The Woman From Hell

"You find this amusing, President Zeke."

The matter between Theo and I had become the talk of the town. It would be quite difficult for one not to know.

Gareth looked at me, tenderness appearing in his eyes. "We've not met, have we, President Lane?"

"No. This would be our first meeting." I nodded.

He was speaking in a much softer tone now. "You look very much like an old friend of mine."Material © NôvelDrama.Org.

Of course, I knew who he meant by this 'old friend', yet I could not say anything.

Pretending to be confused, I asked, "What an honor. I wonder who this old friend of yours is?"

A cloud of mist shrouded Gareth's eyes. He looked as if he was recalling something. He came back to his senses after a while. Recovering his demeanor, Gareth shook his head and responded, "It's nothing. You've never met me, President Lane. Neither have you worked with Zeke Shimmer before. I wonder what's the purpose of your visit?"

Seeing Conner behind him, I was a little suspicious.

He could tell I was hesitant and smiled as he said, "He's a trusted person of mine. There's no harm saying what you wish, President Lane."

No matter how much he trusted him, he probably had no knowledge of the Yards, no?

Without batting an eyelid, I started, "I won't hold back, then. What I want to discuss with you has to do with the Yard family..."

Hearing this, Gareth's expression changed vastly, and he turned back. "Wait for me outside."

Conner did not think Gareth would ask him to leave and was stunned for a moment. "Yes."

He then left and closed the door.

Noticing that my expression was not as good as before, Gareth's voice chilled. "Who are you? What is your relationship to the Yards? Or did they send you?"

Seeing him become defensive all of a sudden, I knew then he still harbored hatred for the Yards. Yet why had he not taken any action?

"President Zeke, don't be nervous. The Yard family didn't send me. I want to discuss forming an alliance with you to go up against them."

Gareth was taken aback by my words, and his eyes narrowed as they became filled with concern. "Go up against the Yard family?"

I nodded lightly. "The truth is, I got into a conflict with the Yards recently. They've already announced that they'll be my enemy. I must unite myself with other forces in order to go up against them." "The Yards is a big family. How did you get into conflict with them, President Lane?"

"It's just a dispute within the

business scene. I'm aware that you have some past grudges with the Yards, yet you've done nothing for so many years. So I came here to meet with you and to ask if y

you

would like to form an alliance with 14

me?"

Gareth shook his head and

chuckled. "You're too young. The Yards will have a field day with you no matter what. Even if I were to form an alliance with you, there is no way to fight against the Yard family. President Lane, I think you should go back."

"What if you include Carlson and Yvonne Schuman, Petra White, and Grayson Louis on the list? You're familiar with these people, yes?"

I noted Gareth's expression turning serious as he stared at me. "Who the hell are you? Why do you have all these people behind you?"

Pursing my lips, I replied calmly, "My full name is Wanda Lane. Petra White once disclosed that I'm her biological daughter. Carlson and Yvonne Schuman are my adoptive parents."

He spread his hands out. "Why do you need me if you have so many backers to support you?"

"The Zeke family's power is not to be underestimated. I trust that with your added support, we will

definitely have a winning chance. My brother, Tyler Schuman, is already in negotiations with the Wagners. I trust I will hear good news from them soon."

"The old man of the Wagners is at odds with the Yard family. I think he would have already agreed. I do apologize, however, President Lane, but I won't partake in this," Gareth said firmly as he looked at me. I did not expect his refusal. "Why not?"

"You know I have my concerns since I do have a grudge against the Yards despite not having done anything in so many years. So please, President Lane, don't trouble me."