CHAPTER 125

Kyle  King

‘We have a meeting with Planet O executives by two o’clock and another one with one of our suppliers. They have a new product they would like to introduce, and from the reviews, I feel it will be great if you listen to them. ‘ Christine said, looking up from her tablet.

Give your staff a little freedom, and they will start misusing it. I wasn’t surprised. My absence had caused a lot of issues already, but I wasn’t angry. I just needed to set things straight and remind them that the boss was back.

‘Christine, what’s your position again in this company?’ I asked, looking coolly at her.

She coughed, admiring my gaze. ‘I am sorry, sir. I thought you were open to our opinions. You kind of said so yesterday during your official meeting. I didn’t mean to cross any lines.’

I shook my head. ‘And was I referring to you while dropping that announcement yesterday?’

‘No. sir. I am sorry. I won’t repeat this next time. I would bring in the financial reports once I have typed them, sir.’ she said, turning to leave.

I stopped her. ‘I am not done talking to you, Christine. If you repeat this mistake again, you will be working outside this company as one of those jobless gossips, okay?’

She nodded. ‘I am sorry, sir. I promise not to do this again.’

‘We will see about that. I won’t be around for the meetings, so please reschedule them for next week. I just got back, and there are a lot of urgent matters I need to take care of. Planet O and the supplier can always wait. The issues can’t.’

She sighed harshly and walked away. I wasn’t bothered about that yet. Christine had unresolved issues, and everyone in King’s company knew about them. The reason she was still sitting as my assistant was because she was proficient, industrious, and dedicated to the company.

I knew a good employee when I saw one, and she was one. 

I switched on my laptop and started the strenuous process of reviewing every task that had been accomplished during my absence. Even though I attended most of the virtual meetings, worked with the team on Slack, and did what every CEO does when they are on a long break, I still wanted to be sure no one tried to be smart. 

I stopped midway when a message popped up. A smile slowly formed on my face as I read it. Tessa. I had been trying very hard not to think about her while I worked, but seeing her name, I knew work was over for me. 

Kyle: I thought you were supposed to be working. Are you missing me already?’

Tessa: No, I am not. The kids are actually. I have been trying to cover up for you, but I finally told them you travelled. Hope is giving me silent treatment now.

Silent treatment? I laughed. Hope was so much like Tessa. She was also a picker, just like me. Spending a few moments with them made me learn more about their personalities and habits. Nicholas was a quiet little boy, but when he was within his elements, like video games, card games, or chess, his chatty self came up immediately. 

I was missing them already and couldn’t wait to return to the United Kingdom. Once, I was done here. 

Kyle: Appease them with their favourite meal. Potato pottage, right?

Tessa: Nice. You still remember that. When are you returning here?

Kyle: You are missing me, aren't you?

Tessa: I told you the kids are not me. See you soon, then.

I scoffed, replying bye. She was still denying her love for me. I knew she was beginning to develop feelings, but she was doing her best to hide them. I suspected she was still testing the waters to see if I was just back because of the children and not for her. Once I am back in the United Kingdom, I am going to up my game.

Glancing at the clock, I let out a long sigh. It was already noon. I had a lunch date with mom, and I could guess what she was going to talk about. I sighed. I shouldn’t have rescheduled the Planet O meeting, but mom’s lunch date. That woman was going to do her best to frustrate me. I was already getting a migraine thinking about her and our infrequent communication.

She had been pissed when Avaline got arrested, and she was even pissed when she discovered Tessa and I were working on a platonic relationship. She became angry when I refused to file for custody of the children. Full custody! I wasn’t even in their lives for close to six years, and she wanted me to just take the children from Tessa like that. 

I shook my head and suppressed the bitterness growing in me for Mom. I needed to review all tasks and create a new list for the board of executives. 

A few hours later, I drove out of the company to Xavier’s place. I had decided to drag him to the lunch date with mom. He was going to be my support system and alibi if she accused me of anything. 

‘Hey, pal. I thought you had a meeting with Planet O?’ Xavier asked, letting me in.

I surveyed his living room. A womanly scent was in the air. ‘Xavi, did you bring a woman home?’

He laughed. ‘Why are you questioning like you’re my mom? Yeah, my girlfriend is Qing. She’s in the kitchen, roasting a nice meal for us. What do you want?’

‘Oh, I didn’t know you were dating now. I wanted to make you come with me to Mom’s place. We have a lunch date, and you know she’s been boiling since Avaline got arrested.’

‘Right, so you want me to be your bodyguard?’ he asked, rubbing his palms. 

I nodded. ‘But you are with someone and have plans already. I don’t want to be that bad friend that ruins his best friend's little romance thingy.’

He chuckled, ‘I will go with you because I want to piss your mom a bit. Qing wouldn't mind. She's been a little clingy, and you know my history with clingy girlfriends.’

I laughed hard, wondering where I got Xavier from. He could be a big clown at times. 

‘Thank you, pal. I owe you one, bro.’ 

He bowed. ‘You owe me two, bro. Let’s go before Qing comes in and stops us. I will leave a note for her.’