Chapter Five

"What are you doing here, mom?" He asked with his eyes on her. Not pleased to see her.

"What do you mean what am I doing here? This is my home," She reminded him. 

Connor internally  rolled his eyes and made his way into the room.

"You can come back for cleaning," Lilian said to Nancy who nodded and took her leave.

Lillian proceeded into her Son's room with the tray.

By the time she got in, he had already put on a shirt.

"It is so unlike you to be in the house by this time. No work today?" Lillian said as she placed the tray on the table in his room which was just opposite his bed. It contained his breakfast, properly covered, and a mug of coffee.

"I was about to go get ready when you all interrupted me."

"Are you sure you're okay? You look terrible. Or is the workload at the office too much for you? You know I can always speak to your father." Lilian said as she stood before her son.

Despite being in her early fifties, She radiated a lot of power, beauty, and prestige. She was indeed the wife of the richest man in the states. The status fitted her so well and she had always loved every bit of it. And despite being that age, Lilian was still looking as beautiful as ever.

"I'm fine, mom. Are you not meant to be on a trip or something?" He asked since that was what she seemed to do lately. Especially since his father retired and handed the company over to him.

"You've not answered my question." Lilian reminded.

"I hardly got any sleep last night and that's why I feel this way."

"Are you sure? Is there anything else bothering you that you aren't telling me about?" She closed the gap between them and was about to cup his face in her hands when he groaned.

"Mom, I'm not a kid. I'm fine."

"I know when you're not being sincere with me and who said you're not a kid? No matter how old you are, you'll forever be my baby."

Connor rolled his eyes.

"So that's what I get for showing concern? Rolling your eyes at me?"

"Mom, you know I love you but believe me when I say I'm fine. I can take care of myself."

"If you say so." Lilian took a step back "And if you need anything, you know where to find me. I know you're grown and all of that but I just hope you share your worries with me."

Conner rolled his eyes again.

"We used to be close, what happened?"

"Mom, I need to get ready for work."

"Whatever, be present for dinner tonight. Your Dad has something to tell us"

"Can't he just text us what it is about?"

"You know your father. This is probably another trick for him to spend time with his family so just be there."

"Promised my guys already that I was going to be at the club."

"Cancel or you go to the club after dinner and don't you dare come to this house drunk if you don't want your father's wrath."

Connor frowned. "Did that goal digger say anything?"

"Who? Did you and Diane fight?"

"I was referring to the maid that came with you."

"Nancy? What's wrong? Did she do anything to upset you?"

"Fire her."

Lilian frowned."Why?"

"Her presence irritates me."

"Are you joking?"

"She's new but I like her. If she hasn't done anything to offend you, I see no reason why you want me to fire her."

"You don't trust me?" Connor stared at his mother.

"I do but you know I don't take shit from nobody when it comes to my staff since it's a great hassle to get trusted ones."

"If she offended you, then there must be a good reason and if you can't tell me the reason then I'm sorry to say, you are going to hold your peace forever."

"So you don't trust your own son? Very interesting to know."

"I trust you, Connor but I also know you."

"These people that come to work for us are humans like us. Some of them have never gotten the privilege to come across people like us. Some of them aren't as educated as we are so you need to be patient with them and not look down on them too."

"As long as they respect you, I feel you should give them the same respect."

Connor rolled his eyes. "Fine, I want her very far away from me. Let someone else be in charge of cleaning my room."

"Is there something you aren't telling me?" She asked again, looking at him suspiciously.

"The girl you're talking about looks really gentle to even annoy you so I don't get."

"Nothing. Her presence just upsets me."

"If you say so! I will assign someone else your room."

"So what's the plan for the celebration?"

"What celebration?"

"Your girlfriend's birthday?"

"Which of them?"

"Connor!" Lilian called out her son's name in disbelief. "I raised you better than that."

"I'll probably tell my secretary to pick something up for her."

"Don't you think it's time to be more passionate about your relationship?"

"You aren't going to stay single forever you know right?" She said when she saw the look on her son's face.

"When that time comes, I'll cross the bridge. But I want to enjoy myself for now."

"Your Dad is going to freak out. You know how much he loves Diane? Anyways, just be careful, and if you know you're not going to make her your bride I would advise you don't lead her on."

"I don't lead anyone on. They are always all over me no matter how hard I try to push them away."

"Still, just make your intentions clearer."

"I'll try." He mumbled.

"You better and don't forget to attend dinner tonight."

Lilian was about to take her leave when she sighted the bandage on his wrist. "What's that?" She turned to face him properly, reaching for his hand.

"It's nothing, mom." He was trying to take his hand away from her hold.

Lilian stared at her Son in disbelief. "Please don't make me feel like a failed mother. I've literally asked you more than three times if everything is well with you."

"And don't you dare deny. You are someone that's not comfortable with any bruise or injury being on your body. How did this happen?"

"I was cutting oranges. My mind wasn't there."

"Like I would believe you. Why would you want to cut oranges when you don't know how to use a knife?"

"Look, it was an accident, mom. I'm fine. I'll probably visit the Doctor today."

"Connor Shawn"

"Please don't start, mom."

"I'm fine. I promise you."

"I don't believe but it's cool. Just stay safe and I'll see you at dinner. Don't come late."

Conner nodded.

She hugged her son.

Connor rolled his eyes but he returned his mother's hug anyways.

Once she took her leave, he helped himself with the coffee and after he was done, he proceeded to the bathroom, to get ready for work.