CHAPTER 142

Kyle King

Resuming the position as the Chief Executive Officer of the most-fought-for company in Nashville was a dream come true. I never thought I would be able to accomplish this feat at my age, but here I was, sitting in a board meeting as every member introduced themselves to me. 

 

A few of the executives didn’t hesitate to show their grievances, but I put them in their places as I reminded them who was in charge and why they needed to obey me, or they would be out of the door holding their resumes for whoever wanted to listen to them.

 

I was in the middle of a virtual meeting with one of those unsatisfied executives when the Tessa call came in. I didn’t even think twice as I ended the meeting with an abrupt wave and signed off without waiting for their regular grunts. 

 

Immediately after she told me about her problem, I almost booked a flight back to the U.K.

 

I had to call Xavier’s number several times, threaten him, and make a stupid offer for him to get on his feet, drive, and pick up Tessa. I was pacing the room now, waiting for Tessa’s text.

 

God! That woman was making me lose my mind. Ever since our date, she has occasionally responded to my texts, except for today, and has also accepted my gifts by herself instead of sending them to her never-smiling personal assistants, Mercy or Maria. I couldn’t remember her name.

 

I checked my phone again. Her text just came in. Xavier had picked her up, and she was going to call once he dropped her home. I resisted the urge to call her and replied with a simple word: ‘Alright.

 

I already let her know how easily she could control me, and that was enough. If she knew how much I yearned or was becoming attached to her, she might reduce the communication between us. I wasn’t ready for that.

 

The rough creak of the door made me turn. I had almost forgotten my mom was staying overnight due to ‘family time with her son. I knew it was a lie. She hadn’t forgiven me for uprooting her from her chairman’s seat in the company. She hadn’t said anything, but looking at her face as she strolled into my bedroom, I had a feeling she was about to pour everything.

 

‘I thought you had a meeting with your Planet O executives. Did you guys round up early?’ She asked, sitting on my bed.

 

I sighed. Tessa was going to call any second from now on. ‘Yes, we had little to discuss, and the executive’s wife kept interrupting the meeting. So, I decided to end it early.’

 

‘Alright, Kyle. How’s the King’s company, though? A little bird told me you signed a new contract with Leanors Interiors. New money?’

 

‘Yes, mom. New money. They are new to the country and want us to help create designs for their new structure. They also want us to install CCTVs and other technological stuff.’

 

She chuckled. ‘Of course, and you’re going to meet your ex-wife’s company to do that, right? What’s the new name again? Hoplas Technologies. You know, if you had listened to me, you would be the one leading on Fortunes List and not her. You and Ava.’

 

Of course, Ava. Mum would never stop mentioning Ava or guilt-tripping me for our failed marriage. Also, I am losing my second company to Tessa.

 

I replied, staring at my phone. Tessa just called. ‘I already told you that I couldn’t handle the company after Uncle David left. The debts were a lot, and Tessa’s idea saved me from losing a lot of money. Anyway, I am sure you aren’t here to rub my falls on my back. What do you want?’

 

She smiled, dropping her hands on her lap. ‘Ava is back. I saw her at the mall with her mom. They weren’t pleased to see me, though, but I was able to use my charm to win them back. She will be here for dinner tomorrow, so be on your best behaviour, son.’

 

Another missed call from Tessa. I groaned inwardly. How was I going to make this woman leave? I didn’t care about her or Ava's latest update. I already told her we were history.

 

‘Mom, I don’t care. You can bring her in, and I will be in the library. I have nothing to do with an ex-convict, okay?’

 

Mom stood up immediately, her lips twitching. ‘Don’t call her that, and don’t you dare use that tone with me. You will sit with her during dinner, and that’s final.’

 

I laughed. ‘Alright, mom. I need to return to work. Do you want to discuss anything else?’

 

She glared at me. ‘Dinner by six p.m. Don’t be late, Kyle King.’

 

I said nothing as she stormed off, shutting the door with a bang. Ava would definitely have that dinner, but I won’t be available. I already made up my mind, and nothing would change it.

 

I dialled Tessa’s number immediately. Hello to peace of mind!

 

‘Hi. I called several times, but you didn’t pick up. Were you sleeping already?’ She asked, stifling a yawn.

 

I replied, ‘No, I wasn’t. My mom was with me. Are you home already?’

 

‘Oh, your mom’ she said—I could feel a bit of coldness in her voice. ‘Yes, I am home already. I am preparing a cup of hot chocolate tea before heading to the bathroom for a hot shower and then hitting the bed. Thanks for tonight, Kyle. I am grateful.’

 

I laughed. ‘More thanks to Xavier. Let me leave you to enjoy your chocolate tea and shower. Goodnight, Tessa.’

 

‘You’re going off already? I thought we could chat about today’s work activities.’

 

Was she initiating a conversation? Alright, baby steps. 

 

I agreed, and we talked till one a.m. I couldn’t remember what we spoke about, but there was a lot of laughter, jokes, and stories. I fell asleep with a huge smile on my face.