Reprisal

Chapter 5 : The Condition

Often referred to as the ‘Millionaire's Row’, Bridle Path was the most affluent neighbourhood in Canada due to the large multimillion-dollar mansions taking up the space. Christopher had been there many a times following Foxen's orders regarding professional and personal work. But today, he was there for his own personal matter — which happened to involve his boss' only daughter. Oh he was sued!

As they entered the driveway through the large iron gates, they saw three black SUVs parked, reminding them of the ‘guests’ awaiting Isabel inside Wilder Mansion.

Christopher took a deep breath and turned to Isabel. She was already looking at him. With those eyes which snatch a person's ability to think.

“I won't let you back off now.” - she said before he could speak.

He smiled. “I am not planning to.”

Now she smiled. Soft and contented.

“But if Mr. Wilder didn't agree then we-”

“Then we will elope.” - she cut him off with a mischievous grin.

A surprised chuckle left his mouth, making him shake his head. She was crazy.

They both got down the car and made their way inside. Wilder Mansion was almost white sans a few walls contrasting in light sage green. Walking in through the foyer, they heard merry voices floating to them with the air. But upon stepping into the living area, they found no one there.

“I think they're in the clubroom.” - Christopher mused at Isabel's frown.

He was very familiar with the mansion's luxurious clubroom as whenever he visited for work, he found Foxen always there. Sometimes accompanied by Aiden and often by friends, as the room offered full-service bar and it was common knowledge that Foxen was a drunkard.

Determination overcame Isabel's face. She sauntered towards the clubroom, her pencil heels clicking on the glass-shine marble floor and gave a polite knock at the door. But she was not waiting for an answer and entered the room with him in her wake.

“Oh here she is!” - Foxen exclaimed with a wide smile.

Foxen Wilder was almost sunken into the plush brown couch in front of the bar counter. Aiden was right beside him, both holding a glass each which looked gin to Christopher. He could recognize almost all the hard drinks at sight, yes, but he was proud of being a non-drinker himself.

“You took your sweet time, sister.” - Aiden teased as Isabel came to sit on Foxen's other side, facing the guests.

Aiden Wilder was his father's copy alright. With sharp features, telling everyone how Foxen used to look in his early 30s, he always had the cunning smile on face which, according to Isabel, was Wilder family's identity.

Isabel returned the mocking smile, understanding the underlining bite. Aiden and her were half-siblings. Aiden was five when his mother, Foxen's first wife, left them accusing Foxen of cheating. Just a year later, Foxen married again and two years later Isabel was born but her mother couldn't make it and died. Both Aiden and Isabel had grown up without mothers and despite sharing that common factor, had always remained distant. They respected each other's space and it was all good unless they don't interfere in the other's matters.

“Your work is over, Christopher so you can leave.” - Aiden dismissed in his usual, superior and arrogant tone.

Christopher met Isabel's eyes across the room. That's what he was talking about. The difference between him and her. Of earth and sky.

Isabel controlled her temper by rolling her fingers in fist and smiled sharply. “No, he has to stay, Aiden as I have to talk about something gravely important which involves him.”