“Pleasure to meet you, Miss Montague.”
“The legendary Montague that made it to Forbes in just two years of business.”
“Two years is such a short time; don’t you think? I believe she still needs a lot more practice before she can rule a company as big as this.”
“I agree with you on that. One can’t simply handle the business this big with such little expertise.”
“She has done impressive work over the years, of course. Montague Concept is in good hands no doubt.”
They all took turns to throw in their small, not so discreet remarks that shows their stand in all this-they are not on my side, that much is evident as well. Their not so hidden claims proves that pretty much. But, I didn’t let it get to me, there’s no reason to.
Instead, I held up my smile, and held their gazes. “It’s a pleasure to meet you all,” My father remained silent, letting me handle this because like he says, some battles are meant to be faced alone. “I hope to learn from you over the years as we lead this company to greatness.” They all chuckled, and offered nods of agreement as if they did not just belittle me a few minutes back.
However, those fake chuckles and smiles became even broader as we were approached by another group that joined ours, making it an unwanted and unwelcomed family reunion for me.
“Gentlemen,” My dearest half brother, Alexander, greeted as he extended his hand out for a handshake with all the men, his other hand wrapped around his trophy wife, Victoria’s hips, who also sported a huge grin. “It’s a pleasure to meet you again.”
***
Isabella Montague.
Montag
“Alexander, good to see you son!”
“Mr. Montague, we have high hopes for you.”
“Ready for great things, Alexander?”
“As long as you keep on supporting me,” He flashed them a charming grin, and a determined nod before his gaze lingered on the last man in the group, “Mr. Laurent.” He acknowledged specifically.
Mr. Laurent, one of the oldest stock holder’s shifted his gaze from Alexander, to the lady beside him, who stepped out of her husband’s arms to lean down and give her father a small embrace. “Daddy,” She called out fondly, as she hugged him which he returned with a fond pat of his on her back. Yes, Victoria Laurent’s father is one of the major shareholders of our company, and the man sure as hell loves his daughter, and considering Alexander is his son in-law, of course he is supporting him as well. He is also the Chairman of Laurent & Co. another major conglomerate in the states.
Things are not looking in my favor, is it?
Alexander the scum he is knows that, and didn’t hesitate to flash me a smug grin as the father and daughter embraced, while he turned around to face me. “Isabella.” He called out in a sickly sweet tone. “It’s good to see you again. It’s been a while, hasn’t it?” Then, to go along with the show he is putting on, he leaned down to pull me into an embrace.
Simply for the fact that we are in public, and there need not be a public display of our hatred towards each other, I lightly pat his back, whispering so he could hear. “Not as long as I hoped, unfortunately.”
The asshole chuckled, as he pulled back, then held my gaze. “I hope you support me well. I want nothing more than to grow this company with my siblings by my side, really. With Sebastian of course, wherever he is.” The eldest Montague brother is nowhere to be seen, but I know he would show up before it starts-though there’s only a few minutes left.
“We’ll see about that.” I flashed him a smile, just in time one of the older men spoke, breaking our little moment.
“Alexander and Victoria, you both make a beautiful couple,” He commented, staring at the couple that somehow found their way into each other’s arms. They exchanged a loving look, all grins and perfection, “The future of Montague Group is in safe hands, I am sure.”
I resisted the urge to scoff at the words and the show the two are putting on of being the perfect couple. I beg to differ, I know more than these men do about these two and believe me when I say, they are far from being anything perfect.
“I am just lucky to have found just a lovely woman,” Alexander stated lovingly, as he looked down at his wife with heart eyes, “She makes me want to become a better man each and every day. I would not be who I am without her in my life.”
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.