Chapter 2 Family Tensions Rise

"In accordance with the provisions of this will, I hereby bequeath Tiguar Empire to Kathleen Gates, my favored granddaughter, on the condition that she enters into matrimony before the conclusion of the year 2023. In the event that Miss Kathleen Gates remains unmarried on or before the specified date, it is mandated that ownership of Tiguar Group popularly known as Tiguar Empire shall devolve to my oldest grandson, Timothy Gates."

Kathleen replayed the attorney's words in her head as she leaned against the wall, trying to catch up with reality. Grandpa, why? Why did you have to do this to me? She had so many questions but no one to ask. The whole family was already giving her the long anticipated look. Why did he do that? Her grandfather usually discussed an idea with her before bringing it to the open. So why?

It took Kathleen fifteen painful minutes to consider before reaching a conclusion. There was no need to put up a fight. If she didn't accept his offer then Tiguar Group would fall into the wrong hands.

"There's a contract here," Mr. Ferdinand Huntington pulled out a paper in between the files and gave it to her. "It states that if you're unable to pick a groom within the next two months, Philip Wilson would be your groom.

"What? That's ridiculous!" Mrs. Kristen sprang up in a fit of rage.

"Wow. Your grandfather is amazing. I'm so grateful. Finally I have a chance to prove my love to you." Philip shot up from his seat. While trying to embrace Kathleen, she jerked back and he slipped and fell forward, knocking his forehead on her heels.

"You deserve to be at my feet, you better keep that in mind." She moved back. "I would never marry you."

"The great Kathleen Gates finds a husband in just four months. I'd rather be told that a pig can kill a dog in 5 seconds than Kathleen Gates would get married in four months."

"Fine. Get ready to be invited to my wedding, freak."

"Sure. How about I drop a 1.2 billion bet on that." Everyone gasped in bewilderment. Why drop so much money on a bet? Some pondered. "If you get into a love marriage in four months, I'd give you 1.2 billion and a house worth 120 million but if you don't," Philip drew closer, covering the distance between them. "You'll have to marry me."

"Deal."

Everyone murmured amongst themselves, airing their disagreement and disappointment in their Dad and grandfather's decision. They had so many questions including why Kathleen, of all people, should inherit Tiguar.

When they noticed that their silent deliberate taunts didn't get to her, each member stormed out of the room angrily, leaving Kathleen, the lawyer and Philip behind.

"How's grandpa doing?" Kathleen poured herself a cup of lemonade. "Is it bad?"

"You should focus on yourself, Miss. Gates." He stacked his files together then sat on the small glass table and arranged his bag.

"Why me?" Ste stopped halfway through her glass and glanced at him through the corners of her eyes. "There's so many people older than me so why did grandfather choose me?"

"That's for you to figure out." He bid them farewell and left without a word.

"Everyone had issues with me being successful before but now they despise me. They can't even look at me without giving me that look of disdain. Why do I feel so restless? Where are Mom and Dad when I need them?"

Philip took a seat by the side of the couch and caressed her cheek. He ran his hands over shoulders and down her back and along the curves of her body as he whispered words of encouragement to her.

"This is why I insist that you're a bad choice for any lady. You take advantage of helpless people." She shook his hands off her and got up. "Your hormones are prohibiting you from falling in love with one woman. Leave before it gets dangerous outside."

"Too bad." He crossed his legs, a mischievous grin spread across his face. "I'm here to stay. I have all day to seduce my ex girlfriend." His tongue clicked at his last statement. "I'll win your love back, baby girl."

You must be kidding me. "All day?" Her eyes opened so wide that the whites showed. "Grandpa!!!"

Kathleen rushed up the stairs, she lifted her head, measuring the distance between where she stood and the last floor.

She climbed down and scurried to the elevator, pushing the staff by the elevator to the side.

"Grandpa! This old buffalo won't answer his calls. I swear I'm going to push him down the stairs once I see him."

As she arrived in the sitting room upstairs, Mr. Morrison and Mrs. Lydia, second child and first daughter of Mr. Zephyrus were standing close to the wall. He showed off several of his paintings including the ones that had been at famous places like, Louvre in Paris, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, the Tate Modern in London, and the Uffizi Gallery in Florence.

Mrs. Lydia asked if he'd considered putting up his paintings in places like cafes, outdoor venues or cultural centers but Mrs. Helen shrugged instantly with a frown.

She replied that her husband's paintings were too good to be in dirty places like that.

