CALLA

18: Difficult Investment

Nearly a month passed since my encounter with Eli Frye and his friends. I haven't thought much of the man and was glad that Ben Carter did not seek me out again. I didn't know why I was called out in the first place but understood that it doesn't matter anymore. Since they knew I was Rose's sister and Eli doesn't care for Rose's younger sister, there was no need to be involved with me.

It wasn't until I overheard Vic talk with grandfather about the new company Aion that I was reminded of Eli Frye once more. Trying to appear nonchalant as possible, I focused on my work. But Vic's deep voice was making it impossible for me not to listen even though I don't want to. The subject of Aion only brings back bitter memories for me.

It was because of Aion that I made a the stupid mistake. Because of my naivety, my father's company went bankrupted - which lead to the break in engagement between Rose and Eli.

Aion had been a genius creation. But it's biggest setback was it's upstart cost. To put it in business terms, it was a difficult investment. The company startup was controversial in that it wanted to reconfigure the educational system – that and the obscene amount of money required to make it happen. No one dared the risk in backing the new start-up company and its idealistic goal. Even with Eli Frye background and reputation, no one could afford the risk. The fall was too great.

Ultimately, Aion was unknown to the world for years due to lack of funds. That is until one of his friends fooled me into believing that if I gave them access to my father's company funds, Eli Frye will appreciate my help. I foolishly believed that it would get me inside Eli Frye's cold heart. Instead, I ended up causing my father to lose his whole life work and my sister to lose her fiance. Everything I did amount to nothing when Eli Frye as he asked me who I was. It had broke me completely.

                Recalling what Aion was, I was not surprised when my grandfather rejected the investment. What did surprised me was Vic's strong opinion of Aion, stating that the company was worth investing. I hadn't think Vic thought highly of Eli until now. Then again, a lot of people thought highly of the Eli Frye.

"Other than his name, he has no backing"

When it comes to business, James Lind was detached like always.

"Even a small investment would_"

"Why should I?"

                Just like that, the old man cut off any further discussion. Even though Eli Frye was engaged to one of his granddaughter and is the current Heir to the Frye family, James Lind does not care. When Vic glanced over at me, I regret being caught listening. Why is he looking at me for help? I can't deal with grandfather any better than he can.

"What do you think Calla?"

                I was startled when grandfather questioned me.

"Is Aion worth the investment?"

                Why is he asking me? Seeing grandfather's sharp eyes, I realized he was testing me. Sighing softly, I closed my laptop. With a smile on his face, Vic head on toward me with the file in his hand. For the first time, I saw the numbers and information on Aion. Truly, the risk of investment was too great for anyone to bear. For James Lind, it's not the money that the issue – it's a risk on his corporation reputation. If Aion fails, Lind Corp. will suffer a great setback.

"This investment is difficult"

"That's not my question"

My grandfather was a sharp man. If I didn't already know him, I would have been shaking in fear by his hard expression.

"I don't know" I answered honestly. "Objectively speaking, the risk is high"

"But" He leaned back in his chair like the king.

"Subjectively speaking, Aion is worth the investment"

                When grandfather smiles at me, I kept my expression neutral even though my heart was racing. It was dangerous to show any emotion to a predator.

"Should I invest?"

                His questions appeared simple but I knew better. There is always an underline meaning to James Lind's questions. If you don't have a nerve of steel, you cannot withstand his sharp gaze. Fortunately, my nerves toughen over the years with my interaction with him.

"I don't work for Lind Corp."

I handed back the file to Vic who made no sign of taking it.

"Then as a consultant_"

"I don't work for free" I cut him off with a frown.

                I don't want to be involved any further – especially with Eli Frye.

"You did before"

I scowled. The old man is actually teasing me.

"Which is a mistake on my part" I set the file on the coffee table. "And I'm busy right now"

                It was no secret to him that I'm busy with Allac. With the company rapid growth, I've been helping Alex find proper help in order to balance his work load.

"I have enough on my plate" I muttered to myself.

                Then to my surprise, grandfather got up from his seat, walked over to me and took the file from the coffee table.

"10 million"

                I looked up at the regal old man who held the file out to me to take. I knew he was testing me again. Lately, he have been challenging me when it comes to investment. While the task was welcomed before, now I felt uncomfortable. I knew it had to do with Eli Frye being involved – but I couldn't let my grandfather know that.

"30 million" I kept my eyes on his.

"15 million" He countered.

"30 million" I wasn't backing down.

"That's a lot for consulting work"

"You can ask one of your people instead of me" I had no intention in taking the file in his hand.

"They would reject this investment" My grandfather knew his people well.

"Then why ask me" I smirked.

"You think Eli Frye is worth investing"

"Aion is worth investing" I clarified – careful not to show my irritation.

                Something tells me that the old man knows my discomfort when it comes to Eli Frye. The feeling bothered me more than I like to admit.

"Same difference" He said with his usual tone and expression.

                Again, I felt that I was being teased by the old man.

"15 million for consulting and 2% royalty if it succeeds"

                He was insisting, and if I continue to reject, he would see through my weakness.

"5% royalty" I clarified.

                When he laughed, I knew he accepted and only then did I take the file in his hand. I didn't like it because it felt like I've fallen into a trap. But then again, it's not like I was able to get out of the trap to begin with.

"Vic, set up the appointment for 3 weeks from now"

                I held back a tired sigh as Vic appeared all too amused.

"Is that ok with you Calla?"

                Why does my opinion matters now when the king already spoken?

"That's fine"

                Gathering my things, I made my way out. I was relieved when grandfather did not order me to come back the next day. Now that I only have 3 weeks to solve the difficult investment, there was no time to play. Seriously, doesn't the old man know I have school and Allac to worry about? On top of that, how should I explain things to my uptight right-hand man?