Miss "Robin Hood"

7

Amelia POV

Over my dead body. Like I haven't had to see his rat face enough, now to be forced to bear him at work too... No! No, no, no! I was so angry that my body started to tremble. And Claire... I felt like shaking her until she comes to her senses.

I was pouring myself a drink with my shaking hands, when the door opened. I walked around my desk and sat in the chair, waiting for my dad to start.

"Mia, what is your problem with them. I can't imagine you'll believe in those rumors, running in the town."

"But what If they did all of those things, dad? What If the rumors are the truth."

He looked at me with cold eyes. He never looked at me like that before. I was the good daughter, who was always trying to please him. But now...

"If I believed in the rumors even just a bit, I would have already done something about it. If you really believe they're criminals, what are your evidence? Without evidence it's a crime to point your finger at someone, just because you think so. Are you that kind of a man, Amelia? Have I raised you like that?"

He looked at me angrily. "Jackson is like my son and he will have his part of the pie, even If it's not big." He stood and turned to leave.

"Over my dead body." His hand was on the door handle, when I said that. He stopped and turned to look at me. "Am I a charity case for you too, just like Jackson? Why don't you adopt him too? I don't like him, but more importantly, I don't trust him." I was standing just like him. I walked to stand in front of the desk. "I won't be a charity case for anyone, mr. Anderson. If my opinion as your adopted daughter and your subordinate, that

managed the company for the last couple of years doesn't concern you, It may have come the time for me to leave. You can put Jackson on my position."

I grabbed my purse and walked out of the room, not even glancing in his eyes, when I passed by him. I wanted to cry, because the last couple of weeks I was feeling off when it came to my relationship with him. What had happened? Maybe Richard was trying to blindside him. If things get worse, I would have to tell my dad about all the things, happening behind his back. I was just scared how he'd react. For him honor and honesty was the most important qualities. If he find out what Owens are doing and that Claire and I are somehow involved, I... I don't know If he'd manage with the pressure. I was scared for his health and I was scared for Claire's future too.

I pulled my keys from my purse and got in the car. I drove for a good forty minutes, before I reached Barrywood manor.

I could see Gary on the staircase, waiting for me. A man stood next to him. I guess he found me a new guard. I stepped out of the car and moved in their way. I observed the man, he was tall, maybe around fifty years old. His clothes was all black.

I was picking my personal guards very carefully. He will know everything that is happening around me and will even sometimes have to help in my affairs. That meant I had to trust him completely. In general, I trusted the judgment of my people. But still, my instinct was what I was listening to. Whether this person will work for me indefinitely, I will judge in time.

"Gary!" I nodded in greetment."What is it? Is this my new personal guard?" I smiled at the man, next to Gary, but his face stayed indifferent.

"Yeah, Mia. Charles is one of the best men, that have reached to me for a job." I furrowed my brows. We usually find our people, not the opposite. It was safer that way. I'm already feeling on edge for this man. He could be Robinson's or Owens's man. Obviously Gary saw my uneasyness, because he tried to assure me."Don't worry, he's old friend of mine. We've lost touch, because he was living abroad, but he returned now and he needs a job. He is someone we could trust. I guarantee for him."

I just nodded, not quite convinced. We'll see. I gestured for Charles to follow me in the mansion. On my way up the main stairs, I saw Richard waiting in front of the entrance.

He was observing me with serious eyes. When we neared him, he moved to stand on my way, blocking the entrance. I raised my brows and when he didn't move, I ran a hand over my face in frustration.

"What?"

"It was nice to have a little competition with you for the past couple of years." He said with a quiet, but intimidating voice."But It's all serious now and I won't let anyone blew my chances away." I stared at him with disbelief, my anger grew with every second passing. But he continued."Your dad wants us in the company. Accept it. The company is Anderson's family, so it's not your business who your father wants in." He stopped again and then took a step in my way. "And stop interfering in my business, Amelia. I know the last troubles we got, we owe to you. I won't be easy on you anymore."

I was boiling inside, but in the last second I remembered that we were out. And Charles was still an outsider for me. Before I could say or do something, Gary moved to stay between me and Richard. I rubbed my temple with my hand, when we heard a noise of a stopping car. My father, Claire and Richard came to us. I crossed my hands on my breast and bit my lower lip, trying not to look pissed. I remembered Gary had important family-related matter to attend.

"Gary, you can go."

My father greeted Richard and everyone stood next to us. Charles had moved behind me in an appropriate distance.

"You and your son are always welcomed here, Richard, you know it, but I have a family matters to discuss with my daughters, so If you don't mind, we'll expect your visit tomorrow."

Richard seemed pretty dissatisfied with his command, I almost expected for him to say something, but he closed his mouth in a thin line and went down the stairs. Jackson though was pissed of that he was dismissed clearly on my behalf. I wondered If my father had told him everything in the car on their way here. I doubted, but...

"Didn't you heard my father?" I raised my brow mockingly at him. I just couldn't stopped myself. He was so easy to trick. He stepped to close the distance with me, when his father almost shouted for him to go. I grinned from ear to ear.

When they left, my father took us to his study. We all sat down and I decided to cut him short.

"May I start?" He nodded in agreement.

"I'm sorry for my behavior in the company. I know that you feel obligated to Richard. And as much as I think this is bul...well, as much as I think that you don't have to, I understand that is your business. But father. I don't like them, I don't trust them and I meant it, when I told you I won't work with them. I'm sorry. That's my finall words. I won't change my mind, so don't try to." I sighed."I'll respect your decision though and If you think that's good for your family and company, go ahead. But I think you're making a mistake. And I won't be part of it."

I said it. Now the ball was in his hands.

"Mia, I can't believe you're bending daddy's arms like that. You know he loves you and he would do everything to please you. Can't you do this for him? Nobody wants from you to like Jackson. Just take it for our father's sake."

I looked her in disgust. "I won't even bother asnwering you."

"Enough of you two. As much as I respect Richard and his son, I don't like to see my daughters fighting over them. Forget about my..."

"No!" Claire stood of her chair and shouted."Why are you listening to her again? I told you I liked your idea, doesn't my opinion matter to you?"

He put his hands on the desk and sighed.

"Since when do you care what is happening in the company."

She looked taken aback.

"It's not fair. You always said to me that some day I could take my position in the company, If I want."

"And you still can. What this have to do with the Owens?"

"I just...respect them like you do and I want to work with Jackson. With them both." She looked at me meaningfully. "It would be great If we have one more face to trust to."

"That's the point, Claire. We don't trust him." I said pointedly.

"Well, speak for yourself. I and dad trust him."

"I don't trust him, like a trust my girl, Claire. Your sister have been managing the company for years. If she says that she doesn't want Jackson there, I would respect her decision. This is the end of the discussion. It's my fault we fight over it so much, so I don't want to hear more of it. You two will be the only share holders of the company, along with me. Now go get some rest."

I stood up and got out of the room as fast as I could. I really wanted to rest for a bit. I had to escape from Claire's anger. I saw Charles standing by the stairs and walked to him.

"Charles, I'm sure you're good and trustworthy man. But right now I don't have the time to manage the responsibilities of taking a new member of my crew. I apologize, but I won't need your services. I'm sorry. I'll help you to find a new job though. And I'll pay you for your time, spend here." I smiled politely and went for the second floor.

...

Charles POV

I strode out and took my car. I drove for almost twenty minutes, when I stopped the engine and made a call.

"Mister, Carters. I have some news."