Once Tony informed me that Meg had been told of Kris' whereabouts, and responded "About time," I sent Tony outside, while I went to take care of some business that I had been neglecting.
"Amazing how much work can pile you while you're off gallivanting with some American tart, isn't it?"
I sighed and responded without turning to look, "Hello Gabrielle. Did you come here hoping to change my mind about Kristine?"
"No, no. Though I still believe it isn't good for the family image. But I will not try to argue with you."
I had to laugh at this, "You went and double checked the contract didn't you?"
Gabrielle refused to respond, so I knew I was right, "Well, if that's all you wanted to say, go ahead and continue on your way."
"What, you have no time for your mother now, Erik? You seemed quite civil when she was in the room."
"The only thing that makes you my mother is the fact you gave birth to me. Meaning, I have to put up with you for now, but one day I shall have my vengeance. And I only acted like that for Kris' sake."
"Please. Do not mention her name in my presence."
With this I slammed my hands down on my desk, "Get out. Get out now."
"As you said, you don't have control of this house yet. I shall stay in any room that I desire for as long as I like"
I whirled around to face her, and barely stopped myself from hitting her, "The day I become master shall be sooner than you think, woman."
"Oh? And then what, because you know if you make me leave, I will take Rochelle with me."
"You try my patience," I snapped, "Leave now, or I will be forced to take action."
Gabrielle chuckled and turned to leave my office, "You're hands are tied, Erik. Just remember that."
"Out!" I yelled at the top of my lungs.
"Fine," she laughed as she left the room.
After she was gone, I immediately began to punch the walls of my office. Luckily I focused on a spot where I knew as stud was, and managed not to punch through the wall (again). But once I stopped my tirade on the wall, my knuckles were bleeding profusely.
"Merde," I muttered as I looked at my hand. I got some gauze out of my desk, bandaged my hand, and tried to focus on the sketches in front of me.
"What about the White House?" Rochelle asked me, "Have you ever been there? Was it beautiful?"
"I have been there a few times," I replied, "But I must confess that I don't remember much. I was quite young, and was much more interested in the paintings than the architecture."
Rochelle's smile faltered for a second, but then it was back, "Oh well. Does not matter. What about any Frank Lloyd Wright buildings? Have you seen any of those?"
"You are quite interested in buildings, aren't you?" I asked with a laugh.
"Oh yes!" she replied vehemently, "I want to grow up to be as great of an architect as Erik! That's my dream!"
"That's our Rochelle for you," Tony said, "Always wants to be just like Erik."
"Speaking of Erik," I replied, "Where is he? I thought he would be out here by now."
"He had some work to catch up on." Tony responded.
"Oh no!" Rochelle exclaimed, "That means he'll be in his office forever!"
"I wouldn't count on it," Tony said with a smile, "Not with his ange here."
I blushed and Rochelle laughed. Rochelle and I continued to talk about her future plans, until Erik came out a few minutes later.
"Erik!" Rochelle and I both exclaimed. We smiled at each other, and I silently acquiesced. Rochelle immediately ran up to Erik and gave him another big hug. Once she was done I went up to Erik and lightly kissed him on the lips.
"So you forgive me for not bringing you here sooner?" Erik teased me.
"I guess so," I said with a chuckle, "But you really should thank Rochelle for that. If it wasn't for her, I'd still be mad."
"Ah mon chere, you have come through for me once again!" Erik said while showering her with kisses.
"Erik! Erik! Stop! Not in front of Kris!"
Erik just laughed and continued to kiss his sister all over her face.
Once he let Rochelle down I gave him a brief hug, and asked, "So why didn't you want to bring me here?"
"Mother," was all he said in response.