Title: Old money

Blurb:

Katherine Noah White is forced to take over her family company because her father was thrown in
prison for a crime, he didn’t commit…or did?

Benjamin Bayo Walker, a lawyer who needs to get a green card for his mum fast and now.

What happens when Ben and Kate are forced to work together?

Chapter 1

Kate’s POV

Still feels like a dream, I can’t believe daddy did it! It doesn’t make any sense. Daddy wouldn’t do
anything to tarnish our image that he loves so much, that man only cares about the company and his
family name, he couldn’t do something so scandalous!

“Kate darling, are you listening to me?” Mother said sitting on the other end of the family table. Taylor
White, my mother, even in her mid-40’s she’s still as gorgeous as ever. My mother’s oval face with high
cheekbones, bright green eyes with a fleck of gold around the iris and a small but straight nose. Her
perfectly straighten blonde honey hair flows over her shoulders peacefully, her full pink lips are in a
slight frown as she stares down at me with her perfectly arched left eyebrow raised.

“I really don’t understand why you’re telling me all this. Your dad’s right hand, surely from the
knowledge you know, you can easily take over so why do you need me?” I asked completely ignoring my
mother’s earlier question. She passes a knowing look before placing the newspaper she was reading
down and leans back in her chair.

“You’re your father’s heir to his company and not to mention his only child, he wouldn’t have given you
this much responsibility if he knew you couldn’t handle it. Now it’s very clear you weren’t listening to
what I was saying- “

“Of course, I-” I tried to defend myself

“No, you didn’t because if you had, you wouldn’t be asking silly questions now. Unfortunately, you don’t
have much time, you’re already running late.” She said standing giving us a view of her petite athletic
body with narrow hips and small waist. She’s about 5’6” tall with smooth clear skin and a hint of a rosy
glow. She walks over to where I’m sitting and takes my face into her delicate hands, she leans forward
and places a kiss on my forehead letting it linger for a second. She sighs before resting her forehead
against mine, we closed our eyes together letting all this affection sink in.

“Did he really do it Mother?” I whispered, desperately waiting for an answer. She lifted up her head and
gave another sigh before gracing me with her bright green, she looked at the paintings hung on the wall
then looked at me again.

“Only time will tell my love” She said taking my hands in hers giving it a squeeze “Now get up and kick
ass at work today. I love you darling and have a nice day at the office.” Giving a heavy sigh I stand to my
feet, gave a kiss on the cheek to mother before walking out of the dining hall letting my heels click
against the marble floor.

“Alright then Katherine, let’s go make daddy proud” I said to myself as walk out the house that is
beginning to expose many secrets.

I have been sitting in the car for the last 30 minutes trying to muster courage to face the press
and the workers of the family company. I take another deep breath and I look up to see Alfred, my driver,
staring at me through the rear-view mirror, I gave him a shaky smile before sighing and giving him a nod
which he returned back with a bright smile.

“Have great first day Miss Kate” he said giving me one final nod.

I sighed once more then gave two quick knocks on the car window signaling James, my bodyguard, to
open the door. Putting on my sunglasses and quickly take out my compact mirror to reapply another
layer of lipstick before shoving them into my bag as James’ silhouette blocks the harsh sunlight from
touching me, I take his outstretched hand and step out of the car taking a quick look at the building a
few feet away from us. Walker Railroads stood tall and proud, this slender tower is made out of steel and
concrete with glass walls that reflect the sunlight and the top of the building is crowned with a spire that
seems to pierce the sky, still can’t believe I’m in charge of this entire building and the people in it.

Letting what feels like the 10th sigh today I let James guide me through the crowd of reporters and
paparazzi as we try to get to the front door of the building. The door man opens the door the minute he
sees us approaching, I give a gentle smile and walk straight to the elevators ignoring the whispers and
the stares, James pushes the up button and we patently wait for the doors to open. As soon as the doors
opened James gave me a quick nod as he stood outside the elevator when I stepped in, pushing the 20 th
floor I calmly wait for the doors to close with my head held high praying the doors will close really fast so
I can escape a little bit from the world, just as it was about to close a hand was stuck in between the
doors preventing it from closing and gracing me with a breathless young man in a suit stepping into the
elevator pushing the 15th floor.

