I'm being tortured. They're doing it on purpose. I know they are. Why else would they force me - a small frail girl, to sit among men? Even in the exclusive private restaurant, I felt all eyes on our table.

What had originally was lunch between me and grandfather became lunch with grandfather, Victor Contra, father, eldest Uncle Gregory, Eli Frye and his father. I had been stunned to see the group as I entered. I had turned to make my escape but the hostess had blocked my escape route.

I resign myself to the torturous meal ahead and went to the table. Vic pulled out an empty chair between my grandfather and my father. Trying hard not to groan or whine, I sat down.

"Where are your manners?"

I was startled when my father was speaking to me. I could see the disapproval on his face. It took me a moment because it's been years since I've been this close to him.

"Yes... where are my manners..." I said softly under my breath. "Good afternoon gentlemen, I hope I didn't keep everyone waiting"

Then again, I never asked them to wait for me to begin with. Glancing at my grandfather, I held back a glare while he drink wine with his nonchalant attitude. Lifting my eyes away from the old man, I swore I will not have lunch with him ever again. Well, at least for a whole month.

"Ms. Calla, your chrysanthemum tea"

When the restaurant manager came to our table, I smiled as the kind man placed the crystal glass pot of chrysanthemum flower tea. The restaurant is known for their first class winery but because my grandfather and I dine here often, they accommodated my taste for fine tea. When I first saw the beautiful tea, I knew Vic had called the restaurant to prepare it because only he was observant enough to know that what I like.

"Thank you Lenny" I smiled up at him.

"My pleasure Ms. Calla" He responded with his usual kind smiles as he set the cup in front of me.

While I was drinking my tea, the manager told us the lunch specials. After taking everyone orders, he bowed and left.

"How was class today?"

Whenever we had lunch or dinner, grandfather always asks me about my day. It was amusing because I knew it was his way to start a conversation with me. It wasn't that he was truly interested in my classes. He is just making small talk.

"It was good"

"I heard you're attending Yale" My father spoke up. "You should know it's your grandfather's alma mater so don't do unnecessary things to embarrass him"

You would think my skin would be thicker after so many years of hearing such words from my father. Somehow, his words still manage to cause a twinge of disappointment inside me.

"I'm curious Calla" My uncle suddenly ask. "What are you currently studying?"

"Linguistic"

"You should study art or music" My father scowled.

I had to suppress a bitter laugh. It was so typical and normal to hear my father opinion on what I should study. Really, in this time and age, my father way is thinking is antiquated. If I were his son, I would be studying business. But I was his daughter, so I should study arts or music. Learning from the past, I knew better than to say anything back.

"Yale has a distinguished linguistic program" To my surprise, Mr. Aaron Frye spoke with smile. "It's rare for a young woman to study language"

I never interact with Aaron Frye so it surprised me to have him talking to me. It had always been Rose who was invited to attend all of the Frye's related events and gathering. Rose was the one who was close to Eli and his family.

"Do you mind me asking why you choose to study linguistic?"

I'm not sure what say.

"Someone once told me to expand my mind so my perception is wider..." I said after a moment of silence. "A person with limited vocabulary is a weak thinker. The richer the vocabulary, the greater the mind will be. The limits of the language means the limits of the mind"

I wonder if I made any sense when no one said anything back.

"Expanding the mind to widen your perception" Aaron's smiles held intrigue and amazement.

It felt strange to see the man smile at me like that.

"Don't make excuses for your incompetence" My father spoke harshly. "Just look at your sister and how accomplished and well respected she is as a classical pianist"

I never understood why my father seems to disregard everything I do. Even in the past, when I did everything he asked for, it was never good enough in his eyes. It had brought anguish to my heart every time he compared me to Rose. The more he compared the worst my resentfulness become toward my sister.

"Those piano lesson, do you even remember how to play?"

He scolded me in front of everyone. I have forgotten that he always seems to scold me publicly without a care how it would make me feel. But I was no longer the child who cried every time my mother or father scolds me.

My expression was calm as I chose to stay silent. Sometime, no matter what you say, it won't change the other person mind. Just before the silence became deafening, the manager came back with several servers each holding our meals.

I was glad that while we were having our meals, no one spoke to me. I ate and half listen to my uncle, father, and Aaron Frye's conversation with grandfather. It was the typical boring business talk – ones that I rather not be a part of. I was fine being left alone to my meals until Allac and Alexander Locke was mentioned.

Apparently, my father, uncle, and Aaron Frye were all trying to get my grandfather to invest in a development project which involves creating a whole urban city. James Lind is the perfect investor for the project. The only problem is, James Lind is a hard businessman and so it's hard to "sell" an idea to him – especially one that involves a lot of his money. If it had been only a couple of millions, he will consider but because it involves billions, he won't bulge.

Aion had been the exception because grandfather had trusted Allac – specifically me in handling it. Is this why I'm here? Glancing at the old man, I see only his unreadable detached expression while he sip on his wine.

"If you can get Allac to participate, I may consider it"

One simple statement and everyone at the table was stunned. In the next moment, they all looked at me.

"Calla, I recalled you were with Alexander Locke at the board meeting. You two seem well acquaintance" My uncle's smiles were sly. "Surely, you will help your father and uncle with the set up meeting with him"

"I..." I looked at my uncle and father. "Alex is in Hong Kong until the end of the month. I can_"

"Call him back" My father ordered.

I was speechless.

"He's working" I looked at my father – trying to keep calm.

"This project is important" My father eyes sharpened.

I just stared at my father – hoping he was kidding. But the man never jokes.

"To you all yes, but the Hong Kong project is important to Alex"

"This is a once in a life time chance for Allac" My father was arrogant and condescending with his words to me. "Surely, Alexander Locke will jump at the chance"

I know Alexander Locke. His pride in his work outweighs any momentary gain. My father will never understand this because he cared more about status, power, and wealth.

"Call him back"

Did he expect me to call Alex now?

"It's 4AM..."

Alex could be sleeping as we speak. My father scoffed as if time wasn't important.

"Why are you dawdling?"

I was utterly disappointed to have ever hoped anymore more from my father. He will never care for my feelings or my thoughts.

"No" I answered, folding my napkin and calmly placing it on the table.

"You_"

"I don't feel well" I didn't want to look at anyone at the moment since my irritation was beginning to show on my face. "Please excuse me everyone. I should get going"

"You dare act so insolent to your elders?" My father stood up so abruptly that everyone nearby was startled. "Your mother and I seem to have made a mistake to let you loose all these years. Now you've forgotten your manners"

There was so many things wrong with his statement but I chose not to say anything to contradict his words. After all, I did not want to disrespect the man who was my father.

"I'm sorry father" I said coldly. "I cannot call Alex back. Please understand he is his own person with his own priorities"

"You_"

"As soon as Alex comes back to the states, I will call him and asked him to meet with you and uncle"

Then I turned and left before he exploded.

"Calla" My grandfather finally spoke with a stern voice.

I pleaded him with my eyes to let me go. Seeing my desperation, he sighed softly and tilted his head as if letting me know I can go. As I walked away, I tried to breathe steadily to ease the horrible feeling inside.