CHAPTER 50

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.