Underneath The Obsidian Veil

Chapter 14: Mending Businesses

As Harry opened his mouth to speak, Kate cut in.

“Nathan, this is business and you of all people should know that mixing business with sentiments such as this isn’t the right way,” Kate replied, her resolve unwavering.

Nathan is taken aback, his expression is a mix of shock, anger and frustration. He runs his hands in his hair as he slowly glances back at his father who gives him a look.

Kate noted his expressions with a sharp grin. “Except you all aren’t really interested in the deal.”

“You are going far, Kate,” Arabella bursts out with anger. “You don’t have to milk us dry before you can get what you want. This is unfair!”

Kate raises a brow and Nathan immediately shoots Arabella a look making her purse her lips.

“Don’t look at her like that, Nathan!” Sienna said. “She’s right. Kate is going too far. After all, we will soon be in-laws and most definitely benefits will be shared between the two families but wanting to take the lion share. You’re only being selfish!”

“Selfish?” Kate repeated, knitting her brows. “What do you know about business, Sienna? With the little knowledge I know, you have never been in active in the company but you are very active in spending money and shopping.”

“You!” Sienna sprang up, her face red as she glared at Kate. How dare she ridicule her in such a manner!

“Sienna, sit!” Maxwell ordered between gritted teeth. Sienna clenched her jaw, inhaling sharply as she sat down.

Maxwell glanced at Kate, a small smile on his face which Kate knew was false. He was boiling inside!

“You are right, Kate. We should definitely share the profits.”

Kate smiled.

“Father–“ Nathan was about to refute but was stopped.

“Get a paper, pen and the family seal, we shall draft the contract by hand. What do you say, Kate?”

“A very fine idea, uncle,” She looked at her dad. “Father, what do you think? Are you satisfied?”

Harry who was left speechless and filled with awe at Kate’s domineering demeanor. He blinked twice before responding, “Yes. Yes. I am satisfied with whatever you do.”

Kate smiled in response.

Maxwell drafted the contract under the watchful eyes of those present when he got to the part of the profit sharing he seemed to have hesitate and inhaled sharply before writing it down. He signed with the family seal and Harry signed as well.

Kate watched all these with gladness in her heart. Now, her family will not be cheated by this rascals. She glanced at Nathan and sent a grin at him and his expression darkened.

His jaw clenched and his fists formed into a ball as he realized. Kate was doing this on purpose!

Kate and her family soon took their leave with a copy of the agreement leaving the Blackwoods in a sour mood.

“I thought you said you had her under your control!” Maxwel growled as he glared at Nathan.

Nathan swallowed hard. He too thought that he had Kate under his control but he never imagined that she could do this. She was always timid and looking for ways to make him happy, how could she have changed so suddenly into something he couldn’t fathom?

“ I have never been so embarrassed in my whole life!” Sienna cried before Nathan could speak. “That little rat had the guts to belittle me in such a manner. If not that I was restraining myself, I would have given her a tight slap!”

Arabella glanced at her brother. “Nathan, you must make sure that this embarrassment we suffered wil bw atoned for! Get married to Kate and we shall teach her a lesson. She will regret everything she has done today.”

Nathan looked at his family, his eyes darkened and filled with hatred. “Father, mother, do not worry. The wedding will soon be done with and I will regain back the honour we have lost. Kate will pay for everything she has done! That I assure you of!”

“And how do you intend to do that?” Maxwell asked, his voice laced with sarcasm. “The embarrassment started from the moment you lost the wadger and Kate accepted the gift from that man and all this happened underneath your nose! Or have you forgotten so soon?!”

“And now this!” He sprang up from his chair and stared at his son, anger brewing within. “If you really have any power on Kate, none of this would have began in the first place! Fix this while you still can!”

Saying that he walked away, leaving Nathan fuming with fury.

…

The Obisidian Residence.

“Kate, where did you learn how to speak so effuently? I was astonished!” Harry exclaimed in surprise.

“Same here!” Tessa buts in. “It was like I was viewing another Kate. The Blackwoods were taken aback and couldn’t even speak back.”

Harry laughed heartily and Kate joined in.

“Dad, I figured out that something like this would happen if we still keep on giving graces to the Blackwoods all because I was going to get married to their son. Who knows maybe if we were in trouble they will be the first to cast a stone.”

Bile crept to her tongue as she spoke, remember Vera’s revelation of them killing her parents.

“Hmph,” Harry nodded agreeing with her. “True. I have also noticed that they will always come to us to ask for benefits without giving anything in return. I’m so glad you noticed this and decided to act on it.”

“I’m happy too,” she faked a yearn, rubbing her eyes. “Today was a long day and I will like to go to sleep now. You both have to rest as well. Don’t forget, we both have another long day tomorrow.”

Her parents kiss her goodnight. As she ascended the stairs to her room, her phone pings with a message. Kate’s heart skipped a beat as she realized who it was from.

‘Miss Obisidan, you still haven’t sent

me a picture of the necklace on you.’

Justin.