1: In which disaster strikes.

2455 Words
''Breaking news today at this early hour comes in the tragic fall of well-known business man, Mr Dan Miller. Said business man was seen in and out of multiple casino's in the course of the last month running himself into debt. A huge amount of money, the exact amount unknown to the press yet, has been constantly borrowed-'' I angrily switched of the television since the voice of the short petite and familiar news reporter felt like it was drilling a hole into my head.  Awoken by the insistent ringing of my phone at seven a.m and attending to the call of my worried friend, Liana, instructing me frantically to turn on the news. She had never called me so early unless it was guy problems or something terribly serious. Which it was.  My dad, Dan Miller, is- I guess was- amongst the top five leading business men in the state. I knew something was up with him when I visited home after work at the medical centre last month. He was unusually snappy and smelled of alcohol. My mother said that it was work but didn't elaborate any further and I assumed she didn't know much.  Articles regarding the sighting of him in clubs and casino's were frequent in the few weeks that had passed. My mother and I tried speaking to him but it was of no use. He yelled at us saying he knew damn well how to manage his finances. Well, I guess not.  I stared blankly at the rectangular screen that hung from the wall. Knowing my dad, he didn't have a back up plan so he was basically screwed. It wasn't like him to be so reckless and careless. He had convinced me since I started my training for the medical centre that he'd help invest and grow the accumulated earnings of mine to reap more. My salary was deposited into my account which I had joined to his two years ago.  As a starting of nurse in training, the pay wasn't enormously huge but it was decent if not a little over that. Last week, the account was drained of its contents and I had asked him the reason for doing so to which he'd said he had found a really good investment policy with great returns. He is my father so naturally I trusted him but now I knew where all my hard earned money went.  My phone buzzed again and I glanced at it, seeing Ian's name on it. ''Hey, I just heard the news. Are you okay?'' Ian, my boyfriend of two months, asked worriedly. I didn't understand why I was being asked if I was okay.  I was independent and as far as the cash issue between my father and I no one else knew. My fathers financial melt down may only effect my image with me being his daughter but not my living. I'd live decently off my salary so it didn't make sense. This wasn't about me but my father.  ''I'm alright. I've seen the news too and I best be on my way to my parents. I'm sure some support would be necessary in these difficult times. I shall call you later.'' I said politely before disconnecting the call.  Ian and I met at a bar and instantly hit it off. I was working there as a weekend thing and he came In for a bite. He shyly asked for my number and called me the very evening. He was polite, gentle and so cute. His blue eyes were the lightest I've seen but it paired amiably well with his dark brown hair. I didn't possess the deepest of feelings yet for him. We were just still at the 'getting to know you' stage. Ian was completing his training in engineering this year and he too, like me, started pursuing a career later than normal.  I brushed my teeth, washed my face and sluggishly walking to my closet, not bothering to shower since I had done so the night before, I threw on a pair of dark blue jeans and a grey chiffon blouse. My long red hair, something I got from my grandmother, was all thick and in unruly tangles. It took me a good five minutes to comb and tame the mess every morning on days that I was lucky. Throwing some flats and a small sprits of perfume, I dashed out of my apartment.  The drive to my parents wasn't long since they lived not too far away from me. I pulled up into the black iron gates that security guarded to avoid the many people who gathered outside from entering. When Wayne, the tall security guy that knew me, saw me he instantly opened the gate for me while the others created a human barrier between the people and the entrance. I didn't bother parking my car where it usually does when I visit but switched off next to the swanky new two door Ferrari that I knew wasn't my fathers.  ''Scarlett, darling. I'm so glad you've come.'' My mother pulled me into a hug the moment she noticed me enter the living room. Her face was a combination of devastation and worry as she sat on one of the beige couches arranged in the spacious area overlooking the pool. Her emerald green eyes were slightly red from the stress. Her golden hair so unruly and untamed.  My mother, Melissa Dianne Miller, would never ever be caught dead without a strand of hair out of place was standing in front of me with more than just her hair out of order. Her deep blue gown was rumpled and the mug in her hand containing the last drops of sugarless coffee. ''How is dad? Please tell me he has some sort of a back up plan.'' I asked her seriously and watched as the smallest glimmer of hope touched her tearful eyes. The surprise surged through me since I didn't expect him to have any sort of plan B. Justins POV. ''What good will me paying your debt be of to me? It is just another liability on my hands which I don't really care to handle.'' I stared at the grey haired Mr Miller. His once impeccable name that used to hang up alongside mine and a few others was now tarnished. He was settled in the chair across his hardwood desk. His face was etched and laced with worry.  He leaned forward and a smile caught his lips. ''I'll hand over my estate to you. I know you've had your eye set on it for a long time.'' He said confidently and my attention was all his but I didn't show it. This estate was overwhelmingly huge with this palace sized house in the middle surrounded by almost three hundred acres of lands which accommodated a golf and tennis course, a bigger than necessary swimming pool and a breath taking garden which I knew my mother would adore and so much more. I maintained a straight face, not letting him see that I was caught. ''And what if I'm not interested in this estate?'' I saw as he narrowed his eyes at me trying to formulate his next move. He knotted his fingers restlessly on the desk before speaking again. ''What more do you want?'' He asked simply and I knew I had him where I had wanted him. He was too deep in his own mess now to be picky. Dan was involved in the hotel business like me. The difference was that I catered for all financial levels of society while his hotel accommodated only the rich and elite. His hotel didn't run him down but rather he misused his huge profits from it. With a new owner s***h CEO, the hotel would make twice as much if not more and besides, I already have the connections to take it to a whole new height. I leaned forward, making the most stern face possible. These stern faces and serious looks were tough for me. I was generally a jokey, easy going person but at times like these the seriousness was required especially in the business world.  ''Your string of hotels." He stared at me in utter bewilderment but waited for me to elaborate further which I did gladly.  ''Sign them over to me and all of this will be finished. Your debts which you have run yourself so carelessly into will be seen too." He swallowed audibly and I waited. I knew these situations were difficult on him but at the same time I didn't support the irresponsible behavior that leads to downfalls.  "Fine but I have a condition." He drew my attention to him with the mention of a condition. I took in a breath hoping this deal doesn't slip. I've already started calculating the profits but I nodded and motioned for him to proceed. "My daughter, Scarlett, she means the world to me. I used her hard earned money in my drunken state to gamble when I'd run out. What you ask of me was supposed to be inherited by her but seeing the circumstances aren't in my favour, I'd like for you to keep at least thirty percent of shares in her name. Invest it for her and deposit all profits into her account." He said guiltily and as much as I disliked his action, I knew we all f**k up in life. As for the giving of shares, I understood that request too so I nodded in agreement. I wasn't a cruel man. Scarlett Miller wasn't someone I've seen often. Once maybe at the University she graduated from a year and a half ago. She was young and I understood his concern so I didn't rush him nor turn a deaf ear to what he had to say. "She had given me signing power over her apartment and she doesn't know that I have sold it without her knowledge." He confessed and my head snapped to him. Gambling the hard earned money of your daughter was one thing but selling her home without her knowing took cheapness to an entire new rank. "She'll need to be out in a week. I'll sign my hotel over to you if you give me your word to see that she's always okay. She's going to hate me when she finds out." He looked at the floor, shrugging in self hate and I nodded. Taking care of the medical school graduate wasn't going to be a problem. I had enough lodging space to accommodate her.  "Dan-'' the calmness of my voice got me all of his attention. ''Consider the deal accepted." I said to him and he looked surprised as if he didn't expect me to agree. He stood up and so did I.  "I'll be gone with Melissa to Greece next week. There's a small penthouse that we can stay in. I'll send the papers over to you before then." He said in the tone I imagined him to use in his place of work. I nodded and followed him as he lead the way out his spacious study and down the spiral staircase.  The interior of this place was even more impressive than the exterior and one would think that wasn't possible. I asked him why not sell the place and pay off his debts but he explained that his time limits were too short for him to find a willing buyer who'd pay that much. All to my gain and only for a small condition which shouldn't be a problem. I just had to play guardian. "Would you like a drink? Whiskey or something else of your choice." He asked courteously as he lead the way to the bigger than required parlor.  It was way too early for a drink but I guess when you've got monetary issues the time of day to savour a drink doesn't matter. Dan poured himself a scotch and went to fill some in a glass for me I assumed but he was stopped by the footsteps approaching us rather hurriedly. The slender figure with a mess of red hair stood in front of Dan. Her face was shielded from me and tucked into Dan's shoulder.  I've seen the hair color before so I'm guessing this was a family trait of some sort. She was tall but casually dressed. Her striking red hair that was curled a little fell neatly down her back.  "Dad, are you alright? Why didn't you tell me the moment you knew?" Her voice was urgent yet calm at the same time. Well, hello there medical school graduate.  "I didn't want to worry you, sweetheart." Dan said for the benefit of his daughter but we both knew he was far to deep in trouble that even she couldn't help.  She was completely oblivious to my presence or if she wasn't she didn't acknowledge me. I had a meeting in the next fifteen minutes so I better be going.  "Mr Miller, it was beneficial meeting you this morning but I better be on my way." I smiled politely and he nodded, his drink still untouched but in his hand. It was when I had spoken did the redhead turn around and I had to hide a gasp.  She was gorgeous. Her face was beautiful with round green eyes surrounded by thick, dark and long lashes which looked perfect against her pale flawless skin. Her nose was straight but small and her chin was in the air giving of the notion of stubbornness. Gone was the nerdy little girl I had seen at the University that I gave a motivational speech at and funded rather generously. Instead in front of me stood a woman with a fully formed body that was attractively shaped. She eyed me warily before smiling formally, looking back lovingly at her father not knowing the betrayal he had done to her.  It was such a pity for people who had such lowly parents. A father especially. My heart sank, remembering my own that had passed on. He was so different. Always being a guiding light to me and my sisters. He was the perfect example of what a father should be and then he'd left. I've always wondered what was worse; having a deceitful father and still have him be existing or having the best of fathers and having them leave so suddenly.  I shook the thoughts out of my head. I had several other meetings and matters that needed my attention as well. Nodding sternly to my troubled host and his oblivious daughter, I exited the finely designed state of the art mansion that would soon belong to me.
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