The Prince's Indentured Bride

RBT

“Do you think I like being like this? Living like this?” My grandfather asked me after taking a sip from his protein glass shake or whatever he was drinking. I should enquire about what it is, but later.

“I don’t know Grandpa. I only know one thing that my mom wants to play against you and your rules and I have no idea why.” I don’t really play any golf, but sometimes I accompany Grandfather to it, partly to show the world that our relations were stable, which actually are, and the other part is I simply wanted to know how this man’s brain functions. Why does he look like the villain of all of our lives? Always.

“Lily is my daughter. More than a daughter to me because I never had a daughter. If she is angry with me let her act the way she wants.” That was an out of character confession from him, he was nothing like my father, an angel’s opposite stander devil he appears to be, nothing impressive about being family oriented at all, whereas my father was the best family man anyone could ever ask for.

“I am afraid I can’t stand by you if both of you stand against each other.” I put my point straight out because my mother was more important to me than Grandfather. I maybe angry with her presently, but she will always be my priority, be it if she is on the wrong side or the right one.

“She doesn’t stand a chance against me unless she is gambling your father’s and her shares in the company to the wrong side.”

He was stating the obvious, Vance Vincent Ashtrick; my grandfather was richer than the treasure of Kohinoor and powerful enough to dethrone the lord of rings, but saying my mother didn’t stand a chance hurt my ego. Then again, I’ve learnt to filter what’s more important in a conversation.

Other Side. As far as I know the jewellery business is doing too good for its own good and there is no strong competition in the market. So, who is the other side Grandfather is talking about?

“It is just business Grandpa, and we are family.” I instigated the fire to get a reply for what I want to hear.

“Of course, we are. But there are things you don’t know. And Ashtrick Jewellers is no more a business. It is a brand for things you can’t even imagine.”

At this statement I felt a little left out for why can’t I seem to have a good knowledge of things happening in my family business. I should definitely have a good conversation about everything with Jules, only once I find out about the fictional paper company Meher was talking about.

So, I decided to throw a bait, “Like the Swiss bank and paper company on Dad’s church name?”

“You seem to know more than I expected you to know.” I knew he wouldn’t budge and get pressured to give answers immediately, but a response and reaction is enough to confirm things.

Father had two names, one was Charles, which he didn’t like because of the long list of kings ever existing with that name, and the passport name; Richard Mendel.

“I think it’s time for me to leave. And, what do you think of letting your Mom take over RBT?”, I looked up in shock at him, “If and if only given a chance.” He immediately added up.

“I don’t concern myself with the trade organisation. Leave me out of it.” I know that just now I played such a safe diplomatic game in my reply, but I was confused as hell for why would Grandfather call Mom a weak personality and then even is ready to give such a key role in the entire trading business?

What was his grand plan?

Your grandfather has a hand in the murder of my husband!

That’s what mom kept on shouting in the fight I last had with her. I simply took it as a blood rivalry or in law problems, but after the conversation with Grandfather it feels like he is trying to secure mother with a trust nobody can doubt. What was this game?

“Have a nice day ahead Grandpa.” I said my greetings and made way to the main gate where Husna was already stationed with her chilli red car, a colour I despise but Julian actually likes it, and that is something those both could actually agree together on.