CHAPTER 111

Geneveive Tessa Robert

Years ago, my birthdays were celebrated by Kyle, me, and a few friends. It was always a long day, and I tried to be happy about it, but deep down, I wished for my family to always be there. I did tell Kyle once, and he warned me never to talk about my parents. They had abandoned me when I needed them the most, so there was no reason why I should miss them. I didn’t accept his words because I knew he was the reason why they had abandoned me. I pushed his thoughts back into their cage and focused on getting the kids ready for school.

They had surprised me earlier today with a beautiful cake and sweet songs, all coordinated by Vera and Estella. James had also surprised me with a key to my own art workshop. It was a condo that had everything I needed to draw and be the ‘crazy’ creative he defined me as.

Vera gifted me a necklace with my name engraved on it and a wristwatch that had a tiny picture of us. She also made an album of all my photos with the kids, and to make it more special, there were video tapes. How she managed to do everything and produce an excellent result, I couldn't understand. 

Dad and Mom? Their birthday present was a brand new car and a party. I cringed at the thought of celebrating it in front of a lot of people I barely knew. But one thing made me feel welcome to the idea. I will be celebrating with my family and a few close friends. 

Once I was done with the kids, I left them with Estella and instructed her not to forget to remind the homeroom teacher that James would be the one picking them up from school. After Avaline’s incident, Dad advised me to change schools, and I chose a school closer to home with better security measures. Better safe than sorry, like Dad said.

I checked my wristwatch and realised I was late for the board’s meeting. I rushed into my room, choosing a pink gown decorated with feathers diagonally and high heels. I also did my hair in a bun and did nude makeup. It was my birthday, and I needed to give them a cool but killer look.

The chauffeur helped with the door, and soon we were on the road. I lazily strolled into my mailbox. I had been waiting for it since Avaline’s situation. Something stopped me. There are a lot of messages from the D.K. company. There was a pending case concerning over one million dollars missing from the financial account. What? My investment was also affected.

I quickly placed a call to our representative in Nashville to know what was happening. Was Kyle stealing from shareholders now?

The representative, Felix, picked up after the third ring, ‘Oh, Miss Tessa. Finally, I have been trying to reach you. I heard about the twins. I hope they are fine now?’

I replied, ‘Yes, they are doing great; thank you. I am sorry that my line has been unreachable; I was resting from the online trolls and media platforms. I saw the mail. Have you guys settled it? What’s the latest update?’

‘Kyle’s wife is the prime suspect, but we haven’t done anything yet because we don’t have any visible evidence.’

I thought fast, ‘I can get Kyle to drop evidence against her though, but she’s in prison. I am sure you are aware of that. Is there any alternative for this?’ 

He said nothing for a few seconds. ‘Yes, the board decided that Kyle would repay the money, and we would settle other stuff too.’ 

I had a feeling there was more to it. ‘What other stuff?’

He breathed deeply. ‘The shareholders are planning on liquidating the company. Kyle borrowed a huge amount of money to start a project, but it failed. Then, he purchased a large number of tablets, but it turned out they were second-hand and no one wanted them. He couldn’t return them because he bought them through the black market. I don’t want to scare you, Miss. Tessa, but I think we should pull out because this case is about to get messy. I heard Kyle had been cheating the company, and I have seen evidence.’

I shook my head. ‘I will call you once I speak to my brother. I am certain we will come up with something.’

‘Alright, I will keep you updated, ma. Happy birthday, too. You don’t think I forgot?’

I laughed, thanking him, and I promised to call him later.

Why must everything that has to do with Kyle always have to be complicated? Like? I had no answer for this, but when I saw him, I was going to surprise him and make him accountable for his actions.

_ 

Mom and Dad actually overdid themselves. I smiled looking at the hotel hall as people danced to all my favourite songs, and as I passed them, I was celebrated with genuine love. I couldn’t have asked for more. The kids were having fun, too. I had invited some of their classmates, friends, and parents, and from the look of things, they were definitely having fun.

I settled to grab a glass of wine when James called me to the stage, and with the cheers of everyone, I couldn't ignore him. We danced, laughed, and played games, and I ended up in the hands of my dad, who suddenly became religious and prayed for me.

Vera stole the moment by singing a special song for me. I was truly touched by her angelic voice. I had almost forgotten she was a talented singer. She also did a stand-up comedy about me and everything that made us friends. I almost cried, but the money Mom spent on doing my makeup made me rethink my decision.

‘You look stunning, Tessa. Happy birthday, dear!

I turned and couldn’t believe it. He came?