10
ADLEY
“Let me see if I got it right.” Mykel seemed to understand more than I expected. Of course, he was brilliant. Apparently, he was top of the class and graduated with honor. “Lex wanted you to work at Kross Corp., but you refused. He gave you an ultimatum or what?”
“He wanted me to make babies with Gary.”
“Excuse me?” He cursed under his breath. His eyes flashed with anger before he blinked it away.
“Not exactly the exact words. Gary came to my office two days ago. He convinced me to work with my grandfather, insulted my business, called it a home makeover, and said I could make more money than I’ve been doing for the past years. In short, I’m wasting my time. Apparently, Grandpa invited him and his father over dinner at the mansion.”
“I’ve always hated men bullied women. I may be an asshole, but I’d never done that in my entire life. So, you got your trust funds when you turned twenty-one, right?”
“Yeah.”
“The only thing you’re worried about is your parents’ shares.”
“Yes. I’m selling my share if I don’t have other choices.”
“Why the fu— would you do that?”
“I’m not giving Grandpa a chance to control me. I’m my own person. I do what I love, and if I let him manipulate me, he’ll get used to it. And I’m not going to give him the victory he hopes for.”
“You do realize that he’s your grandfather, right?” He seemed to look proud of me, contradicting his words.
“So you do realize that he’s still your father, right? Why didn’t you ever accept his invitation?”
“That’s totally different. Because he’s an asshole.”
“So, I may have decided to sell my share.”
“Don’t do that. You’re a Kross. That’s your company too. How about your parents’ shares. You’re the only living daughter, am I correct?”
I sighed as I looked down at my fingers. I was shaking with anger earlier, but somehow I felt hopeful that I had someone who understood my situation and he was willing to listen.
“There’s a clause in the Will that I can’t do it alone. My parents didn’t trust the younger me, that I might turn out a disappointment, which I am.”
“You’re far from being a disappointment, Adley. What do you mean there’s a clause?”
I grabbed the wine glass and gulped the content empty. “I need to be married to have it.”
“Oh.” He leaned against the chair. He looked like he’d been running his fingers through his hair.
“I didn’t notice before that you have a tattoo.” Jeez, way to go, Adley. He had a tribal tattoo on his arm. I had nothing against people with tattoos, but I’d rather not have one. Looking at Mykel’s, though, gave me a rebel-hot-vibe. Maybe I should get one to prove to Grandpa that I could stand on my own.
“I have another one, but I’m sure you’re not interested in knowing where it is. So, how far are you willing to go to get what’s rightfully yours?”
My jaw dropped as I stared at him.
“I don’t want you to sell your share.”
“Maybe you wanna buy it.”
“I don’t think Lex would sell it to me even if the hell freezes over.”
“Why?”
“My father told him that we are dating. Remember the-saving-my-ass-moment at the benefit? And he couldn’t keep his mouth shut. Your grandfather isn’t convinced about that. He literally ordered me to stay away from you.”
I was beyond shocked. So, all these talks were useless. I nodded in dismay. “I understand. How did you find that out?”
“Your grandfather asked me to meet in his office.”
“So, you knew what I was about to tell you before I did.”
“Not entirely. And he ordered me to turn you down if ever you will come, asking my help.”
I grabbed my bag. “It’s a stupid idea anyway.” I looked at him one more time. Even though my world was falling apart, at least I got to see the beauty in front of me. “Thanks for listening. You’re not as terrible as I thought you were, Mykel.”
I was about to rise from the couch when he called my name, “Take a seat. This conversation is not over.”
I did as he told me to.
For a moment, he looked agonized, truly in pain, as if he remembered a painful past he wished not to visit. “I spent most of my life hating my father for abandoning us when we had nothing. My mother could barely make ends meet. He left us because Mom wasn’t born to a rich family. When Dru made peace with my grandfather, he should leave us in return.”
“I’m so sorry, Mykel.” I swallowed hard as I shook my head empathically. I couldn’t begin to imagine what he’d been through.
“Then later, my mother found out he knocked up someone.” He snorted, the pain set deep in his eyes. “Since then, I promised myself I would do everything to make my mother proud and give her what she couldn’t have while we were in that apartment. I got a scholarship. I finished college, and then the rest is history.”
