Just that alone made the entire situation unnerving to the point that even though there was some form of truth in the hole filled explanation her father had given, she refused to believe it. “What? What do you mean by we understand? You understand, but I don’t. He was gone for years-“
“It wasn’t a choice-” Her father interrupted her, but she was quick to interrupt back.
“But it was. He could have called all those years ago, said something, but instead what, he allowed his stupid insecurities get the best of him!”
“Leonica!” In a fit of rage, Benjamin slammed his hand down on the table, silencing his daughter. “That’s enough misbehaving from you!”
Leonica blinked in confusion. “What?”
Misbehaving? She was simply stating the obvious fact that her parents had turned a blind eye to and just because of that, it was considered misbehaving.
Ouch.
“Why are you being so harsh on your brother? After all these years of him being absent is this how you want to treat him?”
“Well how do you want me to treat him?!” Leonica snapped. “You both, no, you!” She pointed an accusing finger at her father. “You are treating this like it’s nothing, like an obvious threat isn’t in front of you!” “Your brother isn’t a threat, he’s family.”
“That’s what you think, but I think otherwise. Anyone who works with Rodrigo isn’t to be trusted.” Leonica concluded, looking pointedly at Melvin. “Him included.”
Benjamin sighed and shook his head, whereas Cassandra was torn between taking sides. It was obvious that Leonica wasn’t adjusting well to Melvin’s presence, which was troubling seeing as they used to be almost inseparable as kid. “Leonica, please stop this, you’re going to give me a headache. You’ve always been the one giving me a headache.” He muttered, massaging his temple.
“Oh Benjamin, please don’t say that.” Cassandra pleaded, glancing between her husband and Leonica who was visibly hurt by her father’s words. “Leonica’s only trying to be reasonable.”
“I know. I understand.” Benjamin nodded his head with a sigh. “Since all that had been put aside, let’s move into more pressing matters.”
More pressing matters? Leonica raised her head, fixing her father with a puzzled gaze. What was more important that the return of his
own son.
“Leonica,” Benjamin once again faced his daughter with all seriousness. “Now that your brother is back, I think it’s best for you to focus on yourself. Step down from being CEO and let your brother handle the company from now on.” ☐☐☐☐☐ 10
Stripped Of Her Title.
For the first time since the start of their conversation, Leonica was rendered speechless, not a single word coming past her parted lips.
She just couldn’t believe her ears, her father was seriously suggesting she step down as CEO and let Melvin take her position, after everything she had done.
“I think that’s what is best for now.” Benjamin said as he rested back in his chair and closed his eyes, purposely ignoring Leonica’s
bewildered stare.
“Um, honey,” Cassandra tentatively began, once again glancing between her husband and daughter. “Are you sure this is for the best?”
Benjamin peeled one eye open to look at his wife. “Has my decision ever been wrong?”
Cassandra opened her mouth to answer, but immediately shut it. Her husband has indeed never made a wrong decision and his words have always been final. So, rather than trying to make him change his mind, she looked towards her daughter and gave her a sympathetic look.
Meanwhile, Leonica could hardly believe her ears.
She was getting kicked out?
The more she allowed her father’s words sink in, the more the unnerved feeling she had been experiencing unraveled and soon, she could put a finger on the feeling in particular.
It was fear.
Fear that this exact thing happening now would take place. The fear she felt for losing something she cherished had overshadowed the tinge of happy she could have experienced with Melvin’s return.
“So,” she started, voice trembling with emotions. “You’re really going to let him take the position, that I worked my ass off to get, give him the company that I fought to save. Just like that, with out a second thought.” When her parents were met with silence, Leonica added. “And what about Leonardo?”
“He’d understand.” Melvin spoke up, crossing his leg over each other as he offered his lovely sister a smile. “I spoke with him yesterday.”
Leonica could feel her eyes twitch at this point and a new sense of anger began setting in. She could only assume that their conversation had been unpleasant, hence why Leonardo hadn’t even bothered to tell her.