He gave a heavy sigh before leaning on the elevator walls and resting his hands on his knees, the door
made a ding sound and started moving up the floors, I kept a nice distance with him before clearing my
throat signifying another presence body here. He quickly composed himself straightening his suit jacket
and picked up his briefcase I didn’t seem to notice from the floor giving me a little nod then pulled out
his phone from his inner pocket of the right side of his jacket and started typing away on his phone.

“Well, someone doesn’t have manners” I thought to myself as I frown in displease.

“I do, I just chose not to acknowledge you” a deep voice replied and I completely froze.

“Sorry, I didn’t know I said that out loud” I said immediately after relaxing myself. Using my left hand to
cover my lips as I give an awkward cough, he chuckled at me still texting on his phone.

“Next time, keep your inside thoughts inside nobody likes a dog that only barks and no bites” he said as
the doors opened walking out with his face still glued to the screen of his phone leaving me standing
there with my mouth slightly opened and my eyes grew bigger in size.
Chapter 2

Kate’s POV

“Did he just call me a FREAKING DOG?!” subconscious me asks in disbelieve. I’m still in shock
myself, loss of words I shook my head trying to get his dog comment out of my mind and focus my
attention to my reflection on the door. I wore a pale-yellow fitted suit that compliments my lithe yet
athletic frame and delicate features pairing my fit with heels adding a few inches to my petite body. I’m a
5’6’’ tall but with the heels I’m standing 5’8’’ tall giving a very intimidating look which I really like, my
warm brown hair with soft waves falls over my shoulder, I lift my slim left manicured hand to move some
hair that fell out behind my ear allowing me to see my bright green with a few flecks of yellow around
my iris. My eyelashes are long and dark and eyebrows perfectly shaped, a light dusting of freckles across
my straight yet narrow nose and slightly flushed cheeks, licking my full pink lips I examine my elegant
jawline before carefully touching it.

I held a tight grip on the straps of my bag feeling the leather practically burn my right hand, I closed my
eyes taking a deep breath in before counting to ten silently. The elevator made a ding sound indicating I
have gotten to my floor sighing I walked out heading straight to my father’s office, I gave a nod to my
father’s secretary before pushing his office door open gracing me the presence of the company’s board
of directors and a young man in his early-30s with a lot of files in one hand and the other a cup of coffee.

“On behave of I and the other senior executives of the company, we welcome you Katherine White as
the acting CEO of the Walker railroads” the company’s chairperson said as several round of applause
start giving a shy smile I walk over to my father’s desk and carefully placed my bad on the desk before
facing them slightly sitting on the desk crossing my arms as I wait for them to continue their ‘welcome
party’.

“I know this is a lot for you but your father made the right choice-” a scoff was made making my head
turn to the person who made the sound, Mark Andrew White, my dearest overachieving cousin stands
beside the book shelfs with his arms crossed as he stares down at me with his dark blue eyes with a
deep frown graced on her lips. I smiled at him before picking up a picture frame of my dad, his dad and
us when we were little and examined it.

“Do you have anything to say Mary?” I asked knowing for the fact he hates it when I call him Mary
instead of Mark.