It was inspirational. I couldn’t help but smile. “She must be so proud of you.”
“She’s gonna love you.”
“What?” My smile faded.
“I don’t like when people threaten me. I don’t take it lightly. So, my question is, how much are you willing to sacrifice to get what you deserve?”
“What are you suggesting?”
“Let’s give them what they want. Let’s get married.”
I was quicker on my feet as I narrowed my eyes at him. “Are you insane?”
He shrugged casually. “Maybe I am, but I hate your boyfriend Gary, and I don’t like how Lex warned me and gave you an ultimatum.”
“You’re sick. Who would you want to throw your freedom away because of an empty threat and a bully? And correction, he is not my boyfriend. I left him in the coffee shop when he literally told me not to drink Vienna coffee because it has calories.”
He shook his head in amusement. Then he looked at me from head to toe before focusing on me. “So Lex is throwing you to the rabid wolf for business ties? Grandfather of the year, eh.”
“That’s what I’d been telling you.”
“Jesus Christ.”
“Is Kross Corp. declaring bankruptcy?”
“No, baby. Did you get a second opinion from your lawyers?”
“Yeah. Pretty much not helpful. They can only protect my asset and share.”
“Think about my offer.”
Dazed, I eyed him suspiciously. “What’s your intention and benefits on this?”
“I told you—”
“No, you didn’t.”
He threw his head back and looked up at the ceiling. “I get it you don’t trust me. I wanna help you.” He then looked at me. “We’ll sign a prenup if that’s what you’re worried about.”
“Considering you are far wealthier than me, of course. You can have any woman in bed if you’re after is sex.”
He shook to laugh. His eyes glimmered. “I’m not desperate, Adley. Are you?”
Heat flooded my face. I was utterly embarrassed by the fact that he once knew it didn’t go well that night. “Son of—”
“I like you, and you know that since we first met. I still do, but marrying you has nothing to do with sex.”
“So you’re just throwing away your freedom because you wanna be a hero, helping a damsel in distress, that’s it?”
“It’s a win-win.”
“I don’t entirely understand you. A sensible man who doesn’t do relationships wants to marry a woman he barely knows. I’m not buying it.”
“Well, if you think it’s ridiculous, then forget what I said. Maybe you can just ask a man you find in the street to marry him and offer him ten thousand dollars to be Mr. Kross.”
“You’re a jerk.”
“If you choose a stranger over me. Go ahead. Try also asking Blaze.”
I kicked his foot under the table. “That’s crossing the line. He’s my best friend.”
“Ouch.” He winced. “You came to me. That’s my counter offer. You have two days to decide. Otherwise, you’re on your own.”
I swallowed hard as I fought back the tears that threatened to fall while he kept staring at me.
A wave of uncertainty flooded my chest as I was about to say the terrifying words. “Okay. Two days.”
He just nodded.
“And if I agree, I may have some conditions.”
He rolled his eyes. He just rolls his eyes at me. “Why I’m not even surprised? It would not be you if you didn’t come prepared.”
“Well, you can have your terms, too. We’ll discuss it.”
Mykel glared, blowing out a hard, frustrated breath. “Fine. Anyway, I have something—”
My phone suddenly rang. “Hold that thought.”
Blaze was calling me. “It’s Blaze.”
“Answer it. Might be important.”
I answered, “Blaze?”
“I’m staying out with a friend. Are you okay with being alone right now? You know I’m not really helpful these days, but I’ll make it up to you. Promise.”
“You’re a good best friend, Blaze. I know your life doesn’t and can’t always revolve around me. Get a life. I’ll be fine as long as you’re happy.”
“Thanks. But call me if you need me, okay?”
“Sure.”
“Got to go. Love you.”
“Love you, too.” I stared at the screen. Life must go on.
“You’re a good friend, Adley.”
“Thanks. I should go.” I slipped my phone back into my bag.
“You can stay if you don’t wanna be alone. I have a spare room.”
“I can’t. I need to think through this alone.”
“You have to be spontaneous sometimes. You only live once to live in regrets.”
“Think of this as baby steps.”
“Just remember that you don’t have to do this alone. I’m here now and always will.”
