Over the next few days, Childe was so busy that Edie would only see him first thing in the morning and the evening. She felt relieved that she didnāt have to worry about facing his probing questions. Day after day, she sat inside the castle, wondering what was going in the world outside.
***
Today was a big day for L. N. Group because the entire board of directors was gathered in the conference room. They started talking among themselves.
"What do you think this meeting is about?"
"I donāt know, but I was told it was urgent."
"Who called you, was it Stuart or Childe?"
Another man stood up and raised his voice. "I found it a little strange when I heard from Childe, and heās not involved in the family business. I would like to know what the hell is going on?"
They had no idea what was going on and why they were invited to this meeting. Stuart and Childe entered the room. Childe walked to the table and sat down, dropping some papers on the table. Silence spread through the room like a noticeable wave. The directorās faces change from its expression of aggravation to concern. Childe and Stuart glared at one another with cold eyes making an uncomfortable and tense atmosphere. Childe sat down opposite of Stuart and leaned back, one leg crossed high over the other.
"Shall we begin?" Childe said as his nasty grin turned into a grimace. He held the papers in front of him and read it briefly to the directors. "My brother is giving me forty percent of the shares from the L. N. Group, and heās voluntarily giving up his role as CEO." Childe stared at them in amazement and couldnāt help but laugh, "By the look on your faces, I would say youāre a bit surprised?" Then he turns to Stuart and whispers in his ear. "Dear brother, I never expected you to give up the shares so easily. After all these years of me trying to take on the position as CEO and all it takes is a woman," he said sarcastically.
Stuart remained calm and cool. "Tell me where Edie is," he said in his usual cold tone.
Childe smirked, laughing at Stuart saying, "Donāt worry, Iām taking very good care of your wife. After all, she is my sister-in...."
Stuart interrupts and informs the directors in his usual cold manner, "Thereās something I need to discuss with my brother before we resume our meeting." Then he looks at Childe and says, "Follow me."
The directors were in shock, but instead of defying Stuart, they sat there and didnāt say a word. Stuart takes Childe into the VIP lounge, and the second the door is closed, he turns with unexpected quickness and grabs Childe and puts his fingers around his throat and squeezed. Stuartās eyes were lit with furious malevolence, raised veins in his temples visibly throbbing as he seethed in rage. He emphasizes every word. "I will ask you one more time. What have you done with Edie?"
Childesā face is red. He coughs, struggling to take a breath. Then faintly, he utters, "Sheās...in..."
"Where is she?" Stuart calmly asked as he loosened his grip on Childesā neck to allow him to answer.
"Sheās right," Childe coughs. "here," and he points to his heart. He looks Stuart in the eye and smirks. "We are the same. Always trying to compete against one another, but I would advise you to go easy on me. If something were to happen to me, where would that leave Edie?" Behind these words was a threat, and Stuart knew it.
Stuart smiled coldly. "I have never tried to compete against you. I only tried to be a brother to you until now." He paused for a brief second. "You better go to great lengths to ensure her safety, or you will die."
Childe never saw Stuart look at him this way before, and it terrified him. He swallowed and took several deep breaths trying to rid himself of the fear that was growing inside of him. But no matter how hard he tried, it was still there. āStuart has given up most of his shares, his position as the CEO and he has no idea where his wife is, but he behaves as though nothing has happened,ā these thoughts were only making him resent Stuart even more. He clenched his teeth and said, "As soon as I become CEO of the company. You will have nothing, and you will think twice about being so arrogant to me."
Stuart remained calm and replied, "You made your move, and now itās my turn."
Childesā eyes opened wide. "What?" he said, sounding confused.
"Youāve never stopped trying to hurt me in any way possible. I have never done anything to you, but I warn you. I have prepared myself for this day, and I will take no mercy on you." His face darkened with anger.
Childesā heart started beating fast, and he started sweating. "Donāt forget....Iām the one....who has Edie," he swallowed hard, finding it difficult to finish his sentence.
"And if it wasnāt for her, you would already be a dead man," he said, revealing no trace of emotion.
Childe stared into Stuartās eyes, looking for answers. Stuart never revealed his feelings to anyone, not even when Marina died. He was always in control and kept to himself. Now when Childe looked into his eyes, he caught the look of despair, and he knew Stuartās weakness. It was Edie. He opened his mouth to speak, but the words wouldnāt come. He took a deep breath as he tried to wrangle the whirl of images in his head into sentences. "I never expected to see you become so crazy over a woman."
"This is not crazy at all. You make sure Edie is safe, or you will see what crazy is," he threatened. Stuart stood glaring at Childe for a few seconds, and then he turned around and left.
Stuartās words were deeply imprinted in Childesā heart. For the first time in his life, he was afraid and felt he had no control over what was going to happen. He watched Stuart disappear, making sure he was well out sight, and he breathed a sigh of relief. āTry to relax and calm down. Itās time to accept my destiny,ā he says to himself. He sat in silence, thinking about what Stuart had said to him. The area around his neck was covered with dark, blotchy bruises. Gingerly, he reached up and touched them. "One of us will die," he laughed a sinister laugh. "Now itās starting to get interesting. Only now am I beginning to have fun. I finally understand you, my dear brother."