Chapter 4 FOUR

CHAPTER FOUR

COLE'S P.O.V

"I do not think you understand Sir," I said through clenched teeth, trying desperately to keep my frustration in check "I am not ready for marriage and besides none of the girls you bring to me are to my liking and standard," my voice softened slightly, almost pleading, as I tried to talk sense to my grandfather

His eyes, hard and unwavering, bore into mine. "Listen here, young man," he said, his voice cold and sharp. This will be the last time we have this discussion. If you don't get married by age twenty-nine, I will hand over the company to George."

I blinked, taken aback. "Are you serious?" I tried to call him bluff

But his expression didn't waver. "Try me and see," he said, his tone deadpan, sending a chill down my spine

The weight of his words settled heavily on my shoulders. Before you label me a trust fund kid, let me clarify-I'm not. My successful businesses stand as a testament to that. However, Ocean's Construction? That is our family's legacy, passed down through generations, and I solemnly promised my late father that I would carry on the legacy. My wily grandfather knows precisely which buttons to press. If I remain unmarried, he'll either arrange a match for me or hand over the company to George, and I refuse to let that happen.

Later at the gym, I could feel the anger rolling off me in waves. I was pissed wondering why my grandfather was such a pain in the ass. Maybe I should go visit Stephanie to see if she has made up her mind to marry me. Heaven knows I need this miracle

I slammed the weights down after a set, sweat dripping down my face, as my muscles burned

"Dude! You look like you are about to go on a hunt with all of this training. You need to calm down. Who pissed on your cereal this morning?" Adrian's voice interrupted my brooding thoughts

I wiped my face with a towel, frustration still boiling just under the surface. "Your grandfather"

Adrian took a sip of his water. "What did he do this time around?"

I gave him a look "Has there ever been a time when he doesn't do something to piss me off? Wait! Why doesn't he ever disturb you? You are his grandson too," I asked curiously, furrowing my eyebrows

He shrugged, "I don't know, and to be honest, I am happy he isn't on my case. But really, what happened this time?"

"The usual marriage talks and threats"

"I thought you said that had been handled?"

I groaned, "Not exactly, she hasn't given me feedback. I am only hoping that she accepts. We are in the same situation after all."

He raised an eyebrow, curiosity flashing in his eyes. "Okay, and you say I don't know this person in question?"

I shook my head negatively. "I doubt that, but I have a feeling you guys would become friends."

He shrugged, "If you say so."

"How's work? How's the tour going?" he was about to respond when I heard a familiar voice, my body tensing involuntarily, and followed the sound.

Adrian trailed after me, confused, "What are you -"

I stopped dead in my tracks when I saw her, Stephanie, and another girl lifting weights. The sight of her took my breath away. There was something about her... she was a mystery, an enigma wrapped in grace and fire. She was strong, fierce, and goddamn gorgeous. My mystery.

"You are drooling," Adrian whispered in my ear, making me hit him, and he yelped in pain. "Guy, you need to either stop gyming or hitting me because this is assault," he complained loudly, making Stephanie and her second glance our way

She shook her head at her friend, but her friend had a knowing smile and walked up to us, "Hi, Cole, right?"

I looked at her, confused, shaking her hand. "Hi, I don't know you, but I am guessing you know me. Who are you?"

She blushed, "I'm so sorry for that. Stephanie won't stop talking about how annoying you are," she said, grinning heavily. "Won't you introduce me to your friend?" she asked, pointing towards Adrian, who was gawking at her like a love-struck puppy

"Of course. This is my cousin, Adrian. Adrian, this is..." I turned to her in question

"Sally, Stephanie's cousin," she drew her hand out for a handshake. I had to hit the fowl before he regained his senses and shook her hand

"Pardon my manners, lovely one; your beauty has me captivated." He kissed the back of her hand, making her blush.

"Oohh," she grinned, "Such a charmer. Has anyone ever told you that you have such a sweet mouth?" she giggled

"No, my lady, you would be the first to give me such a compliment."

She cheesed widely, turning to me with wide puppy-dog eyes, "Can I keep him?"

"Sure," I laughed, walking to Stephanie, who was in the middle of a workout

"Hi mystery," I called out

"Mystery?" she asked, confused. I nodded affirmatively

She shook her head in mild amusement before her eyes flicked toward Sally and Adrian, who were laughing like they'd known each other for years. "I see my cousin has made herself comfortable with your friend."

"Yep, and that's my cousin. They seem to be having a good time. Have you had time to think about what I said?"

