I came back out moments later in a pair of red skinny jeans and a white button-up shirt. Seeing that everyone was still there in my living room, I felt disappointed. A part of me had hoped they'll just leave. Holding back a tired sigh, I made my way to the bar counter and face everyone.

My eyes first went to my father and mother. Their silent irritation did not surprise me. Rose, on the other hand, looked at me with her flawless soft expression. I didn't understand why it looked like she had a million things to say to me when there was nothing for us to talk about. Then I noticed Eli Frye sitting so comfortably and casually in the lounge chair.

Had he been there the whole time?

Then the grin on Ben Carter's face caught my attention. Have I ever mentioned how annoying the man was?

"Mr. Carter, Mr. Frye, is there a reason why you both are here?"

In my home – uninvited. My cold smile expressed my inner thoughts.

"You left New York so suddenly without letting anyone know"

"Oh? I didn't know I have to report my whereabouts to you?" I said without restraint. "Again, what is a reason for your visit today?"

"The funds for the next school term, we want to push forward with it early" 

6 months early.

Folding my arms across my chest, I leaned my back against the bar counter and studied Ben Carter in his snake mode. His easy-going smiles only further my suspicion of his scheming nature.

"Your contract is with Lind Corporation" I answered. "If Aion wants to have access to the fund earlier than what the contract stated, the person you should ask is Victor Contra, not me"

"We're asking for your consultation" Ben smiles deepened.

"Consultation..." I let out a slow smile. "You are aware my consultation fee isn't low Mr. Carter"

He was there when I had that unreasonable negotiation with my grandfather. He should know my temperament by now.

"I thought we were friends?"

I laughed so hard that Ben's smiles falter.

"I hadn't gone easy with my own grandfather, what made you think I'll go easy on friends? Moreover, when were we ever friends?"

"You're so heartless" Ben feint innocence as he leaned back against the chair with a hurt expression.

Does he think I'm an idiot to fall for his games?

"Heartless?" I repeated amusedly. "Better heartless than foolish"

Ben Carter expression softens to that statement. I wondered if it's another one of his ploy and looked on over at Eli Frye. When our eyes met, I couldn't help but think that the man was trying to look deep inside my soul.

"Name your price"

Eli sudden statement made my heart unwillingly skipped. For a moment, all I could do was stare at him. It confused me – both his expression and words.

"Aion is still new" I couldn't stop the words that flow out of me. "Why must you force its growth? Whether it's out of good will or ambition, too much force and even the toughest roots will break."

When Eli Frye suddenly smiles, my heart shook. It took my whole strength to still my shaking legs as I kept calmed.

"Miss Calla, you have a call from Mr. Locke"

I could have kissed the sweet old man for bringing me out of the shaking trance.