Inheritance

Chapter 24

"Hey Monica, how are you doing? I haven't seen you in a while." I greeted, as I happened to pass by my uncle's assistant on my way to my office.

"Oh yes, that's because I took a much needed stay-cation. Courtesy of Mr. Milton." I eyed her warily, as she offered a friendly wave. 

Continuing on my ascent, I briefly reflected on her response. Although she had been my uncle's personal assistant for many years, something about their relationship had always felt quite atypical. 

The next time I spoke to him, I would make sure to ask about her. If they had decided to pursue more than a work relationship, I wanted him to know that he had my full support. It wouldn't be a betrayal to his late wife, if he chose to finally open up his heart again. Knowing the unconditional love she held for him, I think that's what she would have wanted.

Swiftly moving past Kendall's office door, I entered my personal office and made haste to view my agenda for the day. Other than a few virtual meetings, my schedule hadn't seemed too bad. 

Opening my desktop to connect to my first meeting, I patiently set up my notes. I was greeted by five other staff members, as we discussed the outcome of a current project we planned to implement in the upcoming month.

After three successive meetings I'd decided I needed an impromptu break. Approaching the tinted glass door frame of the staff lounge, I could make out two familiar voices. 

Peaking my head into the doorway, I spotted Vivian and Sebastian seated at a high-table in a corner space. Vivian had her hand on his shoulder, while Sebastian appeared to be humoring her with one of his contrite jokes. She nurtured his ego by laughing loudly at whatever he told her.

"Hey guys." I announced, confirming my presence in the room. I didn't miss the way Sebastian immediately distanced himself from Vivian.

"Hello Sasha, I must have missed you this morning." He said, pulling out another chair so that I could sit down.

"Yeah, you did. I was wondering why you didn't visit my office to bother me like you always do." We both chuckled, but Vivian's flickering eyes caused me to cut my laugh short. I didn't want her getting the wrong idea about Sebastian and I.

"So, Sasha...you and Kendall, huh?" Vivian suggested, leaning back in her chair and folding her arms.

"Kendall and I, what?" I responded, eager to know what exactly she was alluding to.

"C'mon, everyone's talking about it. That picture he posted of you two on his social media account." She further coaxed.

"He posted a lot of people, so I'm not really sure what you mean." I could sense myself becoming a bit defensive. But, I wondered the motive behind her asking me the question in the first place. Sebastian remained silent, but still appeared visibly tense beside me.

"Relax, it's just a simple question. Besides, I think you guys would actually make a total power couple. You ship it too, right, Sebastian?" She sent a challenging stare his way, desperate to derive her own conclusions from his tentative response.

"She already knows how I feel about that." He calmly stated under his breath.

"Oh, does she? Please enlighten me then." Her tone shifted to an underlying emotion that you'd have to be clueless not to catch. Somewhat like Sebastian.

"I'd rather not, it's not that serious. I have to go anyways, I'll see you both later." He rose from his seat, collecting the remainder of his lunch and briskly leaving the lounge.

"Look, Vivian. I don't why, but I'm sensing some tension from you. I can tell you have feelings for Sebastian and I want you to know that you have nothing to worry about on my end. We're just friends." I told her, once Sebastian was no longer in sight.