THE EMPEROR'S LITTLE MISS

CHAPTER 5: Not Part of the Family

Unlike the Fruancis manor that was designed in olden but luxurious style, the Orlando Manor gave a modern vibe.

Seated in the large office was Marcus and the patriarch.

Patriarch Orlando sipped his tea and placed it on the mahogany table.

"The President is planning on not getting involved. But there is never a certainly that he would not go against his words.

There is only one way to make sure he is completely out of it or with us".

Marcus smiled.

"I don't need the president's support or need him to stay out of the situation before achieving what I want grandpa".

This time around, the Fruancis family will have to leave the military for good. It would be much nice if they focused in the business world. If not, they should not blame him from making them leave every bit of power they have.

Since childhood he had always been compared to Leonardo and nothing he does seems good because others always says that Leonardo does it better.

Anyway not like all these was because of some childhood jamboree. The Fruancis family had a pride that he took pleasure in destroying.

Destroying their military power will be more of a blow to them. As for the President's daughter? He didn't care about her.

Patriarch Orlando nodded. He believed in his grandson.

"As long as you know what you're doing".

Marcus walked back to his room after his conversation with his grandfather.

The maids who met him on his way, blushed as he smiled at them, feeling fortunate to work for a boss that was calm and handsome.

Just as he walked into his room, his phone rang. Seeing who it was, he walked to the balcony to answer.

"What if this gets traced back to you. From what I know of Leonardo, he won't let it slide". The caller spoke.

Marcus frowned.

"What if what gets back to me? I do not have any hand in whatever happened. His subordinate leaked military information and was punished. What has it got to do with me?"

"But..." The person on the other end was not having it.

"Go to sleep Carlos". Marcus ended the call, his eyes squinted. Sometimes his assistant was quite naive.

It was true that he wasn't involved in anything that happened. He only hinted it to some stupid higher ups who were desperate to push the Fruancis family out of military power, but also don't have the ways and brains to do so.

The brothers prided themselves in their bond, but he would scatter it soon. A smile formed on his lips. He knew just the right person to use.

The Sil tower, had 24 floors, of which had all its light turned off as it was way passed working hours. But the top floor had it's light on.

Darius paced around the office, making Christian feel dizzy.

"Although they are putting on airs, I can't deny that this collaboration would gain us access to Siberia".

He was one of Lionel's trusted aides, in charge of building connections round the world, through business under or on surface.

Christian chuckled.

"The fact that you also think that we need them more than they need us, makes me want to send you to Gerald".

Darius shivered.

Hell no! He would rather be thrown into a river filled with sharks, than to be with his bosses younger brother.

The kid was frightening. He has a weird obsession of forcing someone to watch while he tortures a captive to death.

Between the Frauncis brothers, he didn't know who was more frightening.

"Cancel".

Lionel who had been silent all the while, finally raised his head.

Most times Christian needed to strain his brain in order to flow with Lionel. His stinginess with his words makes it difficult for others to keep up with his pace.

Although he trusted Lionel, he felt it was a bit extreme to initiate a cancellation. It would threaten their plans of moving into Siberia's market...

"Do think it's a good idea?"

He sighed when Lionel ignored him. Sometimes he felt like hypnotizing him to know what's running through his mind.

"If they come around, we'll continue the collaboration right?" He felt like Lionel must be doing this to put pressure on the other party.

Seeing that he was still being ignored, Christian sighed and dragged Darius who still had a lot to say out of the office with him.

Lionel frowned. This was not a good time to venture into the Siberia's market. It would make the public start paying attention to his business over there and investigating it. They may end up discovering Gerald's business, which is not supposed to be in light, yet.

Gerald walked out of the rest attached to Lionel's office, munching on chips.

"You don't have to bother about my business. I've been making progress lately".

Lionel's frown deepened. The fact that his brother into his office unnoticed, did not sit well with him.

Gerald immediately pleaded. "Chill brother. It's only because it's me, no one else can sneak into your office".

He knew how much Lionel hates when he does this but he can't help it. It gives him thrill that he can break through his brother's defense.

"Don't go to Siberia for the time being. Things are Chaotic".

Gerald froze. In his entire life, this was the longest his brother has ever said to him. His care was not hidden by the coldness of his voice.

Even though regarded as part of the family, sometimes he felt left out. He had always remembered that he was in fact just the son from their father's mistake.

The world didn't know, but it was no secret in their family. Since childhood, Lionel had hated him because he felt that Gerald caused his mom to go into depression.

Leonardo on the other hand was already mature and didn't take it out on him. It was only as they grew that Lionel was no longer repulsed by him. But he also did not let him go too close.

He never expected....

"Thank you brother".

His voice, was nasal. He felt wanted all of a sudden. Felt the care of an elder brother.

"Get out".

That tone.. Gerald snapped out of his emotional state. A smile made its way to his face. Lionel's coldness would no longer deceive him.

He laughed like a madman and skipped away.

Lionel pursed his lips. In fact he had never hated Gerald. Just that the quite and private him, found him bothersome.

Gerald thought his hated him, and as such always stuck to him.

Gerald who could not contain his happiness, immediately called Leonardo who frowned. It was already 12 am, and his wife was almost woken by the ringtone.

He stood up and walked to the balcony in order not to disturb his wife.

"It better be something important boy".

"He said a full sentence to me. Do you think he loves me now"? Gerald's voice was so loud that he almost cursed, but then he thought of the Gerald's words and his eyes softened.

"He had always cared Gerald. He just never knew how to express it."

Others may not know but he does. He understood Lionel perfectly.

If not for his type of business, Gerald would have been dancing.

"I'm so happy. I think I'll grant some of my captive easier and quick death, without torture"

Leonardo smiled but after ending the call, his smile dropped. He badly wished that things would continue to be this smooth but it seems like an impossible thing.

He felt a thin arm circling his waste and suddenly felt more relaxed.

"I believe in you honey"

This complete trust. For his wife, his son , his brothers and his grandpa, he would not fail!