CHAPTER 150

Geneveive Tessa Robert

I downed the second glass of red wine and sighed for the fifth time. I should have rejected Xavier’s invitation to the grand opening and just stayed home with the kids. I sent a text to Estella to know if they were asleep. I stared at my screen, waiting for her response, while my mind roamed and focused on a particular curly, dark-haired, gorgeous man. These days, my thoughts are always about him.

He must be asleep by now. We had talked earlier today before the cops came. He seemed better, but the doctor hadn’t cleared him to leave until the weekend. He wasn’t pleased. No one would be happy staying in the hospital for one month and one week. He hated not doing anything or being vulnerable. I comforted him, and he relaxed a bit. He couldn’t wait to be out and take over his CEO role. He didn’t say it though, but I could see in his eyes each passing day as Xavier told him every update.  

Kyle King wasn’t the kind of person to sit down and allow others to do his work for him, especially his best friend. He hated to admit it, but he felt bad for allowing Xavier to do all the work. The man was stressed, and tonight he showed up and ensured everything went according to what Kyle would have wanted. Kyle was lucky to have him as a friend, and I had told him that much. He didn’t argue this time.

Estella’s message popped up. They’re asleep. When are you coming home?

Me: By eight o’clock. Xavier would drop me off. Don’t wait, okay?

Estella: Alright. I left your food in the freezer. Goodnight, ma.

I smiled. Estella was my second mother and a wonderful friend. She would rather fall asleep while waiting for me than sleep without trying at all. It was always great to know that there were people who still loved and cared about you in this world. It was surreal.

The dance floor was filled with couples, singles, and others. I scanned the crowd and found the face that had brought me here. Xavier. He was with a curvy blonde and obviously flirting with her. I shook my head. He would never change, and even if he got married, his reputation would always be there to remind him about his past life. 

‘Mind if I join you, Genevieve?’ a familiar feminine voice said, taking the empty seat beside me.

I knew it was her before I looked up from my phone. Avaline. I hadn’t seen her since last year during the court proceedings. Kyle had told me everything about her arrival at his place and the confrontation. He had warned me to be careful, but right now, Ava was the one who needed that warning.

And I am certain the cops would be happy for your help.’

‘Fancy seeing you here. If I remember correctly, you weren’t on the guest list but your parents.’ I said, dropping my glass.

She flashed a smile, taking me in. ‘I am representing my parents. How are your kids?’ 

I rolled my eyes. ‘Don’t ask about my kids, kidnapper! Also, don’t think I have forgotten about what you did, alright?’

She laughed, downing her glass of wine. ‘I served my time, and I have been good since I got out. I am sorry about the kids. Nicholas and Hope, right? Maybe you can make us meet and we will start on a better note?’ 

The nerves! I looked at her, taking in her gold strapless dress, which revealed her rich curve. Her nude makeup complimented her beauty, and her bouncy curls did justice to her killer look. I wasn’t impressed. She was a snake.

‘Stay away from me and my kids, Avaline, okay?’ I said, glaring darkly at her. ‘Kyle told me about your desperate moves. I thought you had class; what happened? Did the men run away after you got the tag ‘ex-convict’?

‘Your kids,she scoffed, her tone cold. 'You've got no right to call me ‘ex-convict’, Tessa. I served my time, and whatever Kyle told you is a lie. The men are still coming, and as you noticed, I am still a catch.’

I chuckled. ‘Keep telling yourself that, darling. I hope the men know what kind of snake you are anyway. By the way, I hope you had nothing to do with Kyle’s incident.

She avoided the ‘snake part’ Guilty, maybe?

She replied coldly. ‘Are you accusing me of something, Geneveive?’

‘No, but if you would like to confess about something, go ahead. I am all ears, and I am certain the cops would be happy for your help.’

She shook her head, standing up. ‘I won’t fall for any of your tricks, darling. I just came to apologize. Enjoy the rest of your evening.’

I watched her walk towards an elderly man. Probably her date for tonight. Avaline was known to go for older men who were filthy wealthy. After all, that was one of the reasons Kyle divorced her.

I downed my last glass of wine for the night and walked to the dance floor. It’s been awhile, and I had fun. Xavier joined me, and we had the best time laughing, exchanging partners, and doing ridiculous things. I noticed Ava watching us from where she was sitting. She had a dark expression on her face. Her business.

I excused myself and returned to my seat. That was enough for the night, too. Xavier joined me, handing over a glass of water. I gladly accepted it. 

‘That was really good. I didn’t know you still had it in you.’ Xavier commented.

I giggled. ‘Old habits die hard, or should I say talent?’

He agreed. ‘Do you miss him?’

I downed the glass of water, knowing he was asking about Kyle. ‘Yes, I do. A particular ex-wife also misses him.’

He followed my gaze to Avaline. ‘She? Don’t be fooled by her presence here. She’s not here for Kyle, but for the glamour. She’s trying to win her place back in the social media circle, but she forgets that the media doesn’t forget women who kidnap children.’

Speaking of children, I quickly glanced at my wristwatch. It was past eight. I was supposed to be on my way home.

‘I wish her the best. We already talked, though, and I warned her to stay away from us.’

Xavier nodded. ‘I told Kyle she was trouble then, but he didn’t listen.’ He lowered his voice. ‘I won’t be surprised if she was the one who attacked him.’

I agreed. ‘If she wasn’t, she knows the person.’

‘You need a drive home, right?’ he asked, changing the topic. Avaline was clearly an uncomfortable topic to talk about.

‘Yeah, I do. I am supposed to be home by eight o’clock.’ I replied, taking my bag and following him. 

I bade a few people goodnight and avoided Avaline’s burning gaze. She clearly didn’t take our conversation nicely.