Chapter 2 Unwelcome deals and fractured trust

She clicked her tongue "Fuck you!" She turned and headed for her room without saying anything else.

Julian smirked as he watched her ascend the stairs. He'd just realised why she was a hot commodity among his friends and of course he'll be getting a taste real soon.

Heather's footsteps receded quickly, followed by the slam of a door. Silence loomed over the room once again.

Mr. Lancaster heaved a heavy sigh,breaking the foreboding silence

"You alright dad?" Louis asked as he adjusted his glasses on the bridge of his nose. Tyler was forced to spare Mr. Lancaster a glance.

"Yeah–sure," Mr. Lancaster replied evasively, "Mr Carter...?''

Julian looked up from his phone. His brows lifted almost immediately. Mrs.Davis had started to tote the suitcase up the stairs.

It was going to be yet another struggle.

"My apologies for my daughter's behaviour–she can be a tough one sometimes." Mr. Lancaster babbled.

He was flustered and embarrassed having no idea what he was saying. His expression was one of discomfort and gloom.

"Do reconsider your offer," he'd managed to say.

"I don't remember rescinding my offer Mr. Lancaster or did I? I want her– and I will marry her"

Tyler's jaw clenched. His eyes burned with barely concealed fury. Who the hell did this man think he was - just a billionaire? As if his money gave him the right to own people. Let alone own her. Arrogance wrapped in a tux. Vanity in its purest form.

"This calls for a toast, I believe," Mr. Lancaster said, completely unfazed - or pretending to be.

"I believe it does, but I'll be taking my leave. I have a flight to catch in ten minutes. We'll save the toast for the wedding."

Julian winked at him and stood up from where he sat.

"Oh, sure. It's okay. Let me walk you to the door, then."

Mr. Lancaster stood and smoothed out his shirt.

"The pleasure is all mine," Julian said as he headed toward the door.

"Excuse me, Dad," Tyler interrupted abruptly as he stood up.

Mr. Lancaster turned to him, he had already started ascending the stairs.

"Come see Mr. Carter off, will you?" Mr. Lancaster called out to him.

"Ask Louis to do it!" Tyler spat out without hesitation. He stepped onto the first landing and continued up the stairs.

Mr. Lancaster's eyes widened. Of course, he wasn't surprised - not one bit. It seemed he had gotten quite used to it. He sighed.

"They sure are a handful," Julian stated as his secretary handed him some paperwork to sign.

Mr. Lancaster hadn't even noticed the secretary come in - nor did he recall Julian still being in the room. Those words snapped him out of his thoughts.

"Right..." Mr. Lancaster muttered.

Soon they all stepped outside after Louis had joined them. A few minutes later, the limousine pulled up in the driveway.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Heather stood up from her dressing table as soon as she heard the engine rev.

Is the monster gone now?

She walked to the window and drew back the blinds –just enough to see them.

She peered outside the window. Look at them, snakes! Acting like nothing happened, as if my feelings aren't valid. The bloody bastard thinks I'll marry him. She scoffed and clenched her fists at her sides. We'll see about that.

A prize to be won, huh? Let's see him try and win this one.

The knock on the door cut through her thoughts.

"Who is it?" she asked flatly. She didn't bother turning to the door.

The door creaked open, though only slightly.

Tyler peeked into the room.

" Ah! There you are " He said, feigning surprise as he slipped inside and cautiously shut the door behind him.

He scanned the room.

She hadn't caused a scene– no shouting, no broken things, that wasn't quite like her. Her bed was untouched, same as her luggage and dresser, but he couldn't say the same for the dressing table.

"It's not like you didn't know I wouldn't be in here" Her reply came– sharp yet emotionless.

He sighed.

"My apologies, sis. I didn't know how else to let you in on this one. Dad closed in on me this time - he had eyes on me literally all day. I even heard he put cameras in my room. You know I always give you a heads-up, but this time it was really tough. You understand, don't you?" He spoke fast, words tumbling out in a rush.

"Enough of it already..." she turned to him at last.

"Tyler."

She turned to him this time. She looked at him closely. Somehow, She didn't see the point in staying angry– not with him,not with anyone anymore.

Her expression softened, lips curving into a small smile.She held her arms out to him.

" I believe you, I understand" She stated as Tyler rushed into the hug. It was desperate, like he'd been waiting all day for this moment. She let out a sigh, letting the warmth of it calm her. For now, it was enough.

"I overheard him say something about the wedding happening in a week," Tyler muttered into the curve of her neck.

"What the hell?" She broke away from the hug at once.

"First, he walks in here demanding to trade me for billions of dollars, and now he sets a wedding date without telling me? Like I'm invisible? Who the hell does he think he is?"

She turned away from Tyler and looked out the window.

The limo was gone.

The gardeners were washing up their tools. Of course it was peaceful out there - as if the world didn't care she was falling apart inside.

"Ugh," she groaned, rolling her eyes in frustration.

"I'm sorry..." Tyler started.

"Quit apologizing. It's not helping," she snapped, dropping onto the bed. She heaved a deep sigh, finally releasing the frustration that had built up inside her.

Her phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen and mouthed an "Oh". At least someone in the world cares. She rolled her eyes.

The caller ID read "Olivia." She picked up.