Chapter 26: Chapter 26

Chapter 26

RAVEL

(PRESENT TIME)

The moment I stepped out of the board room, Rose fell into step with Raymond a few paces behind.

“Sir, all the changes have been made in the hall per your request, do you wish to fly down to Seattle and take a look?

Raymond’s voice screamed in my head, telling me to refuse the suggestion, “Get the jet ready, I’ll leave after I meet with the model managers.” Raymond withheld his objections. My phone vibrated in my pocket and I pulled it out and stared briefly at the caller’s ID before shoving it back into my pocket.

Raymond chuckled behind me. “If that’s your mother, I suggest you pick it up because she’s already waiting in your office.”

Halting abruptly, I glared at Rose who quickly explained in her defense. “I couldn’t stop her sir, she’s your mother.”

She’s my mother and not a part of the board. “What stopped you from informing me that she’s in my office?” I drawled out slowly, waiting for an excuse for her tar diness.

“I’m sorry sir.” Rose quickly apologized, acknowledging her shortcomings. “I was going to inform you after discussing the hall with you.”

This is ten in the da mn morning, I’m in no mood to deal with Anne. “Next time, do not let her into my office without prior notice from me.”

She nodded sharply, hurrying behind me as I resumed walking. “Does the rule apply to other members of your family or just Mrs. Anne Southwark alone?”

I contemplated my response. “Elenor is exempted.” At least she gives me an update on what’s happening in Hazel’s life. The news Raymond intentionally omit to share with me, I get them from Hazel. “Give the pilot a call and inform him I’ll be leaving for Seattle by noon.” I glanced at my wristwatch. “That’s in the next two hours.”

“Yes sir.” She pulled out her phone, ready to make the phone call.

“Also give the chopper dude a call,” I added, interrupting her movement, “I do not want to get stuck in traffic on my way to the airport.” She gave me a nod before distancing herself to make the calls whilst I stepped into my office to face my mother.

Anne stood at the end of my office, staring at the only artwork on the wall. “I’m yet to see what you see in this work.” She muttered, slowly turning to face me. “How much did you get this? Maybe I can convince you to get rid of it.”

The painting in question is a garden, filled with flowers, more of daisies than roses, Hazel’s first artwork. I cherish that painting more than anything, in other words, it is priceless. “What are you doing here Anne?”

“What do you think I’m doing here?” She countered back as she slowly made her way toward my desk.

Dressed in a black gown with feathery sleeves and comfortable red heels that match the color of her lips, anyone can see that Anne Southwark isn’t just a beautiful woman, but a sophisticated one. “You’ve been avoiding me.” She pointed out.

“The more reason why you shouldn’t show up.”

Dangling her index finger in disagreement, she settled down on the plush leather seat and crossed her ankle. “Ever heard of the saying that if the mountain refuses to come to Mohammed, then Mohammed will have to go to the mountain? You’ve refused to see me, so I decided to show up.”

I’m sure her visit is anything but peaceful. “What exactly are you doing here Anne?” I ran my finger through my stubble. “I’m a very busy man who should be in a meeting in the next thirty minutes.”

“What’s this I’ve been seeing online?” She asked, going straight to the point.

Massaging my temple, I thought of one thousand ways to put an end to this conversation. “If you’re going to butt into my business, can you be more specific?” I know exactly what she’s talking about, and she won’t be Anne Southwark if she doesn’t

cause problems about this too.

“I think you know what I’m talking about son.” She snarled. Uninterested in whatever sh it she wants to talk about, I just blinked at her. “That gold-digging wh ore you’ve been flaunting all over the place!”

My jaw clenched at her insult. “It seems all females are gold-digging wh ores to you, Anne.” Tilting my head to the left, I continued staring at her. “Correct me if I’m wrong, but I’m certain you used the same words for Hazel.”

“That’s because I’m able to identify a gold digger when I see one.” She snapped. Apathetic to her words, I shrugged. “There are a lot of ladies who meet your social class, why do you always have to go for the lowest of them all?”

