The Billionaire's Nemesis

FIVE

Few weeks after Pete's visit, Richard was sitting on his desk in his office, when he remembered the envelope containing all the details on Miss Grumpy. He unlocked the drawer, then picked up the envelope. There was this anxiety rush that he felt, he didn't know what to expect. He opened the envelopes, checking its content. Immediately he read what he saw, he couldn't believe his eyes. What on earth is happening? Is the universe sending me a sign?

The first thing he saw was a polaroid picture of Elizabeth, she had a grin on her face, then he saw her name. He didn't really pay attention to the name, not until he saw an article, where she and her father were captured together, that was when it hit him. Elizabeth was Marshall Duncan's only daughter. He knew Marshall had a daughter, unlike Pete most people didn't get to see her. Richard was overwhelmed. Now he understands where she got her attitude, Marshall's genes. Looking at the picture in his hand, Richard smiled, it feels good to be the one with the power. Elizabeth is about to be hit by a storm.

Marshall was discharged from the hospital, after days of staying there, because the doctors needed to watch him. Pete and Elizabeth took him home, and helped him settle.

“Dad, I hope you heard what the doctor said?” Elizabeth was staring at her father with concerned eyes. “You don't need anything that would stress you, so for now you have to keep work aside, let Pete handle it. He's been doing great since you were away, right Pete?

Pete, who was deep in thought, turned to his sister, then he nodded, “yes.” That was all he said. “ Dad I'm going back to the office, I'll see you when I get back.”

Immediately Pete stepped out, his phone rang and to his utmost surprise, it was Richard, he didn't know what to expect from this call and he didn't want to get his hopes high this time. He picked up after the third ring.

“Mr. Rochester, how are you doing today?” Pete was trying so hard not to cuss, but he muttered “ son of a b***h,” under his breath.

“Very well Pete. I wanted us to talk, I have changed my mind, I'm willing to invest in Green Horizon.” He paused.

“What made you change your mind?” He asked, trying so hard to mask his excitement.

“I have one condition.”

Pete knew this was too good to be true, for a second he fell for it. He knew Richard would want something in return. Taking a deep breath, he asked, “What is your condition?”

“I want your sister Elizabeth, in exchange for my help.”

There was silence on both ends.