Chapter 34
I looked at the assembled crowd one last time, my gaze filled with a carefully crafted expression of disdain, then turned and walked away, leaving those behind to grapple with their own thoughts and fears.
As I walked away, Miss Si handed me the little thing, and I looked down at him, a soft smile gracing my lips. Even though he is male, he is mine, and I will cherish him unconditionally.
I will treat him fairly and justly, even if the majority of my wealth and resources will ultimately be designated for the benefit of my future daughter.
Yes, I blatantly favor girls over boys.
“Miss Mi, are you not concerned that the others will revolt or attempt to undermine your authority?” I paused, turned to look at the woman who had spoken, her expression a mixture of concern and curiosity.
My gaze scanned her critically from head to toe, it was confusing; like all the other women of status on the Mi estate, she was undeniably beautiful, and dressed in elegantly understated clothing, her gaze was shrewd and intelligent, betraying no hint of servility. Though she was older, likely in her late fifties, she looked only to be in her early forties, a testament to the benefits of wealth and good genes. Behind her stood three women with similar facial features and two men.
Women who usually marry the males who worked for my family are dominant; they tend to wield power because our favor is blatant; women are always first. Yet, this one, she seemed to be the opposite, doing whatever possible for a man and a son. Love them, yes, but really one should know their place.
I handed the little thing to Miss Si, entrusting her with his care, and stepped forward with deliberate purpose. As a tall woman also wearing high heels, I was now easily over two meters in height, towering over most of the assembled people present.
“There was supposed to be a meeting between the wives of the village heads and the main branches from each family more than two hours ago, a critical gathering to discuss upcoming agricultural initiatives, but you conspicuously failed to appear.”
“Young mistress, I was unfortunately a bit tied up with other urgent matters, a rather unexpected…visitor.”
(Somebody!) I roared in my mind struggling not to give this one a slap down.
“Oh,” I replied, raising a brow in mild amusement and stepping forward, my gaze fixed intently on the woman, completely ignoring the two men who stepped forward as well with frowns on their handsome faces. “Miss Pan, you seem to be suffering from a bit of delusion,” I looked down at her, my eyes becoming colder and more piercing. “I am the master, you are merely the wife of a servant, a mere outsider to the Mi family. As the master, when I request the wife of a servant to attend a meeting, you are supposed to be like an obedient dog and come running with a smile, even if it is forced and insincere!” I said, my lips curling into a disdain-filled sneer as I looked down at her, who stared up at me with shock etched on her beautifully made-up face. The two men seemed to be holding back their anger, but instead, the older one gently dragged her back. “Young mistress Mi, please forgive my mother’s transgression, it seems we have some unexpected guests on the property, and my mother…” his words trailed off, but I felt pleased by his words and demeanor, he was neither too humble nor arrogant.
One of the other women stepped forward and smiled politely. “Hello young mistress Mi, I am Kerri Wen, eldest daughter from the main branch of the Wen family.”
“You are related to the Pan family no?”
“Yes, young mistress Mi, Madam Pan is my aunt, sister to my mother.”
“I understand, where is your father and mother?”
“They are seeing to the guest, offering him refreshments and making him comfortable.”
I frowned but decided to see this guest who made these people disobey me. “Show me,” I said. On the side, Miss Si had already made a call and three SUVs arrived, their engines idling quietly. I entered the first with the eldest Miss Wen and Miss Si. It drove off soon after, flanked by the other two. We drove for fifteen minutes before arriving in an area filled with beautiful two story villas, each meticulously landscaped with exotic flora. I stepped from the vehicle and walked forward scanning the surroundings and paused when I saw a man that looked familiar and yet not too familiar. I wanted to turn away but he turned around looking directly at me.
My mind seemed to have exploded suddenly.
What the hell!
I wanted to flee but would he even let me? This damn man was my lawyer but also a childhood sweetheart. Unfortunately, it was never meant to be and we all grew old.
“Vanity, should you not explain to your husband some things?” The magnetic voice of the man sounded. I wanted to do a table flip but instead had to settle for doing it in my head.
Alright stay calm, maybe this person is not who I think he is. Ehm, right, so act like…normal.
Composing myself I turned and looked back at the man. “Release me,” I said in a cold tone. It couldn’t be helped, his grip was like a vise, damn it! I am positive I will probably have an unnecessary bruise later.
“Miss Si come in…”
“What is it Curren?”
“Rekuren has contacted me, the cattle from area A have been herded and are being guided by the Pan brothers from the second branch.”
Glad to have a distraction, I made a gesture and took the communicator, “Curren have them guide them to avoid the other herd so the leading bulls do not fight and cause dissent.”
There was static from the two way radio crackled, the sound of the helicopter in the distance was heard.
With over Eight thousand acres of land it is necessary, but the cattle were only allowed in two thousand with farm hands planting special grass in three hundred acres so fodder can also be grown as a supplement and implementing the rotation method, and scattering mix grain so they can have enough to be a size to be sold off.
Ugh, I remember writing about the cattle, goats, and sheep it took me two weeks to write it and six months of studying including even signing up for courses before dropping out when I understood enough.
It could have been sourced from the internet or a personal tutor but seeing hands on is best.
Anyway, I had been living alone and even ended up growing and hunting my own food.
“There are not many anyway so just gather them and have them stored in the west area I will join you guys to gather the goats and sheep.” i said, handing the radio back to Miss Si and gestured for her to get in the still waiting vehicle.
By now the other people present were forgotten.
The farm is not huge, just with enough livestock to make it self sufficient.
Eight thousand may seem like a lot of land but this was nothing compared to a few hundred years ago.
Before the door was closed another person slipped into the vehicle and sat beside me.
I wanted to pick up my son so he could nurse but with this unwanted person I hesitated but seeing the child began to fuss I shrugged uncaring.
