ROSE ON THE LAKE 18+

🌼CHAPTER FIVE🌼

A million stars up in the sky
One shines brighter_ I can't deny
I'm filled with emotion_ so much I can soar, I can fly
A love so endless, one that can never die
The angels sing when you are near
Within your arms I have nothing to fear

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Despite being forced to grow up so fast, and being a young woman barely twenty-two years of age and opposing a group of men twice her age, Eva felt neither small nor intimidated.

But seated as she was in her father's office, behind his table of pure queen Anne mahogany brown, and encased in an imposing chair that threatened to swallow her up, she felt the need to turn tail and run. Just how big were her father's shoes that her small delicate feet couldn't fit into?

If there was ever a better word to describe success, it was Robert Garton. He was imposing, no doubt. Intimidating, even more so. And his office was built as a complete replica of his person, structured to match his imposing personality.

Just being in this room made her feel small. Just like when she shied away from challenging situations whereas her Dad showed nothing but fearlessness.

Slowly running her fingers over his picture, she sighed. If only he were here. He always knew the right words to say to make her feel better.

The sound of feet patting the marbled floor cut through her reminiscence of the past.
Susan Bones, her childhood nanny and the present house keeper, who prefers to be called House Manager, popped in and announced the imminent arrival of Misters Rosario, McCay and Capello. Followed by the incessant sound of boots marching towards them.

She rose as the trio moved in, and offered them seats across from her. Reaching behind her, she poured each of them a glass of bourbon.
Nothing like a good fire water to make a man amiable, her Dad always said.

If she was gonna kiss ass, this might be a start.

A few moments later, Susan walked three men in. Two of which appeared to be identical twins, whom she'd never afore seen. The other however, was her Dad's legal counsel and business attorney, Mr. Brooklyn. A redhead, wide-eyed, too skittish man whom she already disliked.

One had to question Robert's sanity based on the people who worked for him.

The other two introduced themselves as Ren and Ten.

Text book Robert Garton. With luck she wished the insanity was not hereditary.

After all introductions and pleasantries had been made, she headed on with the reason why they were gathered.

"Mr. Ren" she addressed the first, "I believe my father employed you to carryout a research on these farmlands before he could engage in his Winery project. Unfortunately, the didn't stay around long enough to complete it. As I said on the phone, I'll be spearheading that project to completion."

"I have to say, I was a tad bit surprised that you brought this up. Then again I couldn't be more pleased. As I told Mr. Garton several years ago, part of these lands used to be a vineyard owned by a Mexican rancher almost a century ago. Back in the day, he was known as one of the best wine producers on this side of the continent."

"So what you are saying, is that we can carry on with plans to engage in production?" Asked Capello.

Eva smiled discretely. She knew what he was doing, trying to conclude the meeting in her favor before Rosario could come up with any legible objections.

"Yes, that is exactly what I mean" Ren affirmed.

"What about the soils? Surely after all that time passed, coupled with the change in crop. Do you you really think it will be fertile enough to host such a crop?" Asked Philippe in his way to bring up all the cons of the project.