CHAPTER 129

Kyle King

I replied to some emails, typed my task list, and reviewed reports all through the morning. I instructed Christine not to allow anyone in except the Planet O executives. I needed no distraction at the moment. Even though there was one lurking in my heart, I picked up my phone and dialled her number again. It went to voicemail again. 

I typed a message and hoped she would reply. I didn't want to stop replying to her messages, but work activities had been so hectic, and Mom was monitoring my activities. She saw a text from Tessa, and we had one of the biggest fights. The fight destroyed my mood, and I couldn't bring myself to call Tessa because I knew I might end up transferring the aggression to her.

Maybe she was busy at her end or she was rethinking her stance in my life, which would not be good. I scrolled through my phone and called the last person I never thought would need his time now or ever. Her junior brother is James. Her sole protector. During my stay in the United Kingdom, he maintained a cordial relationship, helped with Tessa’s surprise home dinner, and threatened more than I can count now. 

If there was anyone who could talk to Tessa on her behalf, he was the best bet. I dialled his number again. He picked up after the third attempt.

‘Yeah, who is this?’ he asked.

Nice; he didn’t save my number. ‘It’s Kyle. I am sorry for disturbing you. I have been trying to reach Tessa, but she’s not picking. Is everything okay over there?’

He chuckled. ‘If she’s not picking up your calls, then that means she’s no longer interested in being friends with you. I can’t change her mind on that if you are about to ask for that.’

I scoffed, not believing his insinuation. Tessa wouldn’t just end everything by using the silent treatment method. She was bigger than that. I also sensed the energy between us. She was enjoying my company, and her constant messages before she stopped proved that. I told James that much. 

‘That’s a lie. Our communication has been strong, and Tessa wouldn’t end things like that without having a conversation with me. Please tell her to return my calls when she can. We need to talk.’

‘Right. You’re giving me orders now. Anyway, I would try, and if she listens to me, you will get a call from her. How’s Nashville?’

I sighed, thanking my stars inwardly. ‘ Thank you, James. Nashville is hot, and a lot of business wars are going on. Are you planning on coming over?’

He replied lazily, ‘No, I am not till Christmas Eve. Take care, bro.’

I smiled, dropping the call. I could concentrate on Planet O’s meeting. I quickly logged into the Skype link and joined them. Thankfully, Xavier was there already. 

I listened through every detail, but somehow, Tessa’s face kept coming up in my mind. Xavier had to cover up several times for me because I kept missing what the executives were saying. After three hours, we concluded another meeting. They didn’t believe King’s Company had enough to buy the company. Also, thanks to Avaline, they had an issue with the brand image.

‘I told you marrying Avaline was a bad idea, but you wouldn’t listen to me then. Now, look at what this is going to cause us.’ Xavier said, sighing loudly.

I stared at his face through the screen. ‘They aren’t backing out yet, Xavi. They want to think about it, and they will return to us. The King’s Company is the only one who is willing to buy their company for that price. Our competitors' asking prices are low, and they know that too.’

He shook his head. ‘Of course. Why were you distracted during the meeting? Thinking about your mom?’

I chuckled, ‘No, not that woman. I have been trying to reach Tessa, but she’s not picking. I guess my stupid behaviour pushed her away.’

‘The problem with you is that you never listen to me. I told you that keeping her on hold because of your mom and work activities was wrong. Did you listen? No. You had a second chance to make things right, but you were ruined. I just don’t understand you, Kyle. Why must everything always be complicated when you are involved?

I groaned, hating the way he spoke, but I knew he was saying the truth. Kyle King’s life was complicated. ‘James promised to speak to her on my behalf. I'm sure she will change her mind soon.’

He chuckled harshly, ‘She won’t. I heard she travelled to France with her best friend for Christmas vacation. They are returning next year, and maybe she will return, taken by a fine, godly French man who respects her. I hope she doesn’t give you free passage into her life again because you don’t deserve it.’

I fumed, slamming my fists on the table. ‘That’s harsh, Xavier. If you aren’t going to help me figure out my complicated life, then shut up! You have no right to judge my actions, okay? No right at all!’

‘Fine. Figure out your shitty situation yourself, and I hope you will do it quickly.’ He replied, cutting off the call.

Oh boy! This wasn’t how I planned for our conversation to end. I wasn’t ready for another fight with Xavier. He was my number-one ally. The one who stood by me when things got tough and hard! I blamed my mother for everything. That woman was driving me crazy. I needed to discover a way to remove her from the board of executives. She had more power than me, and lately, she has been using it to bend everyone to do her bidding, including me. 

There had to be a way. I sent a quick text to Attorney Smith asking him to meet me up tomorrow while I reviewed the company’s contracts and policies. There was something in all these documents that could remove Mrs. Dahila King from my back.