KALINA (Book 3: The Elixir Series)

5.

It's been days since that night. Though Jani is doing his routine like before, Kali and the boys knew he's still not completely okay. Today, Kali has a meeting with the other companies' CEOs that the Empire has business with and that includes Stark.

Inside Kali's office, Zed is observing her. "I can handle the meeting if-

"Why?" Kali cuts in and continues reading some documents. "Do I look like I can't?" she added lifting her head and looking at Zed.

"I'm just worried, K. This will be the first time you'll see him after two years," Zed admitted.

Kali sighed and resumed her reading. "This will be the 3rd, to be honest," she said making Zed bolt up from the sofa.

"What?! What do you mean? When did you meet that-

"Easy, Zed. He's still your brother-in-law," Kali reminded him.

Zed took calming breaths before he faces Kali with his hands on his waist. "Spill," he said.

The CEO chuckled, "You're ordering me?" she taunted.

Her second-in-command rolled his eyes. "Did you just roll your eyes at me?" Kali asked standing up and staring at him in a challenging manner.

Zed only tilted his head to the side in a bored manner. "Seriously? We're going Fifty Shades here?"

"The only shade that you'll see is red," Kali answered making Zed scoff then they both burst out laughing.

"That's gross. I can't imagine us in that kind of relationship," Zed said laughing.

"Neither do I," Kali agreed and shivered. 

"Come on, it's time," Zed said.

Kali nodded and fixed herself. When she was about to exit the door, Zed stopped her by holding her arm.

"I'll be fine, Zed," She said as she understood what the gesture means. Zed nodded at her and they headed to the conference room.

Kali was shocked as she saw her father there. Walking towards him, they hugged. She didn't see who are inside as she has an idea who will be there.

"I thought you were not joining," she said. 

Her father patted her cheek lightly and smiled, "Well, there's someone I wanted to introduce to everyone," her dad said and motioned to the people.

Kali shifted her eyes and one particular person caught her eyes. That person is smiling at her sweetly.

"Everyone here knew him except you. So, let me introduce our new business partner, Mr. Khalil Brandt of Brandt House," Arthur said.

Across the table, Kith is observing them. He can tell that the CEO has a thing for Kali and honestly speaking, his heart felt a pang.

"Hello, Tua- I mean, Ms. Nightwish," Khalil greeted.

His almost slip didn't go unnoticed by Kith who turned to Kali. He's waiting for her reaction as he knows Kali got it too.  But what shook him is when Kali shakes her head with a subtle smile. Does Kali know this guy? That's what he is thinking.

"Dear," Mr. Nightwish nudged her.

Kali sighed and mumbled, "Ya kuudhi,"

Kith chuckled as he understood it means annoying, but didn't expect that Khalil will too and will even reply.

"Lakini mrembo?" Khalil replied raising his left eyebrow at Kali with a teasing smile.

"Oh, you speak Swahili too?" Mr. Nightwish asked.