She sat on the floor while I followed suit. "To be honest, I haven't had time to think about anything. I have been trying to get the hang of things. It has been so long since I was involved in my father's business."

"My grandfather says he was one of the best businessmen in Africa. He was a man who believed in having the right principle and wasn't one to be messed with."

She laughed lightly, "Yeah, he was and was so stubborn, but I guess that was what made him who he was."

Her phone buzzed. Glancing at it, she said, "I'm sorry I have to take this call."

"What?" she screamed into the receiver, her voice turning sharp. "Okay, get the next available flight. I am on my way. What do you mean all the flights are booked? That's impossible. Keep trying! Anything to get me out of the country this night and send me all the documents," she scurried, packing her things

"Is anything the matter?" I asked worriedly

"Everything is the matter," she snapped, her frustration palpable. "I need to be in Senegal today, but there are no available flights. I knew I should have bought that private jet," she muttered

"I can take you," I offered, "I have a private jet."

Her eyes widened in relief. "Really, I'd appreciate it. Sally, please call one of the maids to pack my bags for a week, and before you say anything, no, you will not be following me. I need you to make sure your aunt isn't panicking," she said, the minute Sally wanted to argue

Turning to me, she said, "Thank you once again."

I shrugged, playing it cool. "No problem, meet me at the airport strip in two hours."

"I like her," Adrian said when we got into the house

I laughed. "I was wondering how long it would take you to say that. Congratulations, you beat your record!"

He suddenly paused, realization dawning on his face, "Wait! Is she the one woman you were talking about?"

"Yup! Flesh and blood," I confirmed

He whistled, "She is hot when she is in boss mode!"

*********

"What's with the security?" I asked the minute we got into the plane

"As I said earlier, your uncle gives me the creeps."

The second we arrived at the branch office, I was grateful that we had security details with us. Workers were in a frenzy, brandishing placards and making threats to destroy and even burn down the building. What exactly happened, and why am I just finding out?

"Let's make use of the backdoor." We pulled up at the back, and the security formed a protective stance between me and Cole. We rushed into the building and headed straight for the elevator.

I got to the manager's office and was shocked to see my uncle in a hurry to leave, his hands hastily stuffing papers into his briefcase, and his eyes darting around the office like a trapped animal

"Leaving soon? The party just got started." My voice dripped with disdain, a smirk tugging at my lips as I stepped into view. The look of panic on his face was priceless.

His eyes widened in shock. "What, how did you get here?"

I casually took a seat, bringing out my phone to record whatever he had to say. "I guess you didn't calculate your moves well, huh? Sly bastard, what the hell have you done with my company?"

His façade cracked for a moment before he straightened, puffing out his chest, "Hey! I am your uncle. You don't get to talk to me like that."

I raised an eyebrow. "Are you still bothered about honorifics? Every time I think you would be mature for your age, you keep on disappointing me." I shook my head in disappointment

He chuckled, but there was no humor behind it. "Well, there is nothing you can do about it. The deed has been done," he leaned back, smirking

"Is that so?" I leaned forward, my voice calm but laced with quiet rage, "For whatever reason, my father always defended you and thought you were genuinely a good person every time I tried to tell him you were nothing but a sly. But I promise you, you are going to spend a long time in prison because of the number of allegations leveled against you. Embezzlement? Really? You couldn't do better than that?" I mocked,

"Who gave you the authority to owe my workers, huh?" I screamed, getting into his face, throwing away my home training.

He cowered back, eyes widening in fear, making me smirk. "You will pay for every single time you hurt my family. Get him out of here," I ordered in a cold and unforgiving voice

As Cole's men grabbed Stan, he let out a chilling, guttural laugh, his eyes dark with malicious intent. "Oh, I see you have upgraded," he sneered, glancing towards Cole.

"Don't think for one second that he won't treat you the way Mike did. You will always be insignificant. Always," he growled out as they bundled him out of the office

Cole took a step forward, his jaw clenched, ready to defend me, but I shook my head. "Not now," I whispered firmly. I wasn't here to discuss my personal life. This was business. I wouldn't let Stan derail me from what needed to be done. Not today.

As they dragged him out, his curses echoed down the hall, but I stood rooted, unshaken. Stan may have thought he had the last word, but this wasn't over. I would make sure of that.

I heaved a sigh of relief. Turning to Cole, I said, "I am grateful for your help. I guess your work here is done."

He waved his hand, smirking, "Pssh, how do I show that I am the right man for you if I don't help you?"

I laughed heartily "Cocky as usual huh?"

He smirked, "Guilty."