“As a matter of fact, I do-” he said uncrossing her arms and starts to make his way up to the other
executives. I harshly put down the frame making a small sound when it made contact with the table
stopping him in tracks. I turned around and stood behind my father’s chair with my arms resting on top
of it while I stare hard at my cousin.
“Exactly, you don’t” I said harshly then turned to the other members of the board before giving then a
strain smile clearly showing I know what they are up too “I really appreciate your presence and I know
you have a lot to go over with me but as it being my first day in the company, I would like to actually get
know the different departments and connect with other staffs than being stuck in the office all day
talking about my family’s company and my father’s current situation” pulling my father’s chair back I
take a sit resting both my arms on the arm chair and crossed my right leg over the left like the feeling of
power of the chair consume me “now can we schedule this, um ‘party’ to another time? I really don’t
want to keep others from seeing your pretty faces” sending a smile to each and one of them. The
chairperson frowned at my request before nodding in obedience walking out the office and the others
following suit except for the young man and my cous-.

“You don’t have what it takes to be the CEO Cat!” Mark said harshly with his harsh stares down on me. If
looks could kill, matching his stare I smiled sweetly at him knowing for the fact he called me Cat to try
and piss me off, well I started it. Ignoring my cousin, I turned to the man lifting my left eyebrow signaling
him to come over, this man rich coopery red hair styled casual yet in a messy with subtle highlights that
catches the sun was the first thing that caught my attention then his eyes was the next. His light brown
eyes almost amber in color with a little gold when the light hit his face, his smattering of freckles across
his nose and cheeks which adds to his boyish charm making him look approachable and friendly. His
white long sleeves shirt compliments his arms which he paired with a sky-blue suit vest and matching
suit pants and black cooperate shoes.

“Damn” I say to myself trying my best to hide the fact I just checked him out and noticed that we might
look like siblings because of our freckles, he stopped in front of my desk placing the cup of coffee on the
table. Lifting the cup feeling the steel against my left palm, I take a sip and made a humming sound in
approval giving him a questionable look.

“Ms. White, it’s a nice to finally meet you. My name is Noel Kingsley and I’m your PA” he said placing
some of the files in his hand in front of me on the desk “These are some of the files that need immediate
attentions and-” he placed the last set of files beside the other files “these are the files that consist of
our local and international business with their schedule date meetings. Plus, some of the charity balls
you might need to attend in the coming weeks” he adjusted his suit vest a little and stands a little bit
straighter “It’s nice to have you on board and I really hope we can work well together” he ended giving a
nod before walking out of the office. Picking up the first file, I go through it while taking a sip of my
coffee and intentionally ignoring my asshole of cousin.

“Ignore me all you want but you and I both know you shouldn’t be sitting in that chair. I should!” Mark
said making me roll my eyes before picking up a pen and some sticky notes with my right hand to jot
some things down then flipping to next page of the file. I take another sip of my coffee and take some
more notes of the document, Mark takes the file in front of me and throws it across the room right
before slamming his hands on the desk. I finally acknowledge his presence and leaned into my chair
which I know will piss him off even more and gave him a mischievous smile.

“Can I help you, Mary?” I asked sweetly knowing for the fact he wants what I have.

“Wha- can you help me?!” he exclaimed throwing his hands in the air before staring at me with disbelief
“Alright, you can help me by getting your ass of my chair Katherine” he said making me laugh.

“Sorry but I can’t do that. I love our little meet ups but I actually have work to do” I say that while
boredly looking at my nails. If looks could kill, I’ll probably be dead right now but its fun pulling his legs, I
mean he looks like a kettle that’s about to blow.

“Stop the act, Kate! This isn’t dress up time with your girls. You are not fit-”

“So, you’ve said and, in all honesty, I’m frankly getting tired of your whinnying” I say standing, walking
over to where he threw the file then opened the office door indicating his time is up after picking up the
file from the floor “Get it through your very thick skull that my father’s name is on that door not yours.
Unless you pull out a file proving you’re his first-born son or whatever may it be then you can question
my sit as CEO. So, till then get out of my office and don’t come in until you have a valid reason to.” I say
harshly waiting for him to walk through the door, he comes up to me, standing a few feet away from me
staring me down in disapproval.

“You will never be the CEO you pretend to be and it’s a matter of time before you fuck up” he spat it out
before walking out. My grip on the door handle is still tight, I take a deep breath before closing the door
and walked back to my father’s desk dropping the file on it making a slam sound when it hit other
documents. Pushing a button on the intercom I asked Noel to bring another cup of coffee before resting
both of hands on the desk.

