Avarice Read Online Free PDF Page A

children, namely Carlo and Semira were in the playroom with the nanny.
    Sophie smiled proudly. Selange demanded the exclusive gathering. Finally, the woman understood the necessity of such meetings and embraced her influential seat without prompts. The ordeal in Africa and the shenanigans of the ladies sent her into action Sophie surmised. The lovely face of a teacher, although soft displayed a stern flash from the eyes which resembled her husband’s. No-nonsense, tempered with kindness that stemmed from love, Selange waited for the women to settle down as Sophie looked on.
    Sophie viewed the younger women at the polished table. There was her daughter Amelda with that haughty chin in the air, Shanda who for some reason was surprisingly attentive, Ari whose wise eyes peered briefly in Bianca’s direction, Lucia aglow, eating as usual and Alfonzo’s half-sisters, chatting like girls among themselves. Their flamboyant mother declined. She found no reason to be present. The world she embraced revolved around the film industry. Reality was too harsh. The accolades from fans and pretense were her potent stimulants. At the moment she was in the United Kingdom on the set of a movie. The tabloids were abuzz because she’d been photographed about London with a Duke or perhaps it was a Lord. But, the girls didn’t care.  None of their mother’s relationships survived a year. Their father, Luzo was the exception. Oh, their mother enjoyed the trysts with married men. She believed illicit affairs produce the steamiest sex. Their mother was scandalous yet widely adored.
    However , those invested and dedicated to the family’s cause waited to hear Selange’s agenda for their lawless group. As certain as rain comes, a meeting of family and opinionated women would only bring drama. In the forefront of the ceremonial transition of power was no longer an outside girl from humble beginnings but a wise woman. By default she became their family but by choice she seized the reins as Sophie predicted. It is for sisterhood she would crack the whip to regain unity between the other influential women before sending her calling card to a certain mistress.
    “Ladies…let’s finish with the idle chit-chat. I have things to do and it’s time to get started.” Selange said. She took a deep breath, put aside her personal feelings about meddling and got to the business of family. The bickering among some of the women had become a distraction and it was time to put the animosity aside. Agree to disagree, stay respectful and don’t draw attention to the family internal skirmishes and they could all get on with their lives; simple right? “I requested this meeting to discuss important issues, mainly, unification. We do not have to agree or like one another but we must maintain respectful attitudes not only in public but privately as well. Where I come from you say what you have to say and keep it moving or kick ass and be done. But, we’re ladies not backstreet skanks and what concerns we have can be resolved without clawing each other’s eyes out. Now, air your beefs at the table and then we can address other concerns. We’ll go counter-clockwise. Shanda what’s your gripe with Ari and Lucia?”
    Shanda couldn’t wait to rip into the bitches. “I like this; a therapy session. My beef with bitch number one is she walks around like her shit doesn’t stink. I can’t stand her condescending attitude and she needs to check her-self. Bitch number two is a skank. She could’ve said she had a history with Giuseppe from the jump and I would’ve known not to trust her around my man!”
    “No name-calling Shanda,” Selange said sternly.
    Amelda laughed. “I do like this roundtable. We must meet monthly Selange.”
    Sophie silenced her daughter. “Do not instigate Amelda that is not our purpose. Let us continue with this preliminary childishness to speak of pressing matters.”
    “I agree,” Maria chimed in. “Many of you must read scriptures