.” I manage to squeak as tears run down my cheeks in torrents.

I rush to my office to collect my stuff and head home. I retouch my makeup up because I'm sure my cheek is hot red. I comb my hair and retie it.

I then hurriedly walk out down the hallway and I meet the Smiths as they get into the elevator. My eyes meet Henry's eyes as the doors slide shut.

“Beryl, are you leaving?” the receptionist asks me.

I smile at her and assure her that everything is alright.

I hand over the contract to her and request her to make copies then hand them over to Mr. Wilson.

I'm crossing the lobby when someone calls out my name.

I turn round only to meet Arnold whose face is plastered with a big smile.

“Are we going for lunch today?” he enquires.

“I'm unwell. I'm heading home!” I lie to him.

We've been having lunch together for days now. He's just good company.

He offers to drop me home and I accept though hesitantly. We walk towards his car in the basement and I give him my address then we drive off.

We're quiet through out the ride. Mr. Smith's son has firmly stated that he must marry me. Wilson will beat me to death because I know so much about his business. Oh no!

We arrive at the huge gates of hell! Arnold comments about the affluent behind the huge gates. He's visibly perplexed. He then kisses my hand slightly and I free myself from him. His actions disgust me to the core! Does he think we're dating already?

He looks shocked by my actions but I don't care. He's chewing too much than he can swallow and I don't like it. I'm just allowing him to accompany me for lunch because he insisted. He also insisted to take me home so I'm not forcing him and that doesn't mean he should be showing such affection towards me.

I bid him goodbye and climb out of the car. I open the gates with the keypad and walk towards the house, silently praying that Brenda and Helen are out.

No one is home thankfully except Camilla. She's concerned because I'm home early and I assure her that everything is fine.

She informs me that Brenda and Helen are having lunch with Blake, something which makes me to sigh in relief then I head upstairs to continue with my job!