Kyle King
Rather than waiting for my mom to arrive at the office for the meeting with Uncle David, II decided to drive over to her house and have the conversation. I also chose that option because I didn’t suspect that there was a reunion party within the King’s family. It will draw the press’s attention, and I didn’t want to start answering questions. Uncle David arrived shortly. He was wearing his signature perfume, Calvin Klein, his ever-smooth black suit, and designer shoes. He looked like a hot Hollywood sugar daddy. Maybe he wanted to impress my mom. ‘Hello son. Sorry, I came late. An emergency meeting came up before I left the office, and I had to attend it. It was really important. Where’s your mom?’ He said it in one breath, sitting down. I smiled. ‘She’s in the kitchen, supervising the meals. She believes you are here to apologize and ask for forgiveness. I hope you are here for that.’ He replied. ‘I can try, but you know the real purpose of why I am here. If your mom starts anything, consider the partnership over. As much as I want us to work together, I won’t accept a stain on my image. Your mom is notable for that.’ I flinched at his last words. Mom had strained her relationship with Uncle David, even though she didn’t want to admit it. I hoped silently that she would agree with our collaboration, and if she didn’t, I would just go ahead. I was done playing with her tune when it had to do with business matters. I reassured him, ‘Even if she doesn’t agree, we will work together. I can’t watch the plans for the corporation to walk away just because of some old family feud. She can watch with the public while we grow the corporation.’ He studied me for a moment. ‘I love your determination, but don’t forget that your mother has the highest percentage of veto power to uproot you as CEO. When you decide to make her sign over that veto power, that’s when you can disobey her.’ I sank deeper into the couch. He was right. I had to do everything to make her agree to our plans. She walked in suddenly, smiling broadly. ‘David!,’ she called, walking towards him. I am glad you are finally here. How are you doing?’ He took her hands as he slowly rose up. ‘Pretty fine, Dahila. I can see Kyle has been taking care of you. I am sorry I didn’t reach out all those years. I hope you are doing great?’ She nodded, leading to the table. ‘It’s alright. We know why you didn’t reach out, so there’s no need to apologize. I am also doing great. Kyle has been taking good care of me.’ He smiled, taking the hint not to ask anymore questions as she helped to dish out the food. We had small talks about work, politics, Robert’s project, and what I could have done better. Then, mom started a tale about how she first met my dad and Uncle David, and soon, they were like old friends. That was a good sign. After the meal, we moved to her spacious office to start the meeting. Firstly, Uncle David apologized for the years of silent treatment and noted his shortcomings and faults. He also promised to show more for the family and introduce his family to us soon. I knew he wouldn’t do the latter. His family was a no-go area for us, especially my mom. ‘Of course, I accept your apology, even if it’s coming late,’ my mom said, ignoring my cautious stare. ‘You have the confidence, and I am appreciative of that. Is there anything else you would like to apologize for? Like staining me and Kyle’s image? Also, the threats and humiliations for years before you accepted Kyle as the chosen one? Uncle David’s face tightened. ‘Dahlia, don’t push it. I have apologized already, and trust me, I didn’t want to do it, but because of Kyle. I am sure he must have told you about our little partnership, right?’ She glared at him and said, ‘You shouldn’t move on from your apology rant just like that. I still haven’t accepted it. If you want the partnership to work, then you must apologize fully. Don’t think that because you helped my son during his low day, you can just fly in and dictate to us just like that!’ Oh boy! She was taking it too far. I had to step before Uncle David changed his mind and walked out. I noticed he was almost deciding on that. I raised my voice, staring sternly at her. ‘Mom, that’s enough! He has apologized, and that’s all that matters. Don’t forget, you owe him one for everything that happened to his marriage and status. If not for his airline, which picked it up through the World Bank grant project, he would be nowhere and wouldn’t have been able to help me. So, please cut this crap and let’s talk business.’ She mumbled a sorry to Uncle David, who waved it off. I shook my head. Mom could be proud at times when it was not needed. I brought out the business plans, and we started the meeting. By two o’clock, we were done. Uncle David and Mom walked into the parlor to watch a movie while I left them. I was glad they were getting along slowly. Also, she reluctantly agreed to the joint corporation. She wanted to be on the board of executives, but I declined. She will want to cause more chaos with Uncle David some day, and I was certain I wouldn’t like it. Thankfully, she promised to help with the finances as my mother and also to ensure her name appeared on the donation list to promote her fame. She was Dahila King, always ready to do everything to draw attention to her. I wasn’t surprised, so I agreed.Geneveive Tessa Robert The United Kingdom was everything I dreamt of. The estate where we resided was quiet and peaceful, with friendly neighbors. I remember when Hope and Nicjolas came to the world, and mom announced it to the neighbors. The love, gifts, and lovely messages that flowed in were so much that I broke down crying. It was massive, and I was grateful for everything. Also, my return from the hospital was greeted with a surprise party, and loads of gifts flowed in. I had to send most to the foster homes around and donate to orphanage homes too. I didn’t want to lavish the kids with too many gifts that they wouldn’t be able to play with at the end of the day. I smiled, looking at my mom as she carried Hope. She was a replica of Kyle, while Nicholas looked more like me and James. Strange, but beautiful. James called Nicholas his twin and bought him his first car. I was crazy about him then, but now it doesn’t matter since Nicholas wasn’t go
