Chapter 8

Xavier

I knew something was wrong the moment I opened my eyes. The unfamiliar silence for no good reason hinted at something to me. Reaching forward, I felt the side of her bed, only to feel this coldness that tells me she has been out of bed for some time now.

Rubbing fuzziness from my eyes, I sat up and took in the disheveled state of the room. Do I regret last night? Absolutely not. I knew it was going to happen eventually, the attraction and tension between us were just insane.

Rolling off the bed, I picked up my shirt and buttoned it it up before walking out of the room. I instructed one of the maids roaming around to clean her room since the owner is nowhere to be found.

Needing to shower, my course of direction changed to my bedroom. I walked in on Natasha answering a call. She disconnected the call instantly when she saw, her glare angry. “Where did you spend the night?”

Not in the mood for her drama, I ambled straight to the bathroom. “Where do you think I slept?”

“I do not know,” she snapped “that is why I’m asking Xavier, where did you spend the night?” I banged the door, muffling her voice.

She wasn’t in the room when I emerged from the bathroom. Changing into my suit for the day, I picked up my car keys and walked out of the building.

The hotel Natasha handed over to me needs an inspection. The hotels were officially signed over to me yesterday morning and today, I decided to check them out.

On my way out, I dialed Lucas’ number. He picked instantly. “Negligence is an offense I’m unwilling to overlook Lucas.”

The young man still obviously confused as to what his crime is breathed greetings into my ear. “Good morning boss man.”

There is nothing good about this morning. I woke up in an empty bed, and Angela is nowhere to be found. “I requested an update on Theodore. Why do I have to call and remind you?”

“It’s not like that boss,” He quickly defended himself. “I have Theodore here with me, and I’m trying to get him to make the call to stop the inspection of our container, but he is giving silly excuses.”

My absence gives room for nonchalance. “Put him on the phone.” Lucas's feet shuffled around, then I heard the heavy breathing of a man in pain. “Theodore? Why do you make things difficult for everyone?”

“Mr. Ellmord,” his voice quivered. “I’ve been trying to explain to him that this has nothing to do with me. A new law was enacted that every container must be checked regardless of who owns it.”

Hmm. Interesting. Changing the call to Bluetooth, I inserted the key into the ignition, powered the car then slammed the accelerator. “There is nothing new about the law you just told me. That law has always been there, just that you chose to play blind eyes to it.”

“I’m not lying to you Mr. Ellmord.” He argued.

“I never said you were.” Theodore breathed a sigh of relief. “All I’m saying is that you’ll continue to play blind eyes to that law.”

“But_”

“I’d refuse to come over there to handle this matter myself, Theodore. Even the whole of the United States will not stop the havoc I’ll create if I handle this matter myself.” I’m known to make decisions that favor just me alone. “You won’t be at the receiving end of my anger, your family will.”

“Please…do not hurt my family.” He pleaded, his pitch raising so high that I had to pull the phone away from my ear.

“If you do not want me to remember your happy family, then do not upset me. Making the fucking call so everyone can get back to their busy lives. I’m awaiting positive results.” I disconnected the call and focused more on the road.

~~~~~~

The hotels were named after Derek Shirley. D‘Shirley. For a moment, I contemplated changing the name as a form of the first renovation, but on a second thought, I decided to let it be…for now, till I decide what exactly I’m going to do with the hotels.

Walking into one of the hotels, I walked straight to the receptionist to book a room. “I need your best room.”

The young lady lifted her head from the computer with a permanent tight-lipped smile on her lips. The smile turned into a panicking surprise when she saw who is standing before her. “Mr. Ellmord. In as much as I’d love to give you a room, but we’re all booked out.”

“And you can’t get someone out for my sake?” In my hotel, everybody is going to be treated fucking equal. Anyone who isn’t cool with it can take his ass out of my building. “I want you to take someone out of his or her room or refund them.”

She smiled tightly at me. “I’m sorry Mr. Ellmord, but I can’t do that but I can refer you to our other hotel, it’s not too far away from here and I’m sure VIP rooms will be available.”

“That won’t be necessary.” I brought out wads of cash and placed them on the reception desk. She frowned at the sight of it. “I like the way you handled the situation. Here are a few tips for your good work.”

“I’m sorry sir, but we do not accept tips from customers. It’s against the rules.”

Who gives two fucks about rules made by Natasha or possibly Derek. Leaving the cash on the table, I turned around and walked out of the hotel.

On my way out of the building, I got a text from Lucas that our containers has been released. Chuckling to myself, I pondered on the reason why people like unnecessary stress.

I have one more day here, and I can’t wait to wrap up whatever shit I have going on here so I can return to my life. I live three hours away from here, but I can’t be three hours away from her, a lot can happen in three hours.

~~~~~~~~~~

The red dress in a boutique caught my attention. It’ll look good on Angela. Stepping into the boutique, I picked up the cloth and handed it to the salesgirl to wrap it up for me. I was still paying for the dress when my phone pinged, indicating that I just received a text.

I need you home Asap…our family lawyer is here and I don’t know what he’s here for. _ Natasha

Did Angela hand the company over to her despite my warnings? Fuck! I snatched my card from the young lady, picked up the packaged cloth, and rushed out of the boutique.

The ride back to Shirley’s manor was a quick one, I broke all terrific rules, and that was the only reason I was able to get there before the young man stated his reason for being here.

We all settled down as the young man pulled documents from his bag. He placed them on the table and then pushed them towards Natasha with a pen on top of it. “Ms. Angela was at my office earlier today, requesting that she wants you Mrs. Ellmord to handle the company on her behalf until she’s ready to take over.”

Natasha stared at me momentarily. “She was at your office?”

I smiled inwardly at Angela’s decision.

“Yes, She was my at the office today.” He jerked his chin towards the document. “Are you signing that?”

This isn’t what Natasha wants, but I’m sure she’s not going to reject it. Just like I expected, She pulled the documents over and signed them. “How long am I supposed to manage the company on her behalf?” She tried to hide the bitterness in her voice but I caught wind of it.

“That I do not know.” He took the documents from her. “In her own words, until she’s ready to run it.”

It was at this point that she realized that she gave away her hotel for nothing.

“Where is she?” The young stared at me with a questioning look. “Angela I mean. Where is she?” I need to applaud her for making a such great decision.

“She left.”

My chest tightened and I leaned forward. “What do you mean by she left?” My edgy tone made Natasha stare at me curiously.

“She told me she’d be gone by the time I arrive here.” He picked up his briefcase. “It’s not my job to ask her about her whereabouts, but I have to ask questions if she doesn’t check in on me every month. I’ll take my leave now.” He walked out of the room.

Blinking rapidly, I felt this stabbing pain that she left without a goodbye just like the last time.