CALLA

22: The Agreement

I was comfortable in my condo living room, watching television when the cell rang. Seeing that it was from Alex, I answered it. My mood had been good up until he told me that Lind Corp. is refusing to fulfill the 5% royalty to our deal for Aion. I livid even while hearing Alex's amusement. He explained to me that the deal was made through me and so Lind Corp. expects me to oversee the investment myself. Even now, they're stopping Alex from signing the contract. Just when I was about to tell Alex to leave, my grandfather's voice was heard.

"Come to my office Calla"

                When the phone hangs up, I stared at my cell phone in disbelief. Why was my grandfather giving me such a hard time? Really – why do he have to disturb my one day off?

Just my luck.

                As soon as I entered grandfather's office, I saw the 4 musketeers of Aion with a group of lawyers, along with Vic, grandfather, my president Alexander Locke and lawyer Richard Starr. Any normal woman would swoon at the sight of the gorgeous men – but all I felt was annoyed.

"You better have a good excuse to stop Alex from signing the contracts" I did not care to greet anyone as I glared at my grandfather and Vic.

                Seeing Vic grin and grandfather lifted brow, I scowled even more.

"The agreement was between Lind Corp and you" My grandfather spoke calmly as if he was talking to a child. "Should you not be the one to sign the contracts?"

"The agreement was between Lind Corp and Allac" I folded my arms across my chest. "Alexander Locke is Allac CEO, his signature will do"

"No" He said simply.

"Vic" I glared at Vic.

"Sorry Calla" Vic put his hand together with one eye closed – pleading for my forgiveness.

I cannot believe I was being duped like this. I wasn't going to back down.

"Allac is my agent. By law, they can represent me" I pointed to Alex. "I was more than accommodating than to loan you the CEO for this venture"

                When Alex chuckled, I gave him a hard glare. Covering his mouth, he suppressed his laughter.

"It doesn't matter" James leaned back in his chair like the king he was. "I want the Owner herself to oversee the investment"

"Is that so?" I smiled despite the vein popping on my forehead. "I'm not cheap grandpa"

"Name your price" He said nonchalantly.

"On top of the initial consultation fee, if you want me to personally oversee this investment, it'll cost you an additional 10% in royalty. I won't travel if it conflicts with my schedule. If you need me to travel outside of New Haven; you will make sure all expenses are paid for. I only do first class, 5 star hotels, and Michelin star restaurants"

                Everyone was suppressing a laugh while my grandfather brow lifted in amusement. I ignored everyone and turned my head arrogantly to the side. I was being an unreasonable brat on purpose. I did not want to oversee Aion.

"10%" Grandfather countered lazily. "All expenses paid for"

"15%" I was adamant.

"You're not worth 15%"

My grandfather words were sharp and mean, but I was unaffected.

"You're right, I'm worth 20%" I said arrogantly. "I already gave you 5% family discount"

                I could see the men trying so hard not to laugh. I'm sure I amused the hell out of them.

"12%" Grandfather continued to bargain with me.

"15%" I repeated. "If you can't afford me, then stick with my CEO"

                I turned and smile because I was so sure he'll accept Alex as the alternative. In reality, Alex was more capable than me when it comes to management. The man will handle the project much better than I could. I knew this. Grandfather knew this. So why is he insisting for me?

"Fine. 15% royalty"

                My smiles dropped completely. I couldn't believe what I'm hearing. The old man actually gives in to my ridiculous demands? Something wasn't right.

"What's wrong?" He sounded amused. "Did you think of any other ridiculous demands you want to add onto the contract?"

                I knew when I'm being made fun of. I gripped onto the door handle, wanting so badly to escape.

"Calla" Grandfather's voice was surprisingly gentle.

                I closed my eyes tight, feeling sick with obligation. I had sworn never to be in a position where I would be obligated to anyone. I should have known things will never go 100% your way. James Lind managed to sneak his way into my life and became the exception.

"Richard, redraft the contract" I said bitterly. "Call when it's ready for me to sign"

                I was upset and didn't give a damn if I offended anyone by my attitude. I didn't even care if it makes me look childish by slamming the door on my way out.