C7 Seven

As soon as she closed the door behind her, she took a deep breath and leaned back against it. She looked back at Cody, who seemed a bit shaken and tense. She took another deep breath, tucked her hair behind her ear, and walked toward him.

“Hi,” she said, smiling. He looked at her but didn’t say anything.

“I’m guessing you didn’t like what happened out there,” she said, sitting next to him.

“I didn’t like the man in the suit,” he said with a hint of sadness in his voice.

“I didn’t like him very much either,” she said with a bright smile on her face. Cody finally looked back at her and smiled in return.

“But I don’t want to see him again.”

“I can’t ensure that. He’s friends with your mom, so he can always visit, but I’ll try to keep him away from you.”

“Thank you,” he said innocently.

“You’re welcome, anytime. I have to go check on a couple of things. You should play, or do you want to watch Toy Story? I can put it on for you.”

“Toy Story, please,” he said cheerfully.

“Okay, I’ll put that on and give you your space.”

She walked toward the TV to put on his show. The next thing she heard was: “Thank you for respecting me out there.”

The voice was clear, mature even. She heaved a sigh, slowly turned back to him, and saw him playing with his action figures. She heaved another sigh and left the room slowly. After she left, Cody looked at the door, sighed, and laid on the floor with his hand over his head.

The next morning came sooner than expected. Alexis got ready, and as soon as she stepped downstairs, it seemed like the whole house was bustling. The chandelier was being cleaned, flowers were being brought in batches, and through the window, she could see the hedges being trimmed. Even outside, everything seemed busy. She headed for the dining room.

“Is there something going on? Everyone seems really busy. Good morning, Kathrine.”

“Morning. Nothing serious, just that thing for the company just another event. I don’t keep up with the names,” Kathrine said, grabbing a piece of toast.

“So where’s everyone? Your mom never misses breakfast.”

“They’re in her study. We should go join them, or they’ll say we’re the lazy ones in this family,” Kathrine said, gulping down a glass of juice and leaving, with Alexis hurrying behind her.

Back at their mom’s study:

“So, no one wants to go see Grandma?” Mrs. Carrington asked, looking around the room.

“She asks a lot of questions. No offense, she’s your mother-in-law you go,” Victoria responded.

Kathrine and Alexis entered the room.

“So nice of the both of you to finally grace us with your presence,” Victoria said sarcastically.

“Diego, how about.."

“Hell no. I’m only sitting here because Mom forced me. I never said I’d play any role.”

“So, what exactly are we celebrating, if I may ask?” Alexis inquired, trying to follow along.

“That’s why this is a Carrington meeting and you’re not...”

“Enough, Victoria. That’s not why we’re here. Alexis, the company will be partnering with BM Enterprise for the launch of the private airline. The original proposal was made by the company, with Cody as the face. But now with Cody unavailable and MIA, they’ve been getting impatient. This party is just for goodwill, because if we lose this deal, the company will lose billions of dollars.”

“So where does Grandma fit into all of this?” Alexis asked, still confused.

Mrs. Carrington sighed, looking at Alexis. “The truth is, Grandma holds the key to this whole deal.”

Alexis raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean? She’s retired, right?”

Victoria scoffed, but Kathrine answered. “Retired, yes. But she still has ties to the BM Enterprise board. They respect her… more than anyone in this room, that’s for sure.”

Mrs. Carrington nodded. “Exactly. She and the CEO of BM, Richard Malcolm, go way back. They worked with your grandfather in the early days when this family was just building its wealth. BM wouldn’t even consider this partnership if it weren’t for her.”

Diego, leaning back with a bored expression, chimed in, “And now that Cody’s MIA, they’re getting cold feet. The only reason they haven’t pulled out yet is out of respect for her.”

Alexis frowned. “So we need her approval to push this deal through?”

Mrs. Carrington shook her head. “We don’t need her approval. We need her presence. They want Cody, but we don’t have him, so we need Grandma and...”

Victoria cut in, annoyed. “So, what? We have to parade Grandma around like some relic to make sure the deal sticks?”

Mrs. Carrington’s tone sharpened. “No, Victoria. This is about showing the world that the Carrington legacy is still strong despite Cody’s absence. Grandma’s name still means something. Her influence is why BM is even sitting at the table. If she doesn’t show up, this whole thing could fall apart.”

Kathrine looked thoughtful. “So, it’s not just about Cody anymore. BM Enterprise isn’t worried about his disappearance; they’re worried about the deal, and we’re throwing a party?”

Alexis nodded slowly. “And without Cody, they’re looking to Grandma as a symbol of control?”

Mrs. Carrington confirmed with a tight smile. “Exactly. As far as they’re concerned, if Grandma’s involved, the Carrington name is still gold. The party is just for goodwill besides, nothing makes men happier than good wine and a way to make more money. But the new problem is, the only person who can get Grandma out of retirement, even for a minute...”

“Is Cody—the madman. She loves him more. She’ll never love us like she loves him. Well, she does like Kathrine. How about all three of you go see her? Cody, the love of her life; Kathrine, the apple of her eye; and you, Miss Wannabe Carrington. You’re new she has nothing to hate you for,” Victoria suggested.

“You’re right, though. Cody is always a breath of fresh air to her, and Kathrine can talk the business talk, and you can get to know Grandma a bit better. I would accompany you, but there’s too much to do here,” Mrs. Carrington said.

“I’m only agreeing because Grandma owes me a Birkin,” Kathrine said.

“I thought she bought you one last month?” Victoria responded with a hint of jealousy.

“Speak for yourself. She won’t remember that, and I know you’re jealous. It’s okay to be, Victoria,” Kathrine said with a smug expression on her face.

“So, um, when do we go see her?” Alexis asked nervously.

“Today, this afternoon. The event is tomorrow, so hurry up and leave. Alexis, ensure Cody looks good nothing like the multi-colored clothes he wears here at home,” Mrs. Carrington said, frustrated. Alexis and Kathrine left her office.

As Alexis walked out, her heart pounded in her chest. She had met the family, but meeting the elder was something else entirely. It wasn’t just a friendly meeting it felt like a test, one she couldn’t afford to fail.