Loving A STRANGER

When Kylie opened the door, she was happy to see Pupu waiting for her. The dog barked with excitement as the door opened, and he went to greet her. Kylie hugged Pupu and looked downstairs and couldn"t believe that Dinah and Stephen were still fighting. In fact, it had actually gotten worse. They had progressed from verbal combat to physical combat. Dinah was throwing punches, and Stephen was doing everything in his power to dodge them.

When Stephen saw Kylie, he looked up at Dinah and said, "I give. I surrender. You win. I have something to talk to Kylie about."

"Fine," Dinah said. "I actually need to talk to Kylie as well."

Stephen smiled and said, "Ladies first. "

Dinah looked at Kylie and asked her where she"d be sleeping. Kylie nodded and pointed to a room on the main floor. Of course, Stephen was shocked to hear that Dinah was moving in, so Kylie had to explain how she"d been hired to protect her. Dinah asked if she could go check her room out, and Kylie said, "By all means, do!"

As soon as she was gone, Stephen looked at her as if she"d gone insane. He said, "This is madness. I cannot have my ex-girlfriend living beneath me."

Kylie laughed and said, "Would it be better if she lived with you in your room?"

"Never mind," Stephen sighed. "I actually do have something to discuss with you that is more important than this."

Stephen led Kylie into his room, and she was surprised by how quickly he"d unpacked and how much work-related items he"d brought with him. There was a skeleton set up in one corner and medical posters all over the walls. The room was clean, but it didn"t smell like a household cleaner. It smelled like formaldehyde. Kylie looked around and said, "Are you hoping to open a clinic out of your bedroom?"

Stephen sat on a chair and said, "The surgery of your friend"s mother went well. She will be better than new, and as I said I would, I have covered the cost."

Kylie smiled and thanked him and wondered, "Could you do another favor for me?"

Stephen frowned but said nothing.

"It is not a big thing," Kylie continued. "I took one of Laurence"s hairs, and I was wondering if you could run our DNA to see if he is actually my father…"

"Does Ethan know about this?" Stephen wondered.

Kylie frowned and said, "He doesn"t. I was hoping to keep it under my hat for the time being. If you insist, though, you may tell him."

Stephen smiled and said, "With all of the things that I do for you, when will it be time for you to repay me?"

"I can read your mind," Kylie said. "You want Dinah out of here, and I don"t blame you. It was Ethan"s doing, though, and I lack the authority to undo it."

Stephen scowled and said, "At least try to keep her out of my way."

"I will try," Kylie replied.

***

Since Kylie had been late for the last shareholder"s meeting, she made sure she was extra early this time. In fact, she and Dinah ended up being the first people to arrive. Khloe arrived next, then Duncan, who was accompanied by his a.s.sistant, agent, and a few other persons. Of course, most of Duncan"s entourage would have to wait in the hallway.

Kylie andFaith arrived next. When they saw that Kylie was there already, they apologized for being late, but she a.s.sured them that they were early, but she"d come earlier.

When Khloe saw Kylie, she walked towards Kylie and pulled back her fist as if she were going to punch. Before she took the swing, though, Dina caught her first and began to apply pressure. She twisted Khloe"s wrist effortlessly and brought her to her knees. "Do you see how easy this was for me?" Dinah Laughed. "Next time, I will break every finger in your hand. Do you understand?"

Khloe nodded, and Dina released her hand in such a way that she landed on her a.s.s. Khloe scurried to her seat as quickly as she could.

Once everyone was seated, the shareholders began to look around. After a minute or so, someone asked where Laurence was. They saw that Khloe had taken his seat and said, "Even if he isn"t here, this is not Khloe"s seat. How dare she? She isn"t even a shareholder!"

Khloe waved to Duncan, and he stood up and said, "Laurence is in the hospital. He is not doing well. His will is that, until he is better, Khloe will act in his stead."

The shareholders looked at each other and said, "This must be some kind of sick joke. Does anyone know if Khloe can even read? She is an idiot, mean spirited, and ugly from the inside out. This is a travesty. With Khloe at the helm, our company is worthless!"

Duncan cleared his throat and said, "Please keep quiet and listen to me. Laurence did make a living will. It is legal and effective. Everything that I"ve said is true, whether you like it or not!"

The room erupted once again. No one was happy, not even Khloe. She hadn"t realized until now exactly how much everyone hated her."

One of the older shareholders whispered into Kylie"s ear and said, "Are you willing to set aside and watch Khloe flush your grandfather"s company; his legacy even – down the toilet?"

"I have no choice."Kylie sighed. "Until Laurence returns, Khloe is in charge."

"If that is so," the old man replied, a little bit louder, "I suggest that we all sell our shares before this is made public. As soon as the news gets out, our shares will be worthless…"

Khloe smiled. This was exactly what she"d hoped for.

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