“This is going to be a long day” I said to myself sighing

Ending what seems like a four hours conference call with our investors from Netherlands, I
leaned back into the chair using my hands to massage the sides of my head trying digest what exactly
was said in that meeting. A buzz sound came in making me growl in irritation, pushing a button to
answer Noel and giving him the permission to let the whoever that wants to see me into the office.
Turning the chair to face the floor let window, I closed my eyes for a while calmly waiting for another
staff of the company to explain what their issue is and examine how best I can handle it but instead I felt
a pair of lips touch mine and familiar scent was sniffed, without opening my eyes I opened up my arms
asking for a hug which he gave out a light laugh in return before accepting my hug pulling me up to my
feet. I tightened the grip of my hug and leaned deeper into his warm body after planting a kiss on his
chest.

“Someone is having a bad day” he said giving me a kiss on my head resting his head on mine rocking us
slightly left and right. Pulling back a little I take a good look at my boyfriend, Jason Yong, this Asian man
with an almond-shaped eyes that sparkle like a night sky and his black shinny hair that is cut short and
neat giving him a more mature look. His smooth clear skin compliments his hair well, wearing a long
sleeves shirt with the sleeves folded just below his elbows showcasing his slender yet strong arms and
pairing them with a gray suit pants and black cooperate shoes. He leaned forward to give me another
peck on the lips and letting it stay there for a sec.

“So, what’s it like being the first female in your family to sit on the throne?” he asked giving my waist a
little squeeze as he pulls back my father’s chair and takes a sit patting his left leg with is left hand, I take a
sit on his leg before placing me head on his left shoulder sighing.

“Exhausting but with Mark hovering around me, there’s a lot of expectations and disappointment I’m
meant to meet” I say quietly feeling the weight of the situation dawn on me, sensing my mood change
he rapped his arms around me and gave me a kiss on my right shoulder before resting his head on mine.

“Ignore him and you’ll be good but, in the meantime, lunch!” he said making me sit up straight and
doing a little happy dance on him before reaching for the plastic bag on the desk and pulling out two
takeaways from my favorite restaurant, giving him another peck on the lips making him smile which I
happily returned. Lunch break was over before you know it and I was walking Jason out the door, turning
to face him I put my arms around his neck which he returned by placing his hands on my waist, standing
on my toes I pulled his face closer to mine and kissed his lips softly. He pulled me closer and squeezed
my waist a tight. Humming into his lips I let him deepen the kiss, tugging the back of his hair which he
growled in approval, he pulls me roughly towards him and asks for permission with tongue. Just as I was
about to grant him access, a loud cough was heard making us jump apart in shock, turning to the creator
of the sound I noticed I left the office door open before practically almost having sex with Jason by the
door.

Growling loudly, I hid my face with my hands and Jason pulled me into his embrace understanding how
embarrassed I am while rubbing me back. He placed several kisses on my head before reassuring me
that I’ll be fine and nodded to the group of men as he walked out, adjusting my suit jacket I nodded to
the men and gave a hand of approval for them to enter. About five men walked into my father’s office
dressed in similar suits and shoes with a lot files with hands, dropping most of the files on the coffee
table, a man in his mid-50 with salt and pepper hair wearing a charcoal suit that clearly giving a visual
representation of that can chew and eat you alive. He walking up to me, he stretching out his left hand to
me, raising my left eyebrow at him I take his hand.

“Ms. White, it’s a pleasure to meet-” he started before a quick knock was made to the door before it
opened presenting a young man walking into the office with files in one hand and his phone in the other
as he made his way to the coffee table. Turning my full attention towards him, I noticed the phone in his
hand trying to remember where exactly I’ve seen it before, probably feeling my stare he lifted up his
head and we locked eyes.

“YOU!” we both said in disbelief