CALLA

34: Owner or Decoy

Meanwhile, the four men still sat at the table after Eli and Vic had rushed off after Calla.

"It seems we've upset her." Gregory said with amusement.

"We've upset her?" Michael was indignant. "I'm her father! She dare give me an attitude? That ungrateful brat. After everything I gave her, this is the least she could do"

"What exactly did you give her?" James spoke while twirling the glass of wine.

"I_" Michael could only give what he believe was normal. "She's living under my roof and spending_"

"It seems you are not aware that this daughter of yours have been living on her own since she was 14." James cut his son off casually.

"How is that possible? A child can't afford_"Michael wasn't the only one surprised – Gregory as well.

"Of course, she asked a loan for 10 million from me at the time"

"Ridiculous!" Michael couldn't believe it. "You wouldn't loan out 10 million to a child"

"It is quite ridiculous..."James Lind chuckled.

                In that moment, they knew the infamous cold businessman did loan a child 10 million dollar.

"She was able to return 10 million with 200% interest the next year"

                Michael eyes would have fallen out if it was possible. Just when he was about to asked if his father was joking, he swallowed those words. James Lind never jokes when it comes to money.

"How?" Aaron had been listening and was intrigued by what he's hearing.

"She created an investment firm..." James eyes lifted from the wine glass to look at the men.

"I see" Aaron chuckled. "Amazing"

"What?" Michael still didn't understand.

"Michael" Aaron chuckled again. "What's Allac backward?"

                Michael Lind eyes again widened as the realization dawn on him.

"Is Calla really the owner of Allac?" Gregory asked his father. "Alexander Locke is a decoy?"

"Decoy..." James was amused. "That's not far from the truth..."

"Why didn't she just tell us so? If we knew, we could have just spoken to her"

"Would you believe her if she said Allac was hers? Would you have listen to her consultation?"

"She's only 18? How can she have the skills to manage_"

"Hard to believe isn't it?" James set his glass of wine down. "For a 14 year old to turn 10 million into 20 million in one year... Now, the same child is worth more than her father and uncles combined"

                James statement made Gregory and Michael hearts stopped. How is that possible? Stunned, the men sat there as James stood up.

"I advise you not to underestimate that woman" James eyes were unreadable. "Still waters run deep... you'll drown if you're not careful"

                James Lind walked off leaving his sons to think about their next step.