19 Chapter 19 - Trap(3)

POV: Avery Rockefeller

I got up after about 6 hours of sleep. Wreaking the right amount of havoc was a delicate procedure that unfortunately took some planning and needed a clear mind.

Loretta's graduation didn't start until 1 pm. Most families would head to the venue around 11 to begin taking pictures and vying for the best-seated positions.

I quickly showered and got dressed. At 8 am sharp I called my chauffeur. The first stop of the day would be the Blackwell home. Time to potentially rescue my new employee.

It was a quick ride to the Blackwell mansion. We quickly passed the gate checkpoint and cruised down the long driveway. I double-checked the large bouquet of fresh flowers that were to be my prop for the first act of the day.

The car smoothly pulled into the front of the house.

I elegantly stepped out of the car holding onto the extravagant bouquet and approached the front door. It was held open by a maid dressed in a simple white outfit.

"Mr. Rockefeller, thank you for coming. The head of the house is waiting for you in the sitting room. Please follow me."

Nodding, I followed her while observing the house.

It was the typical large extravagant mansion, decorated with the latest fancy baubles but had no character.

Earnest Blackwell was seated in the lone armchair in the room. A conscious show of dominance I'm sure.

Chuckling lightly, I plopped onto one of the leather couches, gently placing the flowers next to me. Then the waiting game began. I watched bemusedly as he stirred his coffee gently, all but pretending I didn't exist. Was he hoping I would greet him first? Laughable.

"Go get me a coffee, please. French pressed, fresh ground dark roast, hold the cream." I spoke to the maid waiting quietly in the corner of the room. She bowed respectfully before presumably heading to the kitchen.

"Avery, what brings you here this morning." He finally broke the silence, his voice cool and a bit displeased. "I'm sure you know today is a busy day for the family."

"Ah, he speaks. Good good. I actually don't want to take up much of your time. I came to congratulate your daughter on graduating and wanted to give her a bouquet before the ceremony. She has a bright future ahead and I look forward to her accomplishments in the future."

I could see his expression brighten as he heard the praises I heaped on his daughter.

"If you don't mind, I'd like to give it to her in person. A kind of welcome to the family gift if you will." I continued calmly. I could see the wheels turning in his head. He probably thought I was praising his oldest daughter, not knowing I was here for Canary.

"Of course. Thank you for your praises. I have to say congratulations to your sister for graduating as well. She is quite bright, and I only hope my daughter has more opportunities to learn from her. If you'll wait a moment, I'll have her brought down." Saying his he gestured to another maid skillfully hiding out of sight.

We sat peacefully in a more relaxed silence, each drinking our coffee and in our own thoughts.

Soon enough, someone entered the living room. Glancing up, I saw it was the eldest Eleanora. She was dressed in what I assumed was her graduation dress – large voluminous thing and her face were fully made up making her look older and much more mature. Although she was a beautiful young lady, I couldn't help but feel that objectively Canary was the more beautiful sister. The difference could be seen not only in their facial features but also in the way they carried themselves.

She approached me almost shyly although I could sense a predatory look behind her demure gaze.

"Good morning Mr. Rockefeller. I was informed that you brought flowers to congratulate me on graduating. Although I feel that I have much to learn in the future, I just wanted to thank you for being so thoughtful and for welcoming me into the family."

Hearing the sickly-sweet tone that she used to address me made me want to vomit the coffee I just drank.

Turning to face Earnest Blackwell with faux surprise, I asked coolly "Why is she thanking me? These flowers are not for her. They're for the valedictorian, Canary. Please call her down for me. We had plans for me to take her to graduation as she's signed on as one of my companies employees."

I could see Eleanora's face scrunch up in disgust as she processed my words, "What do you mean they're for Canary that whor- "

"Elena! Be silent we have a guest." Her father quickly cut her off.

"Dear, what's going on. Who's our dear guest?" a soft but commanding voice asked.

Turning, I saw that it was Miranda Blackwell, the matriarch of the family. She was dressed in a classy floor-length black dress that offset her daughter's white one and their blond highlighted hair.

She approached and immediately shielded her daughter. "Avery darling, I didn't realize it was you. It's so lovely to see you-"

"You may call me Mr. Rockefeller. And please do call down Canary. I'm short on time and we need to get going."

"Canary? What does that silly girl have to do with someone like yourself?"

"Oh?" I asked with a tilt of my head in mock surprise, "She hasn't told you?"

"Told us what?" Miranda and Earnest replied simultaneously.

Grinning wildly, I responded, "She's one of my employees now working for Clear Horizon. We recognize her talent and future prospects and made her an offer that no sane or insane person could refuse. I'll be taking her to graduation today and getting her settled into her new role. For some reason, she was supposed to move into corporate housing yesterday but couldn't make it."

Ignoring the shock on all three of their faces I continued, "We were not able to reach her all day yesterday, but I assume that no danger has befallen her since you all seem to be in the mood to celebrate. Since that is the case, please call her down so we can get moving. As you know my time is valuable and you really cannot afford to waste it." I punctuated my statement by placing my now empty coffee cup on the saucer.

"She got an offer from Clear Horizon?!?!? That worthless hussy? How?! My application was immediately rejected no matter how many times I applied!" Eleanora's indignant tone burst through the silence.

"Elena! Please go to your room and let the adults speak." Miranda Blackwell commanded in a tone that brooked no argument. I could see the struggle on Elena's face as she wanted to speak up, but fear of her mother won and she spun around dramatically, dress puffs swirling everywhere, and marched away.