CHAPTER 161

Genevieve Tessa Robert

I knocked lightly at the door, opened slowly, and walked into my parent's large library. They had invited me for a meeting after James informed them about my night with Kyle. I rehearsed my speech and reminded myself why I had forgiven Kyle and revealed who he was with the kids.

My dad was scrolling through his phone while Mom was laughing at something on her phone. They were seated on the long couch, ignoring my entrance until I settled near them.

‘Good afternoon, Mom and Dad. I got your message. But firstly,’ I took Mom’s phone. ‘Aren’t you supposed to be on bedrest?’

She folded her hands, pouting. ‘The doctor cleared me yesterday, and I decided to chill with my husband. Is that bad?’

I handed the phone back. ‘Alright. It’s not bad, then. So, why did you guys request my presence here this afternoon?’

Dad dropped his phone, sitting up. ‘Welcome, dear. I will go straight to the point. I called you because of Kyle. I thought we agreed that you wouldn’t be returning to that man. Don’t forget he didn’t show up for his children’s birthday party. What man doesn’t show up for his kids a special day?’

I rubbed my palms, gathering my thoughts. ‘Okay. We never agreed that I wouldn’t return to Kyle but that I wouldn’t date him until I was certain he'd be back for good. Also, I forgave him because he genuinely apologize for missing out on their birthday. Do you Avaline abducted him on that day?’

Mum shrugged. ‘We heard about it. We just want you to be careful with him. Kyle might be Nicholas and Hope’s father, but that doesn’t make him your man. I still have reservations about him.’

‘He isn’t my man, Mum. I am just being accommodating as you advised, and Dad, you don’t have to worry about me; I am being more careful than before. I don’t want to get burned twice.’

Dad nodded. 'Okay, but be careful with him. He was attacked before and will be attacked again. He’s one of the world’s best young CEOs. His enemies won’t hesitate to attack you and the twins.’

‘The guards and chauffeur have been instructed to be alert at all times, Dad. We will be fine. Also, I can bring Kyle over for dinner so that you guys can throw in your questions about my safety.’

‘No, that will be unnecessary. How’s Hoplas Design?’

I smiled, liking the change of conversation. I was already getting tired of convincing them about Kyle’s true nature. They still believed him to be the man who broke my heart six years ago and also the man who stole from them. Break the Robert's trust once, and you will spend an eternity trying to fix it.

I filled them in on all the projects I was working on and also the profits accumulated for the month. I wasn’t impressed that some of the jobs came from a particular client who had been making irritating advances at me. The man would do anything just to see and speak with me. 

I didn’t tell my parents about him because I knew how easy it was for them to erase him from London’s list of living residents. 

We moved to the kitchen to have lunch, and then Dad held a virtual meeting with all the managers and announced James' official departure to Arizona. I was amazed by their reactions, and after the call, I brought it up as we watched a movie.

‘I didn’t know Kyle was well loved and known among the employees. The managers changed my perspective about him, Mom.’

Mom threw a handful of popcorn into her mouth, chewing carelessly. ‘Your brother is a beautiful genius, dear, and the managers always strive to meet up to his expectations. They live for his approval, Tessa.’

I sighed. ‘I feel jealous, but I am proud of him. My little brother has made something out of himself. It’s a shame I am going to miss him. He has been so supportive, and the children have grown used to him.’

Dad cleared his throat, staring at me. ‘I am glad that we took the decision to send him to that business school, and he became serious. I don’t want him to go to Arizona, but we need a force to control those offices over there.’

‘I will miss him anyway. Where’s he though? He didn’t show up at my house for three days!’

Mum replied. ‘He’s in Luxembourg. He travelled for business training and would be back next week. Are you missing him already?’

I shrugged, focusing on the movie. ‘He hasn’t been picking up my calls or responding to my messages. I was worried, Mom.’

She laughed, ‘It’s fine. I won’t tell him you were missing him so much when he returns. Would you be staying over?’

I shook my head, remembering my piled-up work activities and midnight call conversation with Vera. The kids were staying with Kyle for the week, so I wanted to enjoy the house before they returned. Estella and I really needed the quiet and stillness of the atmosphere. 

‘No, I will be returning home. I have a lot of pending work activities I need to take care of, and there’s the call conversation with Vera. I haven’t been able to check up on her due to work.’

Mom nodded, taking my hands. ‘Alright, send my love to Vera and her baby. It’s been awhile since we saw her, though.’

‘The doctor hasn’t cleared her yet, but she’s recovering. I really can’t wait to see her out of that gigantic castle.’

Dad chuckled, ‘You know their house isn’t really a castle but an ancestral home, right?’

I shrugged, taking a handful of popcorn. ‘I feel it’s still a castle. Their home is so large and filled with rooms no one is using. I have told them to get a condo and rent that place. It reminds me of the Victorian era.’

‘Never judge the book by the cover, dear. Their home is their choice, just like Kyle, who is your choice. Let’s respect that, okay?’

I bit my bottom lip as I withheld the argument, begging to sprout out. I couldn’t believe she likened Vera’s house with Kyle.