Couldn’t the reason be more clearer to her? “Because it’s my life and my choice.” I deadpanned when she failed to see the picture. “If that is all you came to talk about, then I’m going to have to ask you to leave my office.”

She frowned, her face tightening with anger. “You’re going to kick your mother out of your office because of that bit ch?!”

Hazel might have suffered verbal abuse a few times in my absence from her, but I will not let June face the same fate. “I will not be the one doing the kicking, my security will.” I gestured towards the door.

“Just leave before you end up disgracing yourself.”

“I

Scraping the chair backward, she stood up, splayed out her ten red-painted fingers on the table, and leaned towards me. was ecstatic when you got rid of that drug addict in your life and I was hoping that you’ll get it right this time, but obviously, you can’t, which is why I’m going you have to step in and help you out.”

“What the heck are you talking about Anne?”

“June,” She hissed out, “your domestic staff. It will be over my dead body will you get married to her.”

Tightening her lips, she leaned down further. “I am Anne Southwark and I get what I want, and what I want right now is to get that wh ore out of your life, and I will not stop until it happens.”

“This is your last chance to leave before I call security on you,” I warned sternly. Anne glared at me, grabbed her Valentino bag, and stomped out of my office.

*å­¸**

**

The meeting with the model agencies lasted longer than I expected, which made me arrive in Seattle later than planned. From the airport, I headed straight to the venue of my event to check out everything that has been done so far.

“We’re not spending the night in this city, right?” Raymond asked.

Scrolling through the news on my tablet, I zoomed in on a picture. “I’m a busy man, do I look like someone who has time for an impromptu vacation?”

“Yes.” I lifted my eyes and glared at him. “What?! I really hope you don’t change your mind when you run into her.”

I scoffed, ridiculing his statement. “How small is this city?”

“Not when the event hall is a stone’s throw from her art gallery.” Raymond deadpanned. “Don’t act surprised by the news sir, I’m very much aware that was the reason you chose the hall.”

Sue me for wanting to get a glimpse of her face. Ignoring his remark, I refocused my attention on the tablet in my grasp.

It took us an hour to get to the venue. Raymond got off the car first, rounded it, and opened mine. The moment I stepped. out, I was greeted with a smiley face from Mr. Hems, the man in charge of the venue. He led us into the building and pointed out notable changes that has been made to suit my taste.

My phone vibrates in my pocket, demanding my attention. Since we are on the second floor, I opted to use the balcony for more privacy.

“What is it Elenor?” I questioned the moment I swiped the answer button. “Is someone dying?”

“Very funny.” She responded with a flat sarcastic tone. “I dropped by the office and Rose told me you went to Seattle. Have

you finally come to your senses?”

The sight here is incredible. I can literally see the shops down the road. “What exactly is your purpose for calling?”

“To wish you good luck.”

Rolling my eyes, I dipped my left hand into my pocket. “I’m here for business Elenor, and I’ll like to get back to it if you don’t mind. Stay safe.” Disconnecting the call that instant, I remained standing on the balcony, needing a minute to collect my thoughts.

My gaze leisurely swiped to the coffee shop at a distance and the least person I expected to see emerged from the confines of the coffee shop.

Hazel.

For a moment, I was delighted to get a glimpse of her from afar, but that moment of joy was sn atched off abruptly when the dude from the last time equally walked out of the coffee shop and grabbed her hand.

She stared at their connected hands for a split second and I hoped with everything in me that she’ll pull away from his grasp, but she smile at him instead.

The ba stard whispered something in her ear and she laughed genuinely.

Is he the guy Elenor says Hazel is dating?

“Bossman?” Raymond called out.

I shifted my gaze from them as they disappeared into one of the streets. “Yes.”

“We’ve been waiting for your inside.”

“Book an emergency roo for us in any hotel,” I instructed him without turning to face him.

“I thought we were leaving immediately after inspecting the place?” He asked in a slightly confused tone.

“I change my mind, we are spending the night in Seattle.” I don’t know what I wish to achieve by spending the night, but I know I have to see Hazel.