Daisy spoke up.
“I want to know everything about myself. I want to know my father, my roots and all. Mum isn’t saying anything to me.”
“What is it that you want to know? Isn’t it good enough that your mum is back? You should be happy to see her, spend time with her and enjoy her company. Hasn’t that always been what you wanted?”
“Not anymore. That was in the past when I was growing up. I needed all the love, care and support from my mother but not anymore. I know that my father is Anderson Robert. I also know that your daughter killed him. I want to know why she killed him, why she abandoned me, went to prison and how she left the prison.”
Easton was visibly shocked. How did this girl know too much? Has Ivan been helping her? He turned and looked at Ivan but he was looking at everywhere but at his grandfather. He knew that Easton would suspect him so he averted his gaze.
“You should ask your mother,” he finally said.
“I did. She said nothing.”
“Well, I know your mother did all these for you.”
This comment struck Daisy’s ears. It was exactly what her mum said. What then did they do for her and why did they do it for her? How can her grandfather and mother tell her that her father was killed for her?
It pissed her further to know that her father was a wealthy man. She imagined growing up in a peaceful home where she didn’t have to contend with Katty, fight for attention or love. She would have had her dad all to herself and lived a great life! But her mother ruined it and all she had to say was that she did it for her. What nonsense! Ivan decided to speak up.
“Grandfather, please, can you persuade Aunty Lily to tell her all she needs to know?”
“So it’s you who have been pushing her to ask these questions?” Easton accused.
“No, grandfather. That’s not true. She’s an adult and has the right to free will. But she wants to know. It’s a norm that when a child comes of age, he or she would want to know his roots.”
Easton ignored him and turned to Daisy.
“How did you find out the little you know?”
“I did my research. I saw the newspaper which you hid away for the past years. Now, I want to know the whole truth and every other details you are withholding from me.”
Her eyes were filled with tears as she spoke.
“It’s alright child. You don’t have to cry. Your mother isn’t at home at the moment. I’ll speak to her, that’s one thing I can assure you. I’ll talk to her and she’ll open up to you. She’ll tell you all you need to know.”
“When will that be grandfather? When?”
“Soon…”
“How soon?”
“I’ll let you know what she says. But I’ll do my best for you. Is that okay?”
“Alright. Thank you grandfather.”
“That’s my baby. Come and give grandfather a hug.”
Daisy stood up and went into his arms. He hugged her closely for a full minute.
“Mmm mmm.”
Ivan cleared his throat to attract their attention.
“Grandfather you are hugging her alone.”
“She’s crying and…”
“I’m crying too. She’s an adult though. You don’t have to treat her like a child.”
“Huh? Ivan you are plain jealous. If you want a hug, ask grandfather for one too,” Daisy teased him.
Grandfather smiled and stretched his hands towards Ivan. Ivan joined in the hug. It was a happy huge hug.
“Mum, this is going to work. I just need to merge with him, get what we want and we will toss him out of the picture as soon as the deal is done,” Ethan said to his mother.
“Are you sure of this? I know I brought up the idea but are you sure it’s going to work out fine?”
“Relax mother. We are almost there. We are just a step away from getting everything Stratford worked for. We have to make ourselves his legitimate family. We can’t live in lack when we should be controlling Startford. I’ll be on my way. Take care mother.”
With Ivan gone, Easton Landers was seated in the garden with Katty and Daisy. The two girls were not friends but as they say there with their grandfather, they called a truce. They laughed merrily and ate sweet, big, fine apples. A servant approached them.
“Good evening sir. Please sir, a certain young man is here to see you. He said he has an appointment with you.”
“Ohhh. That’s true. I almost forgot. Bring him here.”
Then he turned to his granddaughters and said,
“Lovelies, grandfather has a little meeting with someone. Can you give me a little privacy? We will continue this some other time. I’m sorry to spoil the fun.”
“Grandfather. It was so much fun just now. It didn’t have to end abruptly,” Katty lamented.
“I know and guess what, I will make it up to you girls in huge way. Trust me.”
He was still speaking when Ethan arrived with the servant. The truce between Katty and Daisy was instantly called off. They were back to the war front. Katty rolled her eyes at her and walked off in one direction. Daisy sighed and left in the other direction as well.
“Good evening sir,” Ethan greeted, bowing low before the old man. Easton asked the servant to serve him wine but he politely declined.
“I didn’t expect you to finally come. You must be a courageous and determined youth.”
“Thank you sir. I learnt my determination from you sir. Moreover, this is something I sincerely want.”
“That’s good. I’m sure you remember what you told me the last time We still have mutual interest, am I right?”
“Yes sir.”
“What’s our interest?”
“Our interest is with Jace group. It’s rightfully ours and we have come for it.”
Easton smiled. He loved how smart this man was and how he reasoned.
“The first step is to get every opposition out of the way. Come closer let me tell you what you have to do.”