Page 108 of My Damaged Protector

Christopher is seated on one of the fancy chairs in the living room when I walk in. Although seated, he looks so restless. His eyes skate through every item in the room with emotions evident in his demeanor.

“Christopher,” I call his name to announce my presence.

He turns at my voice and manages to smile. Standing up, he offers me his hand to shake, and I take it.

“I hope I'm not disturbing you. I just found out some things I'd like to bring to your attention.”

“Nonsense. You're always welcome here,” I say and motion for us to sit.

He goes to sit, and I follow him. Immediately, he starts to open his bag and brings out some documents.

“So, I know you've signed the documents, and everything is now yours, but I kind of feel like you need help with figuring things out. I am still in charge of most of the business operations, and I don't want that to remain so for long.”

“Well, why not?” I ask. I have no problem with that. Until he said so, I didn't know. But I do trust him, and I'd rather he be in charge than anyone else.

“It's your inheritance now,” he says as if that explains it.

“Yes, Chris, it is. But I don't have a single idea on how to make this work.”

“Which is why I'm here…”

“To help me figure things out, I know. But I still want you around, you know, to have someone I can trust in my corner?”

He sighs and goes silent for a few minutes. I don't say anything, giving him the time he needs to process what I'msaying. When he doesn't say anything for a while, I decide to change tactics.

“How about we talk about this later and just let Salem serve us breakfast?”

I've already eaten, but I don't mind eating again if it keeps him here just a while longer until I can convince him.

He nods reluctantly, and I go to find Salem, hoping to God that she made something this morning. Luckily, she did, and she's soon setting the table for us.

The conversation mostly revolves around business as we eat. Christopher thinks I should make time to visit the company. I agree with him, but I’m still unsure of when it will be best. I don't want to show up looking like a loser.

I need to get those clothes fast.

By the time the meal is over, we're talking about the average sales for the real estate company.

Apparently, it's a slow month. Sales aren't moving like they normally would.

“Can I see the books?” I ask him.

“Sure, I brought them along.”

I smile in gratitude as he hands me the file, and I sit beside him to go through it.

I'm breathless only a few seconds into checking the records.

We've had twenty-five sales this month already, and he's saying it's a slow month?

Damn. Just how much surprise am I in for?

I look over each sale, taking note of the sales and the payment. While I'm not good with corporate matters, I have a good memory, and I'm good with calculation, too.

The last sale catches my attention the moment I lay my eyes on it.

It says, Miss S. Marilyn Brown.

It's not her full name because her first name is used as an initial, and I don't know why. I do know her middle name though. Marilyn. She's told me before, and I haven't forgotten. Glancing at Christopher, I speak.

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