Chapter 3 Rex's Request

Lily walked into the lounge and quickly scanned her environment. She was smartly dressed in a grey fitted skirt suit, a high heel black pair of shoes, and transparent butterfly-framed eyeglasses.

She was slightly surprised to see Mr. Leonard already seated, sipping a glass of wine and reading some papers.

"Not again," she sighed inaudibly. "I'm supposed to meet him up by 10:30 AM and this is just 10:00 AM," she quickly looked at her gold wristwatch.

"I was so certain that I'll be here on time and ahead of him, today," she frowned.

She walked up to where he was seated and greeted him politely.

Leonard casually responded to her greeting and gestured towards a seat opposite. "I trust everything is running smoothly at the office.

"Yes, Sir," she replied and took her seat.

She verbally gave a rundown of some of the activities that had taken place earlier that morning.

"Can I have the documents?" Leonard interrupted her.

"Certainly Sir," she replied and handed over the folder she was holding to him.

"Schedule a meeting for 9:00 AM with the board of directors, and prepare the agenda as directed" Leonard instructed as he went through the documents.

Tom entered the lounge and walked up to where Leonard and Lily were seated, discussing.

"Hey charmer," he smiled and extended his hands towards Leonard for their unique handshake.

"Hey, Tom," Leon smirked and shook his hands, "so nice of you to join us."

"Good morning, Mr. Tom," Lily blushed slightly as she greeted him.

"Beautiful morning Lily," Tom responded with a knowing smile as he sensed the uneasiness in Lily's voice. "You look dashing as ever, he said and took a seat beside Leonard.

"Thank you, Sir," she smiled, a little bit tense due to her crush on Tom.

"Oh God, please help me control my emotions," she prayed from within. "I can't afford to appear unfocused in the presence of my boss. Otherwise, I'll be doomed.

"Lily, reschedule all my appointments for today," Leon instructed her.

"Okay Sir," she nodded in response, relieved that her boss was already concluding his meeting with her.

"Alright then, get back to work."

"Yes, Sir," she stood up and left the premises.

"So who has caught your attention this time, someone, I know?" Tom spoke up, as he took a sip of the glass of wine that had been served.

Leon smiled mischievously, "you know me." He appeared to be lost in thought for a brief moment. "This one is different Tom, I need you to do me a favor. Find out all you can about her. Who she is, where she works, who her friends are, everything. I want to know everything about her. And most especially, she was distraught about something. Find out the reason behind it."

"That wouldn't be a problem. Do you have any slight information about her?" Tom inquired grinning furtively.

"Yes," Leon half smiled at the thought of her beautiful name. "Her name is Amelia and I think you should start your search from FK fashion company. I have a hunch she had something to do with them today. Call me the moment you have any information about her."

"Hmm... Going somewhere special? Tom quizzed.

"I have to be at the villa today. Rex requested to see me. I don't know what he has up his sleeve this time." Leon said with a puzzled look on his face.

"Alright, bruh, just take it easy with the old man. You know he cares a lot about you even when he doesn't show it.

They discussed other matters for a while. Then finally, they both stood up and left the lounge in different directions.

******

Leon always looked up to his father growing up. Rex Gorssom had a charming charismatic personality which endeared him to the public. He was optimistic about every situation and a visionary leader. He never tolerated incompetency which kept all his employees on their toes. He could fire a whole department if they didn't meet up with a given target.

Leonard had always worked harder to maintain some of the family's businesses, proving that he was both responsible and capable. But nothing he ever did seemed to be enough for the old man. He kept engaging him with more tasking responsibilities, whenever Leonard exceeded his expectations.

Leonard drove into the villa, with a determined expression on his face. He was prepared for whatever Rex had planned.

"Good day Sir," you're welcome." one of the mansion chauffeurs was already positioned and awaiting to park his car.

"Thanks," Leonard simply said as he came down from the car, handed over the keys, and walked elegantly and briskly towards the entrance.

"Good day Mr. Leonard, it's nice to have you around" Sam the butler greeted with a nod and a smile as he entered the mansion

"Morning Sam, you..."

"Big brother," Ivory came running down the stairs, screaming at the top of her voice.

"Hey sweetie," Leonard opened his arm to embrace her as she jumped into them and hugged him tightly.

