20 Chapter 20 - Trap(1)

POV: Avery Rockefeller

"Avery," Miranda started as she sat on an adjacent seat, "We are of course very proud of Canary, but she didn't tell us any of this. And as much as I would love for her to come down to accept her flowers and for you to take her to the graduation ceremony, she began feeling quite ill since yesterday. That must be why she didn't respond to any of the messages that may have been sent her way yesterday. She's still feeling quite ill today as well, so she won't be able to attend the ceremony or meet with you. She's currently resting in her room."

Listening to the well-crafted story she tried to sell me I couldn't help but snort.

"Do you think I'm stupid or is it that you think I'm a brainless idiot? I'll have you know that I spoke to your daughter both yesterday and the day before. There was no mention of illness. Let's say that she did fall deathly ill, the fact that you as her family feel comfortable to attend a celebration and didn't even bother taking her to the hospital is quite amazing. You've really opened my eyes." I slowly applauded for them and watched Earnest Blackwell's brows furrow in disapproval and Miranda's face flush red from embarrassment.

What kind of parents were they that they would keep a seriously ill child in the house without getting a doctor's opinion and even continued to celebrate the next day. They were truly the epitome of great parents.

Leaning back into the chair and crossing my legs I continued, "Now you lovely parents have two choices, either bring her down so we can get on with our day. Or I'll be calling the police and reporting both of you for obstruction and kidnapping of my employee. Now now, I know you want to claim she's a minor and still living in your house, but she'll be 18 in a couple of days. By the time the story is spread to all the news outlets, it'll be your family taking the fallout and the blame while she'll have every legal ground to go against you. You have five minutes to decide and I suggest to think very carefully."

Finished speaking, I brought out my phone and proceeded to ignore them.

Whether they chose to fall in line or not, I was ready to pick a fight. Turning the inner frustration and anger towards these hypocritical parents would do just fine.

From my peripheral, I could see Earnest Blackwell grab hold of his wife's hand and rapidly lead her out of the room.

Less than three minutes later, Miranda Blackwell led her stepdaughter by the hand back into the room.

"Here she is," She spoke in a harsh voice before it turned sickly sweet. "as you can see, she's not feeling well. As a parent, there's no way I would let you take my sick daughter out of this house. Canary, tell him you're not going anywhere so mom and dad can take care of you."

I could see her viciously clench the hand holding Canary's hand and I almost lost my temper. What the hell was wrong with this woman? Couldn��t she even pretend in front of a guest?

Looking at Canary, I could see that she looked a bit disheveled, eyes slightly dazed, and her golden skin was flushed. Maybe she was actually very ill? It still didn't explain the lack of communication though.

I casually stood up, ignoring the flowers on the chair and approached the pair, stopping a short distance before them.

"Canary, I came to pick you up to take you to graduation as planned. Do you still want to go?" I asked her. I wondered if she would go along with the lie and if I had made a mistake and kicked up a fuss for nothing.

There was a short pause before her eyes focused on my face. Our eyes connected and I swore I could see her eyes watering as if she had been wronged. Still, her expression slightly firm up, she spoke in a slightly scratchy voice.

"Of course, Mr. Rockefeller. I'm sorry for delaying you. My parents seized my phone and laptop and had me locked away, so I had no way to communicate with you. Thank you for personally coming." With a derisive snort, she wrenched her arm out of her stepmothers' arm before shuffling to stand behind me almost as if she was using me for a shield.

"Canary!" her mother gasped as she lurched forward to grab her daughter. "Why would you lie like that in front of Mr. Rockefeller!"

Smoothly intercepting her, I bared my teeth into a semblance of a smile. "I really have to commend Blackwell hospitality. It's really one of a kind. If you'll excuse us, we'll be taking our leave. After the event, I'll deliver your daughter to wherever she wants to go. Feel free to give your husband my regards. If he has a problem, he has my assistants' number. No need to see me out, I know the way"

Ignoring the indignant look on her face that looked very similar to her Elena's, I grabbed Canary's hand, almost flinching at how hot it was. She was clearly feverish! We slowly walked out of the house to my car with her in tow, feeling how hard she clutched my hand as she struggled to walk.

Opening the back door, I ushered her in before entering myself and shutting the door.

"Where to next sir?" the driver asked with the partition rolled down.

"A hospital. Quick as you can." I replied shortly

"Yessir." He responded quickly and quickly began driving the car.

"No. I need to head to the graduation center." A soft but firm voice replied.

Turning to face the young girl next to me, I saw that she had basically collapsed into the seat. Her face heavily flushed and sweating lightly but her eyes were fierce as she glared at me.

"You're sick. I can feel you burning up from here. You need to get treated as soon as possible."