Seduce Me ~ The Path To Forgiveness

Path Two, Step Six: All in My Head

We arrive at the funeral several minutes late, unexpectedly delayed by Sam whom James had to coerce into dressing in more appropriate clothing, and it looks as though everyone else has already arrived. My eyes dart around as we make our way through the crowd, nodding and smiling to acquaintances and strangers alike, quickly looking for the one person I would prefer to avoid but by the time I've spotted him it's already too late.

"There you are. To think William left his estate and the entirety of his inheritance to someone who can't even make it to his funeral on time." I can feel a spark of anger at his words, his condescending tone, but I quickly compose myself before turning around to greet my 'brother' with a smile.

"Ah, Daniel! So glad you made it. I do apologize, you see I recently purchased a trampoline and thought it would be much more fun to dismount from it into a pit of plastic balls, unfortunately it took much longer than I expected to explain to the landscaper where and why I would like him to dig me a moat in my yard." My sweet smile remains plastered on my face as I spin the elaborate lie solely to annoy him, relishing the look of irritation that spreads across his face, and Matthew snickers beside me but Daniel doesn't spare him a glance.

"A fortune wasted on a spoiled child. The doctors warned William you were mad, if only he had listened." He chides, and I'm surprised that he's able to keep his anger in check while mine continues to mount.

"What's money for if not to be spent and what's the world without a bit of madness?" I reply smoothly but not before catching the curious looks the boys give me at Daniels words. "How rude of me. Daniel this is James, he's to be the next CEO of Anderson Toys per our fathers request." Daniels eyes widen as he looks over to James and I'm pleased to not only have made this clearly shocking announcement but to have steered the conversation away from my questionable sanity. James cocks his eyebrow at me before extending his hand to Daniel.

"It's a pleasure to meet you." James greets warmly but Daniel ignores him, turning his enraged attention back to me.

"That's ludicrous! He wouldn't hand the company down to some stranger."

"They're hardly strangers, they're family friends, not that you would know that since you aren't a part of this family. If there is a problem you'll just have to take it up with our father."

He ignores my quip but I can feel the waves of anger radiating from him as he draws his lips into a fine line and glares down at me. "I will be speaking to Mr. Vandergon about this, even with Williams recommendation I doubt he will agree with this."

"Please, give him my regards and let him know I'm looking forward to a rematch. It's been many years since I've seen Alexander but my skill at cards has greatly improved since then and I hope to prove a more worthy adversary." James replies and his familiarity with head of Anderson Toys board of directors only increases Daniels irritation as his hands tighten into fists at his side. Without another word he turns on his heel and stalks off, disappearing into the crowd.

"You've met Mr. Vandergon?" I ask, turning to James once Daniel is out of sight.

"Of course, I have a feeling your father had intended me to take over the company in the event of his passing even then." James muses, a proud smile on his face.

"You aren't actually planning on digging a ball pit in your yard, are you?" Erik asks as we make our way to the front of the crowd gathered around my father's coffin.

"I was simply baiting him but it's not such a terrible idea." I reply and Matthew is quick to chime in.

"Are you kidding? That would be awesome!" I chuckle at his enthusiasm as the pastor takes his place beside the coffin and a hush falls over the assembled crowd.