Third chapter!

Disclaimer: I own nothing except for my OCs, i.e. Mark, Michael, Jennings, and Lindsay.


Seto and Mokuba found out what the "show" was soon enough. They had barely made it halfway down the stairs when they heard an unfamiliar male voice.

"...being irrational! Ms. Gardner, as a member of the board, I ask that you reconsider."

"My father's dying wish was for the merger to be completed, and I have every intention of completing the task whether you like it or not, Mr. Lindsay."

"But-"

"So glad you could join us, Seto, Mokuba," Eva Gardner interrupted, seeing the brothers standing outside the room. Mokuba bowed slightly.

"We're sorry for your loss, Mrs. Gardner."

"Thank you both. Won't you sit down?" Seto surveyed the parlour's occupants as he took a seat next to the blonde matriarch. Téa was standing in the center of the room, glaring at the dark-haired man who stood opposite her. An older man with graying hair sat on the love seat clutching a folder. Mark and Michael were off to the side, wearing identical Cheshire cat grins.

"Darling, perhaps you should introduce the Kaibas to our other guests." Téa complied, still glaring.

"Seto, Mokuba, meet Mr. Geoffrey Jennings and Mr. Charles Lindsay," she said, gesturing first to the man on the love seat and then to the man across from her. "Mr. Jennings is my father's attorney and Mr. Lindsay is a member of Starlight's board of directors." Jennings cleared his throat.

"Now that everyone is present, I can begin reading Christopher's will." He slipped on his glasses and opened the folder.

"The last will and testament of Christopher Richard Gardner dated March 10th of last year. First, he has enclosed letters for Mark, Michael, Mrs. Gardner, and Téa, as well as for the Kaibas." Téa took the letters and handed them out as Jennings continued.

"The money Christopher left is to be split evenly between his three children, wife, and any charity of their choosing. Mrs. Gardner, Christopher leaves you with the estate; Michael, you receive the summerhouse in Ireland; Mark, the London townhouse is yours; and to Téa, he leaves his 51% share of Starlight Software, officially making you the owner, president, CEO, and overall head of the company."

"What?!" All eyes locked on Charles Lindsay.

"Is there a problem, Mr. Lindsay?" Eva asked the flustered businessman.

"N-not at all, Mrs. Gardner. I was just expecting Mr. Gardner to leave the company to one of his sons." Mark spoke up.

"Are you implying our sister is incompetent? That she can't handle running Starlight?"

"No, I-"

"Perhaps you object because Téana is a woman? Is that it, Mr. Lindsay? Is your male pride so great that you refuse to accept the fact that a woman is now your boss?" Michael questioned.

"No, I-"

"Or are you questioning my husband's sanity?" Eva suggested, rising from her seat to stand next to her daughter.

Seto tried not to laugh as Téa's family rose to her defense. A former model, two overprotective brothers, and a girl as manipulative as Seto himself, if not more so... Lindsay looked like he wanted nothing more than to disappear forever. He almost felt sorry for the poor man... almost.

Looking over at his brother, Seto saw Mokuba was trying to fight a grin. Jennings' face was impassive; the only thing that gave his amusement away was his grey eyes, which were dancing with laughter. Seto coughed, turning four pairs of brilliant sapphire eyes on him.

"I believe you mentioned something about a merger with KaibaCorp that Mr. Gardner was working on before his death. Do you have the documents, Mr. Jennings?"

"Ahem. Yes, Mr. Kaiba, thank you for reminding me. The documents in question are in Mr. Gardner's office, but I have a copy of them here." Seto took the proffered papers and looked them over.

"There are a few details that I need to ask Ms. Gardner about, but everything else seems to be in order. If everything goes well, the merger should be complete in a few weeks."

"Before that can happen, I'm afraid you'll need to get the approval of the board of directors, Mr. Kaiba," Lindsay said smugly, having regained his ability to talk. Seto turned his steel-blue eyes on the businessman and glared.

"I'm well aware of the merger process. But according to these documents, the board has approved the merge. In fact, the only board member who voted against it is you, Mr. Lindsay." The man visibly gulped as Seto's voice dropped to an icy whisper. "You would be wise not to anger me, Mr. Lindsay. I've never lost a business deal before, and I certainly don't intend to start now. Have I made myself clear?" Lindsay nodded. "Good. Now get out."

As soon as Charles Lindsay was out of earshot, Téa ran to Seto and gave him a sound kiss on the lips.

"What was that for?" he asked once they separated for air.

"For being my wonderful, sexy, snarky boyfriend," she answered simply, settling in Seto's lap. Jennings stood and headed toward the door.

"I should make my leave as well, Mrs. Gardner. If there are any other problems, you know where to reach me."

"Yes. Thank you for all your help, Geoffrey. I appreciate it." Eva turned to her children and guests.

"Well, should we retire to our rooms for the time being?" They agreed, making plans to meet again at dinner.


Téa

Téa locked the door behind her and sat at her desk. Reaching for her letter opener, she carefully sliced the envelope open and removed the sheet of paper.

My darling daughter, the letter began.

It is with great sadness I write this, as these are my last words to you. I have had the privilege to watch you grow these twenty some odd years, and I want you to know that I am very proud of the woman you have become, Téana Christine Gardner. An intelligent, confident, able young woman, sure of her skills; it is in her capable hands that I leave Starlight. Never stop smiling, angel. Your smile is the only one I know that can light up a room and simultaneously strike fear into the heart of ever occupant.

Darling, if by the time you read this you still aren't Mrs. Seto Kaiba, I want you to know that it is perfectly acceptable for a woman to propose to a man, tradition be damned. I wish you only the best in life, Téana. I love you.

Your Father,
Christopher Richard Gardner

By the time Téa finished the letter, her cheeks were wet with tears; from sadness or laughter, she didn't know. Gently, she folded up the letter and placed it back in the envelope, tucking it in the desk drawer.


Seto

Seto sat on his bed, letter in hand. He broke the seal and began to read.

Dear Seto,

You may be wondering why you received a letter from me. Don't worry, I'm not telling you to break up with my daughter or anything like that. I wanted to tell you thank you. The years since you and Téana first began dating are the happiest I've seen her. It's obvious that she enjoys your company, and I believe that you care for her and-quite possibly-love her. So if you haven't already asked for it, I give you my blessing to marry my daughter.

Seto, I want you to know that, to Eva and me, you and Mokuba are already Gardners. So even if you don't marry Téana (do you see what I'm hinting at?), you two will always be a part of the family. I am proud to call you partner and son.

Sincerely,
Christopher Richard Gardner

Seto chuckled at Christopher's none-to-subtle hints. He thought of the box gathering dust in the Kaiba safe, patiently waiting until it could see the light of day again. Soon, perhaps...


Dinner that night was relatively quiet, each person mulling over Christopher Gardner's last words.


And that's the third chapter. Mr. Gardner will be buried soon, not to worry.

So what did you think of Jennings & Lindsay? Leave reviews, please!

~v-g~