Mrs. Lydia walked over to her and patted her shoulder with a smile then told her that it was places like that that mattered the most in a person's success story.

Mrs. Helen's hands form into fists, as she nods forcefully. She dared not speak against the oldest daughter of the family. Seven sons with two daughters. Definitely she was going to get screwed if she attempted that.

She looked up at everyone, confused. "Why is everyone so quiet as if nothing just happened? Is it because she's here? Are y'all scared because she's the new Lord over y'all? This is insane!"

"Calm down, Mrs. Helen." Mrs. Lydia stepped forward. "Nobody is saying what happened was fair but we can't deny the fact that even Kathleen was oblivious of father's plans."

"Oblivious?" Mrs. Helen and her son looked up at one another. "That witch knew all along. I had a feeling this was going to happen when my inside source told me that Kathleen has been getting in contact with father for a long time. Ask her why she never bothered to tell any of us that father was sick."

"Mrs. Helen, I understand your point but Kathleen is my niece. I carried that child in my hands so how could I,"

"That same child is stabbing you in the back. Wake up, Lydia! You can't continue to let your emotions drive your judgment."

"I agree with Mrs. Helen on this matter." Mr. Victor Gates, fourth child of Mr. Zephyrus added.

"Yes, brother." Mrs. Sarah Gates, fifth child of Mr. Zephyrus, arose. "I admit that sometimes Mrs. Helen can be biased in her thinking but this time she's right. Dad was unfair. He needs to rewrite this pathetic Will. Myself and my husband, Stephen Gates have done nothing but put in all efforts in the growth of Zeus Tech. We did all that so he would give us even a share from Tiguar Group. Why a hospital?" She stamped her feet. "Aside from being given a pathetic low income hospital, I also have to report all expenses and money made to Kathleen Gates because Dad made her the Chairlady of Tiguar Empire, the parent company of every other company given to us."

"Where's grandfather?" Kathleen asked politely, determined not to say a word.

"Why are you looking for him? So you'd complain about us and get us replaced?"

"Aunt Helen, I want to do that so badly but I can't shake off the fact that uncle would be miserable because of his slow-witted and blabbermouth wife. Have a nice evening hating and cursing me out." With that said, she slammed the door and walked towards the elevator, ignoring the echoes of Mrs. Helen's voice.

When Kathleen climbed out of the elevator, she stormed past the bodyguards outside Mr. Astor's room, her arms going every which way.

As she approached the door, she banged so hard that everyone outside thought the door was going to detach.

"Where is grandpa?"

"He's at the training site."

"So he's downstairs?" She grabbed the guard by the shirt. "You must have had so much fun watching me embarrass myself."

"N_no Ma'am. I'm...I'm sorry." He spluttered. "Mr. Zephyrus said we shouldn't allow anyone to know,"

"This means he isn't sick. That old hag." She pushed the guard and stormed the hallway.

As she got to the elevator, Mrs. Helen and her son were already standing inside. Age tried to shut the elevator before Kathleen arrived but it was already too late.

Kathleen's left foot made its way inside, creating an imbalance in the elevator movement. The door widened as she got in and stood in between the duo.

"You see that, son. Some people would never know their place. I'm glad that I raised Tiana well." Mrs. Helen spat.

"C'mon Mom, why are you so rude? Little cousin here didn't do anything to deserve such hatred." Timothy sympathized. He turned to Kathleen and said, "She needs our help. If her family is against her how do you think the world will trust her? I admit that I didn't like Grandpa's decision at first but now I'm cool with it."

"Son."

"Mom, what's the point? I could never be a good leader. Please don't make this more difficult than it already is."

"Hey." Mrs. Helen's fists clenched. She growled at Kathleen through clenched teeth. "This is your fault. How many more people would you bewitch?"

No response.

"Have you suddenly gone deaf?"

No response.

"So we're playing silence now, huh?" She bit her tongue so hard it almost ripped into halves. "Miss. Kathleen Mara Gates, get ready to be ruined. I won't let you succeed. I don't mind destroying everything dad worked hard for. I'd destroy you and everyone who stands by you."

The elevator opened and Kathleen stepped out. She walked a few steps before looking back at Mrs. Helen. "Sure. Go ahead. I won't try to stop you but I'll also not let you succeed. There's nothing wrong with dreaming, Aunt. You have Tiguar's support."

"This damn witch! Hey!!!" The elevator shut instantly.

Kathleen took a moment to breathe after she'd surveyed her environment. She pulled out her phone and dialed the first contact on her call log.

