CHAPTER 40

Kyle King

Everything had happened so fast that I was almost losing my mind. The court case and the unexpected appearance of Tessa. The first fight with Ava and now, another, I was sitting in a room filled with my board of executives while my mom was doing her best to convince them to stay and look for clients who would help the company's profits. The ultimatum to pay the Roberts had been increased, thanks to Xavier, who worked hard to secure a meeting with James.

We had a week to go, and I had not gotten close to the amount I was expected to pay. It wasn`t as if I didn't have the money, but they invested in Ava`s Porsche and my six-bedroom flat with four bathrooms, a swimming pool, and a game room. I couldn`t watch my flat go because of the bills, and I couldn`t also sell Ava`s Porsche because she had my mom by her side. I couldn't think of what to do. Xavier had so far distanced himself after securing the deadline extension. He had repeatedly told me to fix my mess by myself since I didn't want to sell my house and the Porsche. 

The employees were also planning on resigning. Eighty percent of them heard about how I stole the Robert Project`s team bonuses and used them for my personal lifestyle. They were angry and disappointed with me. Suddenly, I felt the urge to cry and dashed out of the meeting. My mom could handle them for me. I instructed Christine not to allow anyone in my office, and I shut it down.

I was one of the greatest CEOs in Nashville and the one who had the most connections. I just had to settle and compile the names of contacts who could be of help at this moment. I can't allow Tessa to have the last laugh. I could still feel the hate in her eyes as she talked to me like a child that day and insulted me like I was nothing. Her change of attitude had shocked me, and her appearance too. I couldn't forget her full, beautiful face, even though I tried to and even when her words rang in my head.

I was slowly regretting my actions, and something urged me to call her and apologise. Maybe if we could reconcile and start as friends, I could chip in on the court case and my inability to meet up. Tessa has always been so kind-hearted, and I had a feeling she wouldn't think twice about helping me if I could pull the part of the prodigal ex-husband who returned to seek forgiveness. 

I shrugged, thinking of better plans, but nothing came up. Ava`s father wasn't willing to help out until I got married to Ava. According to him, I smelled like a greedy man who was ready to suck one dry. He also advised me not to drag his daughter into the mess, even though she was the reason I was in the mess. 

I crafted a letter and sent it to my uncle, David King. He's the only one who could help me at this point. He owned one of the biggest airlines in Nashville, but few people knew him as the founder or as my uncle. We had never been on good terms because of the company. According to him, he was supposed to be the CEO after my dad passed away, but my mom came in and spoiled all his plans. He hadn`t forgiven us and refused to have anything to do with us or family members who supported us. 

It felt like a stupid idea to reach out to him for help, but I knew if I didn`t, I would be sleeping in Nashville Prison starting next week. The thought made me shiver. I couldn`t let that happen. I read through the mail again and sent it to him. I hoped he would read it and replied. 

David King was beginning to look like my only hope. 

I stood up, stretched, and settled back. There was a new message from him. Okay, that was quick.

Hello, Nephew

We can meet at Lourdes by six o`clock. Come alone, please.

I smiled. Dear Uncle David, here I come.

                                            ***

`You can't meet him. I forbid you, Kyle!` mom yelled, banging her fist on the table. `He made it clear that he wanted to have nothing with us years ago. Why would you choose to do this to me?`

I sighed. We were at home, relaxing after Romina`s signature tacos and orange juice, when I decided to inform her about the meeting with Uncle David. I regretted my action immediately.

`Do you want me to sell the Porsche and the house?`

She grunted, avoiding my gaze. `No, I don't want you to do that. I am just saying that it doesn't make sense to meet him for help after years of silent treatment from him. What if he decides to ask for something in return?`

I had thought about that, and to be honest, I didn't know what I was going to give in return for his help. I hoped he didn`t. We were family, and family was supposed to help one another in times like this, right? I told my mom this much.

`I don`t think he will ask for something in return. He`s a multimillionaire, and I am sure we don't have anything to give him that would be of value to him.`

She shook her head. `You don't know David as well as I do. If he's going to help you, be prepared to give him something in return. I just hope he doesn't ask for a place in the company, son. If he does, that will be the beginning of our trials, son.`

I hope he didn`t.