14:15 Sat , Oct 11 Chapter 16 Chapter 16 -Kael 52 ) 55 vouchers My fingers are tapping a steady rhythm on the arm of my swivelling chair while my gaze is trained on the small device on the table . My day had begun relatively well ... until Laila refused me . We've only been back to Thorneville for a day and she's already becoming rebellious . I knew she had more bite than she let show , but I didn't realise she would push back so quickly . I've just concluded a perfunctory tour of Blackwood Co. The executives led me down the various levels of the company building , like they didn't already know these halls are more familiar to me than my own mansion . Finally , they showed me to my newly assigned office as a partner of the corporation where I would work on the joint projects with Mystic Inc. Stingy as Cameron is , he had no choice but to evacuate the best floor for me and my team . The official meeting to finalize the partnership is set for noon . And everything is already in order , Cameron , the CEO of Blackwood , is noticeably absent . But it's not surprising seeing as his quietly covered up divorce and rumors of a scandal behind it is now all over the media . My brother has never been able to handle it when someone other than him is in the spotlight , so I did him a favour and gifted him the attention of the entire media in honour of my return . Though in the process , Laila will also be hounded by the media . But sacrifices must be made . My hands unconsciously clench into fists . I shouldn't feel any type of way about it , should I ? She only needs to lie low till it blows over , that isn't such a hard thing to do . My phone lights up . It's a call from Blake . " Alpha ." " Where is she ? " I ask with a frown . Blake hesitates for a moment . " She saw the news and she's not happy . And I don't think sending Cameron her way is going to make her feel any better ." I purse my lips . Laila already knows I'll use every tool available to me to ruin Cameron , including her ... especially her . She didn't really think I'd keep her out of the media , did she ? If she did , she thinks too highly of herself . Our contract is crystal clear . She helps me take down Cameron , and in return , she has my protection for as long as she needs it . I don't owe her anything else . " That might just annoy her ... " 14:15 Sat , Oct 11 52 Chapter 16 I shrug casually and reply in an unconcerned tone . " It'll get her here . That's all that matters . " 55 vouchers Blake goes silent for a moment . " Aren't you worried Cameron might say something to convince Laila to turn on you ? I don't feel at ease having them meet alone like this . " " However you look at it , they were a couple for three years . There will be lingering feelings and we need Laila on our side ... isn't it a little too much ... " I hang up . Blake's concerns don't faze me . I've made it clear to Laila what happens if she ever betrays me . Shaking off the thought , I shift my attention to the files already piled on my desk and I'm still working on that when there's a knock on the door . I glance up , to see it's a member of my legal team . " The meeting is about to begin . Mr Cameron Blackwood has just arrived at the boardroom . They're waiting on you now . " Cameron is here . So where is Laila ? I pick up my phone and glance down at it . She hasn't replied to my texts though she's read them . A smirk stretches my lips . I thought she knew better than to defy me . I guess not . She is asking to be punished . And I'm more than willing to oblige . " I'll be there shortly ." A short time later , I walk into the boardroom with my legal team . Cameron is already seated with his team and his eyes narrow as soon as they land on me . He's opposed to this partnership , obviously . But he doesn't have a choice . Thanks to his poor management and indecisiveness , Blackwood Co is in the worst state it's ever been . Our Grandad has already made the decision . I'm sure Cameron plans to utilise Mystic Inc for less than we're worth . But he's in for a surprise . There are no family ties in business . Especially not between Cameron and 1 . The executives all rise to greet me and my legal team but Cameron remains seated . I take a seat across from him , and so does the rest of my legal team . The seat beside me is vacant and Cameron's team notices it . " Mr Black ... " One of his executives begins but trails off . There are two Blackwoods present in this boardroom . " Mr Kael Blackwood ." The executive adjusts , clearing his throat awkwardly . " Are we waiting on someone ? " He asks , gesturing to the seat beside me . " Yes ." I confirm . " My legal adviser is running late . 14:15 Sat , Oct 11 Chapter 16 $ 2 55 vouchers Cameron glances down at his wristwatch and then he taps the table impatiently , " Listen , Mr Kael ... I've got places to be . " I quirk a brow . " Last I checked , I was invited here . I didn't ask to come so ... if you want this meeting to hold , you will wait . " " If not , we can call it a day . But we will not proceed till my legal adviser arrives ." Cameron doesn't look too pleased at my words but he has no choice but to comply . He needs this more than I do . The boardroom falls into an awkward silence , but the silence is soon punctuated by the sharp click of heels against the marble floor . The doors to the boardroom open and Laila walks in , in a pristine white suit and nude heels . She's changed out of what she had on when we left home this morning . If she hopes that will be a good enough excuse for keeping me waiting , she's dead wrong . Her strides are relaxed but confident , like she has no idea she's kept the entire executive body of Blackwood Co waiting for her arrival . If she does know , she doesn't look at all concerned . I can hear the quiet murmurs of surprise spreading amongst the executives . Laila's arrival catches everyone off guard , especially Cameron . He's staring at her like he's seen a ghost . If I didn't personally orchestrate two meetings already , I'd think this is the first time he's seen her in three years . " Good afternoon , Gentlemen . " Laila greets , inclining her head slightly . " Pardon my tardiness . " She rounds the table and walks over to where I'm seated and then she stops , waiting . My smirk widens . I indulge her , rising to my feet to pull out the chair for her . Once she's seated , I do same . " A few of you are already acquainted with Mrs Blackwood . " I introduce , " For those who aren't , allow me to make a reintroduction . This is Laila Blackwood , my wife and the legal adviser of Mystic Inc. " Laila reveals a bright smile . " He failed to mention , I'm also the major shareholder of Mystic Inc. " 14:15 Sat , Oct 11 Chapter 17 Chapter 17 -Laila