Set up

Rutherford

I turned restlessly on the swivel chair as many thoughts ran through my head. I still don't understand why an old woman can be so greedily thirsty for power. If she has threatened to make my stepbrother the sole heir, then I really have a lot to handle.

Dad has just two sons with mum because Athaliah had asked him to stop getting her pregnant. Too much children would means less property for her. Because she might be left with nothing, before he would be done sharing the properties among the children. And dad obediently agreed. This is how influential the old woman can be. 

"Sir. Sir. Are you listening to us sir?" I heard one of my managers say, bringing me out of my thoughts.

This is the third time that I am blanking out like this. I looked around to see everyone staring at me with worried and confused looks. I am not the type that loses focus during meetings.

"Is everything alright sir?" Steven, my personal assistant whispered to me.

I nooded positively, adjusting my tie.

"This meeting is adjourned till further notice." I announced.

"Yes sir" They chorused. 

I let out a deep sigh of relief as soon as they left. I fished out my phone and dialed my mum's number. I had told her about what I heard earlier and she promised to do something about it. I really hope she has. 

"Hello. Mum" I called out with a heavy heart filled with expectations.

"Done son. I have managed to convince your father to name you his sole heir the moment he arrives and also made him believe that everyone is rooting for you. Including your grandmother Athaliah" She ended the last sentence with a mischievous chuckle.

"What?" I gasped. "How did you do that?" 

Just then, I heard a knock and before I could say anything, the door pushed open to reveal grandmother Athaliah. "Grandma?" My eyes widened in disbelief as I quickly pressed the red button. I hope she didn't hear anything.

"You insolent fool. How much did you hear?" The old woman growled at me as she took more steps into the office, closing the door behind her.

"What do you mean?"

"Since you have suddenly developed amnesia, then I will do you the favors. I was having a discussion with my daughter in law when I realized that someone was eave dropping. Before I could come outside, the fool had disappeared. Unfortunately, he forgot that there is something called CCTV." She said, standing akimbo. "And this fool seems to be you." 

Damn. I forgot the CCTV. Looks like I have been caught. But then, I won't accept "What are you saying grandma?. I wasn't eavesdropping. I was only trying to fix your door handle but realized it wasn't bad" I improvised smoothly. "Why are you making it sound like I'm some kind of a thief?. I'm your grandson you know?"

" Shut your mouth up. Don't try to play games with me." She almost yelled. "Fine then. You might have heard what you shouldn't but then I'm relieved to know that there is nothing you can do about it. I hope you and your miserable mum dies of helplessness" 

She made to leave but I wasn't going to let her go so easily. " Do you really think I will let you snatch away what rightfully belongs to me and watch you give it to someone else?. You joke a lot this days grandma. Your old age must be telling on you" I pouted my lip as she turned to glare at me.

"Are you challenging me?"

"Not really. I'm just telling you to watch your back or you won't know what will hit you so hard from behind" 

" You have now grown wings to speak so disrespectfully to me. Mark my words, you will regret today. You don't know..."

I quickly cut her off before she could complete her scary threats. "My father is at the airport, I will go pick him up" I announced and hurried towards the door. 

"What? Silverado is coming home today?" Grandma exclaimed with disbelief. 

I paused and turned to see the shock clearly written on her face. Wasn't she aware that dad is coming home today?. He didn't tell her?. Jeez. How is that even possible?. 

"What did you do mum?" I wondered as I scurried towards the garage. I have to go welcome my dad before my competitors beat me to it.

*****

A fleet of luxury vehicles awaits to transport dad and his entourage as his private jet touches down on the tarmac.

As he steps off the plane, a horde of paparazzi and reporters swarm him, shouting out questions and trying to get a glimpse of his face. Dad who was already accustomed to this kind of attention, flashes a charming smile and waves to the crowd before climbing into the back of his sleek black limousine.

The convoy of cars makes its way to our sprawling estate and just as expected, the streets was lined with fans, well-wishers and people dying to have his kind of life. Upon arriving at the mansion, he is greeted by a chorus of cheers and applause from his staff and employees, who have gathered to welcome him home.

He gave me a quick hug as we both entered the grand foyer of the mansion, to meet mum, Ethan, my brother Dave and the glaring eyes of grandma.

 Dad couldn't be more happier to finally lay his eyes on his mum after two weeks. He ran into the old woman's open arm and hugged her like his life depended on it.

"I miss you mum" Dad chanted for the third time as they broke from the hug.

"I miss you too son" Athaliah replied. She might be putting on a broad smile but beneath it, is a wounded heart which is finding it difficult to believe that her son can ever betray her.

Janet clenched her fist in anger as dad went ahead to hug mum next before muttering a Hi to her. He has always chosen his wife over her and it hurts like hell. These are moments she wished she could get rid of mum completely and have the handsome billionaire to herself alone.