CHAPTER 131

Kyle King

‘Are you sure you can’t do anything about her? She’s clearly on my neck and now wants to stop my deal with Planet O! You've got to try something for me. We can't just give up just like that.’ I slammed my fists on the desk, frightening Attorney Smith. 

His fingers shook as he took a long gulp of the bottle of water he held tightly like it was his mother. ‘I read through the company’s contract, and you actually signed the company to her by giving her the higher veto power. You shouldn’t blame me for that mistake.’

I glared at him, fantasizing about the idea of using his bottle of water to slam his face. It was cruel, but at least he would know how serious I was. Planet O had agreed to sell the company to us. We had the right capital, and my business plan seemed innovative to them. Mom suddenly came in, and the executives switched to her side, or, like Xavier said, became her lap dogs, and voted against buying the company. 

After all the papers had been signed, we were expected to send in their payment and because of her, I couldn't. This drama started at the beginning of the week, and my phone hasn’t stopped buzzing with messages and calls from Planet O’s executives. The news had reached them, and they wanted to cancel the deal with us. They had never liked my mother anyway, and I wasn’t surprised.

Attorney Smith didn’t understand what was going on or what I would lose if I couldn’t get Mom’s lap dogs in my size. If only she didn’t hold the highest veto power. It would have been so easy to go ahead with the deal without considering the ‘lapdogs’ opinions. 

‘If you don’t figure this thing out, I am going to get myself another lawyer who understands loyalty and respect. Now, get out!’ I gritted, my eyes bulging. I was really pissed off. 

‘I am sorry, Kyle, but I was just being truthful. You didn’t listen to me when I warned you about your decision. I will figure out what we can do about your mom, and I will revert.’

I sneered. ‘Just get out of here this minute before I figure out if a broken nose fits your plastic face or not!’

He took off, not minding shutting my door. Rubbish. I wondered why I had him as an attorney when all he did was make stupid remarks and remind me of my mistakes. Yes, he warned me, but he didn’t bother to tell me the implications of my actions. If he had told me, did he think I would have signed the contract then?

I dropped into my chair and dialled the one person who always came to my aid. We hadn’t settled, but he was the only person who could help me at this point. 

The reason I hadn't settled with him was because I was a proud person, and I shouldn't be the first person to make the first step this time around. I had always been the first person to initiate the ‘apologies meeting, and Xavier always felt entitled. Okay, our apology meeting always felt like a husband and wife trying to solve their marital issues, which sounds weird to me now. 

I stopped the call and hit another number. Another trial wouldn't hurt. Her number rang several times, but she didn't pick it.

I felt a stab in my chest. Another day of not hearing from Tessa. I was almost giving up, but something about her silent treatment inspired me. I had to know the reason why she stopped picking for one good month. December was here already, and I had imagined a chilly holiday here in Nashville with the children. 

A little bird told me they would be spending the holidays here, and I had hoped to use that opportunity to draw her to my place with the kids. 

That wasn't going to happen, though. She was in France and wasn't picking up or responding to messages. James had blocked me, and I didn't have the courage to call her parents.

Even though they seemed cool with my reappearance in Tessa's life, I couldn't help but think that there was a lot of disapproving comment they held behind their smiles. I wasn't eager to figure out what it was, and I know my call can turn them off.

My phone rang, interrupting my thoughts. Not the person I wanted at the moment, but well, my current crisis would be solved by him.

‘Hello, Kyle, How are you doing?. It's been a minute.’

I replied, enjoying his dry tone. Asking for his apology could hold until another day. “I need your help on something. I won't call you if it's not urgent.’

He scoffed, ‘Kyle, you owe me an apology. Say it, and I will help you out.’

I laughed. ‘You are such a baby, Xavi. You do know our apologies always sound like we are husband and wife, right?

‘Whatever, man. Are you going to say it, or should I return to my baby? We were having a make-up session before you called.’

Gross. I could almost imagine him feeling the lips of a nameless girl. He stopped caring about his hookups' names after Yashna. He didn't want anything to remind him about them after they left. The only time he remembered them was when he couldn't find someone for his next escapade or if he enjoyed their company.

‘I know you said I should never ask about your personal lifestyle, but Xavi, when will you stick to someone finally? You aren't getting younger, you know?’

He hissed, ‘Apologise right now or forget about it, Kyle.’

I sighed, ‘It’s all because of the Planet O project, though not because I want to appease your ego, bro. I am sorry for yelling and making you feel like an unwanted friend. I promise..’

He cut me off. ‘Don’t promise me because you and I know you aren't good at keeping promises.’

‘Yeah, right.’

‘So, what's going on with Planet O and your mom? It's been trending on the internet. How bad is it?’

I sighed and started telling him how she turned the board against me and ensured my privileges were reviewed. The Planet O project and how she has successfully stopped the deal from going through. 

‘Wow, it's not so bad, though. What about Attorney Smith?’

I sneered, ‘He isn't useful to my life at this point. Can you help me out?

He paused for a while-  I could almost hear him think out loud. ‘Alright, I will be at your house tomorrow to figure everything out, okay?’

‘Thank you, Xavi. You’re the best friend a man can ask for in this world.’

He laughed and hung up. This was another reason why I shouldn't lose Xavier’s friendship.