Kyle KingThe well-trimmed beard around his hollow face and blond hair rolled back from shaped eyebrows. His smile didn’t hide his hollow face or do justice to his appearance. He walked towards me with a tablet. ‘Mr. Xavier is on the other side of the room. Please, come this way.’I don’t understand why Xavier decided to leave our favorite bars and restaurants and book a spot in this expensive classic restaurant. I didn’t get it at all. I followed the waiter, who seemed to be popular among the customers. Every second, he stopped to say a quick hello or inform one of them to leave a review. I hated things like this, but I followed them still. Nobody really paid attention to me, though, and I got why Xavier had chosen this place. They were the kind of people his mother hung out with. The high-profile people in society paid no attention to him, and after a while, he got used to the stops and pauses of the waiter’s greetings.Th
Kyle KingIt’s been three months since Uncle David and I came to a settlement and agreed on the fifty-fifty share. He worked on the building plans, though, and ensured everything went according to his vision. The tech company was going to be only involved in creating tablets and installing them in restaurants, hotels, and resorts on their tables for reviews, orders, and payment. I had brought up the idea, and Uncle David had expanded it.I was certain this was going to be my next ticket to becoming rich and topping the billionaire’s list like the Kings used to back in the day. I picked up the magazine lying carelessly on my table. I couldn’t believe my eyes at what I saw. Ava was on the front cover of a Playboy magazine! What?I wasn’t a fan of these soft sell magazines, but once in a while, I loved to keep up with their tips and ad trends for men. Today’s copy had been left by a friend who came to visit. I checked the magaz
Geneveive Tessa Robert‘Mama, Mama!’ Hope cried, wobbling on her two legs before falling on the carpet.I chuckled, picking her up. It was her first word since clocking one year and six months ago. I smiled, rocking her as she cried loudly. She was an attention seeker, and as mom had predicted, she took my stubborn side. She won’t eat when she’s expected to unless you bribe her with toys and distract her with lullabies. Nicholas was adorable and an eater. Thankfully, James was always around to take care of him and play games with him.It was funny always to see James playing with his toys and pretending to be a horse that gives exciting rides. Vera was also playing an incredible role. She was the perfect godmother. The birthday they threw said it all for the twins. I placed Hope in the cradle, watching her as she sank into a deep sleep.One good thing about Hope was that she was a deep sleeper, except if there were loud n
Geneveive Tessa Robert‘I forgot about Vera. I am going to call her right now, and you’re going to tell me what happened between you and her after I left Arizona. You guys have been keeping me in the dark for a long time.’ II said, raising an eyebrow.He shrugged.. ‘There’s nothing to tell, sis. Vera made it clear that she wanted nothing to do with me. I guess she’s still holding something against me.’I smiled, feeling for him a bit. Vera could hold a grudge for years; that was why friends called her the queen of malice and cold hearts. If you get on her bad side, it will be hard for you to get on her good side. Even if you did, she will never forget what you did to her.‘I am sorry about that, bro. You know how Vera can be, and don’t say I didn’t warn you. I told you to move on, but you wouldn’t listen. Anyway, I am not taking this short story. What really happened?’&lsquo
Kyle King ‘I am sorry, sir, but we can’t allow your wife in. She isn’t on the invitation list,’ the secretary said, looking through the list again. We were at the Tech Seminar 1.0, but the secretary had refused to give Ava a tag that would allow access into the hall. I called one of the facilitators of the seminar, but all he could tell me was that I should pay a ticket if I wanted Ava to attend. They didn’t invite her, but just me, my mom, and Uncle David. ‘Let’s go home, then. They can’t disrespect us and still expect you to speak at their annoying seminar, Ava yelled, attracting people’s attention. ‘Calm down, babe. I will pay for your ticket, and we can go in.’ I said, bringing out my card.’ She smiled and said, ‘Thank you. I thought you were done spending lavishly on me.’ ‘No, I can’t be done,’ I said, swiping my card against the payment machine to pay the ridiculous price of five thousand dollars. The machine screamed red immediately, with written words staring boldly a
Geneveive Tessa RobertI agreed to attend the monthly meeting of the company because it’s been a while since I've been actively involved in any programme. Also, due to my kids and the interior design building construction, I wasn't available to assume my full responsibilities as director of my assigned department, which was administration. Dad wasn’t bothered because I was his daughter, after all, but James? He reminded me that I was still a remote employee of the family.After the long talks and a long speech I had prepared as a comeback and the public relations officer sharing new updates on our branch in Nashville and a client’s successful contract with the company, Dad brought the meeting to an end. Everyone clocked around me, asking about Hope and Nicholas. They weren’t familiar faces because our branch in the United Kingdom was run by a relative, so I never had the chance to pop up here until we relocated.I just smiled and shook hands with most until a familiar voice greeted
Kyle KingThree hours have passed since Uncle David scheduled our meeting. I dialled his number again, but it was switched off. Xavier had long given up on Uncle David's showing up. He was talking to one of the bartenders in Lourdes, probably trying to get a girl’s number or maybe secure a spot in their exclusive karaoke night.Last week was drama-filled. The wedding had to be shifted to next month because Ava was pissed at the entire world for trying to ruin her image after the seminar. She fought more with me and spent almost all the money in our joint account until I was forced to remove her as a signatory. Did she learn her lesson? No. She came to the company, embarrassed me, and made sure everyone knew how I was trying to get her pregnant because my dumb ex-wife couldn’t do it. She also called me names I can’t even whisper in my heart. Mom sided with her this time around, and I ensured I reminded her about the playboy incident. If she repeated that act, I was going to personally