The Fallen Wargod

5

Lily sucked in a breath when her grandmother zeroed her eyes on her like a hawk. They had never seen eye to eye. She had always thought it was her version of tough love but it didn’t take her long to realize that toxic love was never extended to her brother.

Andrew was the family’s favorite to succeed the family business, he had all the votes except hers.

“Lily, I believe what your brother is trying to say is the business world is a hard unforgiving place and maybe you need to take a step back to focus on other aspects of your life.”

Lily’s head spun, knowing exactly what or rather, who she was referring to. The same man her grandmother had put in her lap like a piece of gold. Shame filled her when she remembered how she had left him in her office, writing him off like her family often did her.

“I don’t need to step back, grandmother, my life is quite balanced as it is. Andrew has no right to the company I built from scratch. If he wants money and a position then he should head his own company.”

Marsha shifted in her chair, a sign that Lily had her attention. “I am subjecting myself to this ridiculous meeting because Andrew told me you have refused to meet with him personally.”

“He propositioned me- sorry scratch that, he commanded me to hand over my company in my boardroom. You may have time for his tantrums but honestly I do not-”

“Silence!” Marsha waved her jewelry decorated hand. “I have heard enough! How dare you speak to me like that? Andrew acts on whatever mandate we give to him; I do not have the time to cuddle you for the inevitable Lily.”

“It’s my business grandmother.” Lily fought tears, forcing them down. “I thought you of all people would understand and appreciate how far I’ve come. You’re forcing me to give up my business; everything I’ve worked for because you all favor Andrew.”

Her grandmother scoffed, looking away from her like the mere sight of her was unbearable. “If you know our choice, why is it so hard for you to accept what we clearly want?”

“You’re a woman who runs an empire, how can you sit there and ask this of me? How can you sit there and refuse to see my worth? I have way more to offer than him and you know it yet you back him.”

“In business there’s no room for sentimentality Lily, I am the head of the family and business because I am strong willed and I clearly have no weaknesses.” Andrew snickered in the corner, hiding his smile behind his hands.

Her grandmother continued. “Your brother has those attributes, he won’t set us back when it is his time to lead. I admire all your achievements and how far you’ve come but Andrew will always come first to me.”

“That’s not the answer to the question I asked grandmother, stalling or evading a question is a weakness that can always be exploited in business.” Lily kept her voice steady. “I am asking why Andrew is your choice of replacement aside from the fact that he’s a man?”

“If you want to know so badly, I’ll tell you.” Marsha met her unwavering gaze head on. “Passing the leadership mantle over to you will spell the end to our family name; I do not believe you have what it takes to continue from wherever I’ll stop and I’d rather be buried now than watch you drive us into the ground.”

“Andrew will succeed me when I step down and you must join the family group to support him. Family comes before anything Lily even personal vendetta; this is one of those times when you have to step up for your family.”

Andrew piped in, “It’ll be fun to work together sister, I know how good you’ll be by my side and I say this with love. It is time to give up on this goal of yours and unite under me.”

Lily felt cornered and she swallowed the ball of anxiety lodged in her throat. “And if I don’t”

The matriarch’s voice was hard when she spoke. “The other option is to sever ties with the family.”

The options weighed heavily in Lily’s mind; none of them guaranteed her happiness.

“Think of it this way dear sister” Andrew stepped away from our grandmother, folding his hands. “Your company won’t really be gone if I’m heading it and you’ll get to pitch your suggestions from time to time.”

Andrew took her silence for acceptance and smiled. “It’s not that bad Lily, you’ll get your own office with a view. In a few years maybe you can be the manager of a branch.”

Lily kept mute, Andrew didn’t know how insulting his offer was, he rarely second guessed anything that came out of his mouth, and realized how bad it was for business when his shareholders packed up.

Now he was here after yet another failure, groveling in front of their grandmother so she could make her hand over the one thing that defined her. Without her company Lily was nothing; she knew it and they took great pleasure in reminding her.

Her grandmother was also quiet; she had said what she needed to. The choice was Lily’s. Give up her company, help her brother and never live it down or leave the family, give up her company and hate herself forever.

Deciding to call her grandmother’s bluff, she said, “I will not give up my company for you, I also have no interest in living in your shadow. What you really want is for me to do all the work while you take all the glory, you’re not that smart brother.”

Andrew’s placating smile turned evil. “If you won’t give up your company then it’ll be taken by force and you will have no choice but to leave the family.”

“Is that your game plan? To force me out of the family so you take my business?” Lily frowned, trying to work his angle.

They were by no means loving siblings but if Andrew wanted her gone, that was another battle she didn’t know if she would win.

Standing at the point of no return, Lily squared her shoulders, pasting a smile on her face. If she was going down, she was going to go down swinging.

“I am not sorry to interrupt this sorry show of intimidation.” The sound of the familiar voice sent thrills through Lily's body. She turned and watched with wide eyes as her husband walked towards her.

“Reginald can walk? What the hell was going on?” She thought, growing confused.

Andrew and Lily's grandmother mirrored the shock on her face, while her brother hurriedly stepped back when Reginald stood by Lily's side, definitely feeling the unmistakable aura he exuded.

“My wife will not be handing over her company to anyone.” The room went silent with Reginald's declaration.