"Friday October 16th 29483"
Looking over the faces in the room all focused on her, heart beating so
fast in her chest and mind reeling with every conceivable thought,
from approval and praise to a long road trip in which she would not
be returning. She could not falter, even the slightest bead of sweat
would prove a weakness
A year and a half in the making, ever since that first day she spent with
him she knew she needed a way out.
It was either going to work or she would spend the rest of her life
at his side, ridiculed for attempted manipulations and false
proposals conceived to ruin the long standing merger.
Her calculations perfect, connections secured through time, effort
and the proper amount of credits. Cunning planning, back room negotiations
and dangerous acquisitions all part of the plan. Always watching her back,
vividly aware of the fact, if she was found out he would kill her.
It would be declared some sort of accident, one in which not even her
father could provide protection.
Everything building to this day, her one chance to prove it
will work, and she had some very powerful people to convince.
The semi retired Senior Carpazzio propped up in his motorized chair,
a fresh supply of oxygen at his side, watched. He was frail
physically but it would only take one word from his lips to bring
down the House. Father at the opposite chair of the table. She could
not look at him. Behind his eyes he held anger and contempt for
his daughters' actions this day. Every other chair filled with members
of both families, finely dressed in expensive suits and waiting
to hear of this lucrative proposal. Each with their own sense of
grandeur. She knew, each critical placement and role was thought
out well in advance. To even slight one of them would break the deal.
She took a moment, a deep relaxing breath and in opening her eyes steeled
her composure. The next hour her words flowed eloquently, pointing
out each persons' place in which their qualities and qualifications would
be best served. Although many looked upon her with a sense of inadequacy
she was a women after all in a man's world, they could not ignore
the well conceived plan to make them money. It is all about money and
they would all gain.
Senior Carpazzio with document in hand taped his fingers lightly on
the table. It seemed like eternity that he remained silent. The quiet
unbearable. Meeting her father's eyes she could only feel a cold chill
penetrate her being.
Finally with a slight gesture of his hand to the door Carpazzio
Senior beckons his son from behind it. As he stepped through the door
his eyes settled on Dalyse. Seething with silent anger he glared at her
before turning his attention to his father. He looked up at his son
and with barely a few words reorganized his house and affairs. "Your
cousin Paul will handle all financial dealings from this moment on.
You will provide him support." He turned back to Dalyse and gave her
a simple nod. That was enough.
As those at the table begin to stand Dalyse steps up, clears her throat
and speaks. "And as for marriage" her eyes divert to her father for
a brief moment. "it's off.. thank you very much. I will be leaving now"
She picks up her case and steps out of the room without another word.
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