CHAPTER 133

Kyle King

I checked through the window blinds and continued pacing. I was beginning to feel the idea wouldn’t work. Mom hadn’t shown up, and she wasn’t picking up calls. The meeting was supposed to start at one p.m., but apparently, Mom didn’t want it to hold because she knew she was going to lose the battle.

Xavier had employed the services of his uncle, a prominent attorney, and somehow, the man had found a hole in the contract. He explained the condition in layman’s language, and from what I deduced, mom was supposed to step down once I had children and increase the profits of the company to at least eighty percent.

I hadn’t been aware of this condition, but it was just the marriage that made me marry Tessa then. I smiled to myself. This explains why she didn’t want Tessa back because she knew she wouldn't be able to control the decisions of the company when she was pleased.

‘Kyle, I think we should start. The board of executives is complaining already. Her lawyer is here, so he can stand for her.’ Xavier said, standing beside me.

I sighed. ‘I still can’t believe we didn’t read the contract properly before signing back then. I thought the only condition was getting married, not just having kids. My dad must have really hated my reckless lifestyle then.’

Xavi scoffed. ‘Smith told you to read the contract properly, but you didn’t listen. Anyway, your dad did right; if he had passed the full power to you without those conditions, you and I know that you would still be a single playboy like me.’

‘Wow, you finally agreed that you are a playboy. I never saw this coming.’ I laughed, changing the topic. ‘Are you sure we should do this? She’s my mom, and she actually worked for the position.’

Xavi sighed, ‘She is not the architect of your fate, Kyle. She shouldn’t be controlling you to favour her selfish goals. Also, if you don’t remove her, you will lose Tessa and Planet O. Do you want to lose them?’

‘No, let’s get the meeting started.’ I replied. If not for the Planet O company, but for Tessa and the kids, I had to do this. Mom had this coming anyway, so she shouldn’t be angry.

The meeting started immediately when I stepped in. Xavi’s uncle was straight-forward and ensured everyone understood why supporting me was important. He explained the condition thoroughly and listed the errors of the board for trusting my mom more than me. He shared a new contract that named me as the one with the highest power. He also showed evidence that I had children and was eligible to take full control.

A few of the board members who were relatives disagreed, but I was able to tone them down by reminding them about the benefits of purchasing Planet O. I also shared a new business plan that would increase the return on investment, and that stole their hearts immediately.

An hour later, eight percent of the board members signed the contract, while twenty refused. I didn’t need their signatures anyway, because the majority wanted me. Although it was hurtful that they had such crazy loyalty to my mom,. 

‘That went well, right?’ Xavi asked, pouring a glass of beer for himself. ‘Do you want some or are you too fresh to drink in the afternoon?’

I shrugged. ‘Just pour it. Finally, this phase is over. I have sent a text to Christine to meet up with the administrative office to start the payment proceedings and settle Planet O.’

‘You are now a multi-millionaire, pal, but not up to your ex-wife, though.’ he whispered, laughing.

I knew he meant it as a joke, but it hit a nerve. Tessa was currently on Fortune’s list of billionaires under thirty. She was number three, and somehow, I felt envious. If I hadn’t divorced her, she wouldn't have had the audacity to reach that height. Yeah, her parents were crazily rich, but Tessa has always been a person who believed in making her way. That was why she hadn't been so bad when her parents disowned her. 

Maybe, if she gave me a chance, we could join hands and become one of the most beautiful couples in the country. Xavier was looking at me weirdly. He must have said something that I missed.

‘What? Why are you looking at me like that?’

He laughed, ‘Don’t tell me you’re jealous about Tessa. She worked hard to reach that stage, and from what I saw in the United Kingdom, Hoplas Designs would really go a long way. She knows what she’s doing, and she’s where her target audience is. I'm proud of her.’

‘I am not jealous. I was just wondering where we would be if I hadn’t divorced her. I made a mistake, and I don’t think she would ever forgive me.‘

‘Don’t say that, Kyle. I thought she had forgiven you already. Are you doubting her because of her silent treatment?’

I nodded, staring at him. ‘It’s been a month and a half. Not a single word from her, and honestly, if not for mom’s issue and Planet O, I would have travelled to France to be with her.’ 

‘I know you would have. Kyle, I think you should stop calling for now and give her time. I have a feeling she would reach out when you didn’t expect her to.’

I scoffed, ‘If I stop, that means I have given up on her. I don’t want to do that, Xavi.’

‘You aren’t giving up on her, bro, but giving her space for the meantime. Trust me on this, okay?

I said nothing. I couldn’t just stop trying when my gut told me that I was almost there. If she kept seeing my calls, messages, and lately, voicemails, she would know that I didn’t stop trying. She would understand how I felt and I was dying to see her or hear from her and the kids.

Hope and Nicholas. I really missed them, and they were another reason why I wasn’t going to listen to Xavier.