"I've missed you so much," her eyes twinkled. "You've been so busy even for your baby sister. I only get to see more of you on the tabloid, having so much fun without me," she pouted.

"Hmm....you missed me that much, huh? What about those numerous boyfriends of yours?" Leonard raised an eyebrow and smirked at his sister's expression.

"Come on, Leon, you know you are my number one" she winked at him.

"Ivory, can you allow your brother at least come in and settle down before you choke him with your hugs and questions?" Yvonne snapped, as she stepped in.

"Someone is jealous," Ivory sneered in her direction while she led Leonard to the living room.

"Good day to you too, Yvonne," Leonard grinned at Ivory's statement.

Yvonne was three years older than her brother yet, she acted as though she was ten years older. If she had her way, she would dictate Leonard's every lifestyle. She was fond of playing the mother figure which often didn't go well with her siblings. She couldn't help attaining perfection and was always irritated when things were out of order.

Ivory, on the other hand, being the baby of the house was pampered by everyone especially, Leonard. She was Leonard's number one fan and supported everything he did irrespective of what her elder sister thought about it.

When Leonard, escorted by his two sisters entered the living room, he was greeted by a mild cozy music that was playing in the background. His mum was seated with some guests, drinking wine and discussing. There was a beautiful and sexy young lady seated opposite his mum, and two older ladies seated at his mum's side.

Immediately Leonard stepped into the room, the young lady flashed an enchanting glance at him and smiled revealing a perfect set of white teeth, which he returned with a smirk.

Leonard was known, never to shun pretty girls he found attractive. He would always walk up to them, and smooth talk them into doing whatever he desired. But the one rule he had never broken, was introducing any of these girls to his family. He simply kept his relationship very short, and strictly for the time he wanted them around.

None of the girls he dated knew much about him except for the fact that he was a wealthy young guy who had expensive taste in fashion.

Leonard walked up to his mother, greeted, kissed, and hugged her, then he exchanged pleasantries with the two older ladies who were within the age range of his mum.

Mrs. Gorssom was an elegant, gorgeous, and sophisticated woman in her late-forties. She was stunningly dressed in a long peach embroidered gown that made her stand out in the room.

"Leon, do you remember Chloe?" Mrs. Gorssom asked in a calm exquisite voice.

Leonard looked in Chloe's direction and returned his gaze to his mum.

"Not really," he shook his head without showing an interest in Chloe.

"She is the daughter of your father's friend, Mr. Albert Robinson. She is an art director, a choreographer, and a model. She recently got a big contract in one of the highest paying entertainment industries in this city," Mrs. Gorssom beamed as she blew Chloe's trumpet.

"Isn't she amazingly beautiful," she held up her hands.

"Hmm... Impressive, congratulations Chloe." Leonard said without looking interested in whatever his mum was going to say next.

"I took the liberty to invite her over for dinner, hope you don't mind," his mum seemed to be enjoying herself.

"Your house, your decision, mum," Leonard shrugged. "I'll leave you ladies now to have your fun," He said and walked out of the room towards the lounge section, which was his dad's favorite place to be.

Leonard was slightly angry at the fact that his mum just tried suggesting a woman to him. She knew him better than to pull that stunt.

He entered the lounge and found his father seated, reading the papers. For a split second, he admired him. He was the definition of a wine that gets better with age. From his sporty silver hair to his sturdy physique, he was the image of a true fashion icon.

He walked up to him and greeted him.

"Hello dad," Leonard extended his hands for a handshake.

"Hello son," he replied with a warm smile and a handshake. "It's good to see you."

"Thanks, dad" Leonard smiled and took a seat opposite him.

They both talked about life, business strategies, and other work-related issues for a while, before his dad's facial expression and tone changed to one of seriousness.

"Son, I am impressed with the dedication and discipline you have demonstrated towards your work." He adjusted his reading glass. "On so many occasions, I had given you difficult tasks to test your resilience, and you kept proving to me, that you were a true Gorssom by your outstanding results."

"Now, there is one more thing I'll need you to accomplish as my true heir," his dad looked him straight in the eye. "You must get married before the end of the falls," He said, without breaking the eye contact. "I know you are good with the ladies, so this wouldn't be a difficult task for you to achieve."