That evening James Holmes, Renard Durand and Cally arrived at the bungalow together. Cally looked young and fresh in a yellow skirt and white blouse. Her hair was draped over her shoulders. She was as beautiful as any fashion model but with more curves. James and President Durand were in their everyday custom suits.Dinner was served outside on the patio under artificial fairy lights surrounded by lush plants. The chef was personally overseeing the wait staff. Thomas Howell was very pleased with the presentation as if he had personally arranged everything. Cally introduced Clan Homes" lawyer first and then said, "Gentlemen please let me introduce Renard Durand, President of the Clan Home Council. As such he represents 3.33% of Wotan International stock and has a place on the board. The Wotan family gave this stock to Clan Home in perpetuity for operating expenses. As the President, Mr. Durand has say over that stock."
The food was scrumptious. The background music was lovely. The atmosphere was nice and friendly. Even if Mr. Thomas Howell IV was occasionally left out of the conversations. It seemed his CFO Jaime Antunez was familiar with the lawyer and this HOA President person. It didn"t seem odd as Jaime had often visited the previous CEO Hamundarson here. Thomas had learned in business that sometimes sitting back and listening could provide snippets of information that provided huge benefits.
Cally was enjoying the food. Visiting with Jaime, who she didn"t know, James who was a recent acquaintance, and Renard who was not exactly an old friend but someone she had known over the years. It was at this time Thomas entered the conversation. "Cally, I have received several communications from various ruling and former ruling houses in Europe inquiring after the treasures of Santa Irelia. One of the most interesting inquiries seems to be from a descendant of Vlad Tepes or Vlad III Dracula."
Cally tilted her head to the side, thought for a moment before answering, "That is quite impossible. There are no direct heirs of The Impaler. His brother had heirs. I think Queen Elizabeth II is descended from that bunch." She thought for a few more minutes about ancient bloodlines before continuing, "I am a direct matrilineal descendant of Queen Joanna Wōdanaz of Santa Irelia. As set forth in her will the jewels pa.s.s through her female descendants as dowry. Anyone who tries to claim what is mine is in for one h.e.l.l of a fight. I do not put up with thieves. My family has always been very clear on what is right and what is left."
Cally was making a subtle point to CEO Howell but she figured he was to vain to see it. He probably thought her to young, stupid, inexperienced or just because she was a female to know what he was up to. She knew she was right when he sneeringly laughed, "What is right and what is left? You mean right or wrong? " Cally sipped at her sweet tea. She had not been in the mood for wine. "Same thing." She shrugged. He didn"t get it and probably couldn"t. "Anyway, Tell anyone who contacts you that they are free to take it to court if they can prove a better claim of ownership than the Wotan family. It will make for a sensation and help sell the book we have created for charity."
Diffusing the slightly tense atmosphere, the conversation turned to which charity Cally intended to receive the profits from the book sells. "I am leaning toward several animal welfare programs. The endangered red wolf, the orangutan under threat in Indonesia and a few others. Wotan International has always been known to strive toward being good stewards of the planet."
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Renard enthusiastically stood and presented his wine gla.s.s to Cally. "Wonderful, wonderful! My I present this toast to you?" Without waiting he drained his gla.s.s and slammed it on the table. James and Jaime also stood, realizing he was about to be the only one sitting Thomas stood also. Saluting Cally they each drained their gla.s.ses. Thomas spoke up before the others could speak. "That is indeed a wonderful sentiment. Is that perhaps why you summoned the CFO of Wotan International? You are planning on starting charities through the company?"
Cally stared at her reddish brown drink. She lifted it and swirled the liquid over the ice. Draining her gla.s.s, She carefully sat her gla.s.s on the table. "No. I wanted to ask why the nature preserves we established in Indonesia were turning a profit?"