61 Sacrifices (1/2)

Laila was right.Even though Agni was quiet for a number of weeks it didn't mean that she wasn't busy trying to secure her power within the the Steel family.What surprised Olivia the most was the fact that she was able to contact and establish so sort of relationship with the Steel elders.

Olivia never met her grandparents and her father never talked about them.They also never took the imitative to even try to contact her and rebuild their family relationship.So when Edmond revealed the truth of the matter, she knew that they were still around but had chosen to stay estranged.

When she came home yesterday she tried to talk to her father but Agni had refused to leave his side and beat her in telling him the news about Edmond.She told him that his parents reached out to her and were thrilled to find out he remarried, that they wanted to become a family again and even had Edmond recognize her as the official mistress.Olivia was appalled by her acting ability.

Agni made it seem like she was born under a lucky star and that the family was slowly improving because of her existence but Olivia knew the truth and was careful to not reveal it.Knowing that this psychotic woman could easily turn and kill anyone of them if slightly provoked.

The twins party hand started well enough.Olivia couldn't get Laila's words out of her head as she looked at everyone at the party, she kept looking at the single men who where in business with her father and kept envisioning Agni making back end deals with every single one of them.

Eli grabbed her hand ”Olivia are you ok?” he gently whispered into her ear.Olivia shook her head no, she wanted to let Eli know what she learned yesterday but it was too dangerous to talk to him or anyone else at that moment as she couldn't guarantee anyone's safety.

Eli pulled her in closer ”I already know about Edmond... Samantha told me last night.”Olivia's eyes grew wide, as sweat rolled down the side of her face.Eli gripped her tighter ”I won't let her win...” he said before he released her and walked towards Avery and Agni.

”Good evening father!” he said with delight as he bowed respectfully to Mr. & Mrs. Steel.”Eli!Hello my boy are your parents here tonight?”Avery said as he placed a hand on Eli's shoulder.Eli shook his head no.”I'm sorry to say but my mother is tending to my sister, she hasn't been feeling the greatest these last few days and my father had a family meeting to attend to.” Eli said remorsefully.

”I see.” Avery said as he dropped his hand back to his side.Eli straightened his back, looked into Avery's eyes and with a booming voice he declared ”Father, if your offer still stands I would like to take it and become the next head of the Steel family.”Everyone turned to face the two men, silently watching to see what would happen next.

Olivia started to take a few steps closer towards them, shocked by Eli's proclamation and to pull him safely away if Agni lost control of her temper.Avery narrowed his eyes on Eli and allowed a cold aura to engulf the area.

”You know what that means Eli...You will have to give up on your dream, you will have to push back your wedding and you will have to work tirelessly to become my protégé.I will not give you any special treatment and will work you like a dog.I will demand blood, sweat, tears and your loyalty before you even dream of entering my office.If you fail, I swear to you hell will look like paradise by the time I'm done tearing you apart.Have I made myself clear.” Avery said with so much conviction it made the onlookers tremble with fear.

Eli was resolute in his decision, he held his head hi and looked at Avery with clarity.”Yes sir, to make sure your daughter is well looked after and protected I will do anything.”Avery allowed a giant grin to spread across his face as he grabbed Eli in a one armed hug.”Do you hear that everyone!My future son-in-law will take over the company and become the next CEO!” he cheered with all his might.

Olivia's heart hurt as she looked at Eli and her father.She knew he had given up his dream to live a simpler life in order to keep his loved ones safe.She took a quick peek at Agni and broke out in a cold sweat.If one was to only look at her at a glace you would see a loving wife congratulating her husband for the good news.

However on closer inspection, Olivia could see the cold murderous eyes reflecting the essence of pure darkness that she tried to conceal with a benevolent smile.This was the last straw for Olivia, even without Edmond's help she would bring her father hard evidence to bring that demon to justice and get her out of everyone's lives even if it costed her the relationship with her father.