"Where are you?"

"In my house." The receiver said dryly. He yawned then switched the phone to the next ear. "What's wrong?"

"Pack your bags and come back. I need your help."

"Kathleen Gates needs my help." The sound of someone leaping in the background made Kathleen roll her eyes. "Is this about your interview with DZ radio? Cutie, I binged watched your interview. I'm pretty sure grandpa is su furious right now."

"No...I mean, yeah I don't know." She shook her head. "I need your help with something else."

"What?"

"Getting me a husband."

"I'm sorry was that a joke?" He sat straight on the bed and ran his fingers in his hair. Her cold silence at the other end of the phone gave him the reply he wasn't ready for. So it was true. Kathleen Gates wanted to settle down. He giggled. "I can't. I have some paperwork to finish up and then there's a meeting with the shareholders on the 24th of this month. We're talking September here, Sis."

September? She shrugged. September, October, November and December. No! She exclaimed. It was a matter of life and death. How could she begin a search for a husband in September? It was about her future, personal space and business. Definitely she needed enough time to get to know the guy before saying, 'I Do' on the altar.

"I'll handle everything." She said softly. "I'll be sending my jet to pick you by 8 tomorrow."

"8?" Nathan asked in bewilderment. "8 when? PM or AM?"

"Figure that out yourself." She disconnected the call and trudged through the corridor to get to the backdoor, her tired feet begging for a few hours rest with each step. Timothy is right. This house is gigantic.

She strolled tirelessly until she arrived at the courtyard. About forty soldiers were lined up outside and inside the courtyard, their fingers drawn close to the trigger.

When she asked about her grandfather, one of them pointed at the shooting range.

Kathleen thanked him and walked up to Mr. Zephyrus.

"Philip? Was that the best you could come up with?" She wiped the sweat on her forehead.

"Do you want to take one shot?" He pointed the AK_47 rifle at her. "It's been quiet for years now. Won't mind having someone to practice with."

She shrugged and threw a tantrum but all her attempts to get an apology flunked.

With no other option, Kathleen snatched the rifle and pointed it at the bullseye.

One aim and everyone around jubilated even Mr. Zephyrus Astor's bodyguard.

She passed the gun to Albert, her grandfather's bodyguard and looked up at him. "Now you have to answer me."

"You shouldn't have embarrassed me on FZ Radio. Do you realize how many people tuned in to watch you disgrace your grandfather?"

"Oh, so this is revenge." She scoffed in disbelief, turning her head to the side to see Albert's expression. "I've always had questions about my childhood. What a wow grandpa. I'm so thrilled to have you as my family."

He walked back to the house, Albert falling behind. Just as he approached the door, Mr. Astor held his walking stick and twirled around slowly. "You have only four months. Oh, Philip would be moving in. There's nothing that solidifies a relationship than living under the same roof."

"Grandpa!"

"Get married soon, Kathleen." A painful look crossed his face as he clutched his stick. "You will need all the support you can get, dear. The battle is yet to begin. No matter what happens, make sure the Tiguar Group doesn't fall into the wrong hands."

"What is...who are the wrong hands? Grandpa, who should I be wary of?"

"Sir." A young girl in black mini gown walked out of the house. She bowed in front of Kathleen then turned to Mr. Zephyrus and said, "You have a zoom meeting with the board by 10. Do you want me to reschedule or,"

"It's fine." He patted Kathleen. "I'll attend. My granddaughter has more pressing issues to fix. Dear, I'm sorry that I can't play golf with you today. I promise to make it up some other day."

"Grandpa." Kathleen stuck her nose in the air like a little child begging for attention.

Mr. Zephyrus winked at her. He pursed his lips then said, "It's a chilly evening. Isn't it amazing how the trees dance in a rhythm to the tune of wind? It's as if the wind whispers secrets to the trees, and they whisper back."

"Huh?" Kathleen dimmed her eyes.

"Child, even the stones have eyes and ears, and they remember everything. Just like how the shadows have a way of repeating what they see." He turned to Albert and back at Kathleen. "Have fun, child. I trust you."

Grandpa. The stones have eyes and ears? She pondered what he could have meant by that statement. Just then his last words popped in her head. "Just like how the shadows have a way of repeating what they see." Was he referring to Albert? If he knows Albert is working for his enemy, why did he keep him closer? What's going on? What's grandpa trying to say?

"Miss. Kathleen, there's someone on the call. They want to speak to you now."

"Sure, let's go."