The door clicked open and Evan walked in. He froze at the sight in front of him and then quickly lowered his head. Kayden and Alynah disentangled.
"Sorry for the interruption, sir" he bowed his head.
"Have you done what I asked you to do?" Kayden asked, his voice was so cold as he glared at Evan for ruining their moment.
"Ye..yes sir" he stuttered
"You may leave"
"Sir.." Evan trailed off as he looked up. Kayden have him a 'go ahead' look.
"Mr Royce is here to see you"
Alynah subconsciously gasped and Kayden turned to her. She tried to keep her expression blank but there's a slight hint of worry and panic beaming from her face. Kayden shrugged it off and urged Evan to let him in. Evan bowed and left.
Kayden moved behind his desk and picked up a paper. "Here Miss Grayling, you're going to Italy with me in two weeks time. You're chosen as a sought-after speaker in top industry conferences"
"Sir..?" Alynah's eye's widened, as she scanned through the paper. She's going to Italy with him?! Chosen as a sought-after speaker! That's surreal! Her success is truly soaring.
"Alright, thanks. I'll keep that in mind" Alynah smiled as she looked up. Kayden nodded with a warm smile.
Just then, the door clicked open and a figure walked in. He was clad in a navy blue suit, his dark brown hair was neatly styled, side partedly. His shoe clicked as he took steady steps in. His brown eyes lit up at the sight of Kayden and he shot him a cool smile. Then he turned to Alynah, who was staring at him with a blank expression. He winked at her and proceeded forward.
"You may leave, Miss Grayling"
Alynah bowed and turned to leave. She met Royce's one last stare before leaving. She don't like that fact that Royce is Kayden's friend, and he is someone from her past. The twisted idea sucks!
As Alynah left, she met Tulip standing by the door. "Oh baby, let's go" Alynah crouched to her level but then froze. If Royce just walked in, and Tulip is standing here...then (gasps) that wink meant something! Does that mean he already found out about her past?! Her eyes widened like saucers and her mind raced.
No, he can't know, he just saw Tulip here. He can't know she's her daughter. At least, not when Tulip didn't say anything.
"MUMMY?!" Tulip called for the third time, snapping Alynah out of her reverie.
"Yes yes, Tulip. Keep your voice low" Alynah whisper-yelled.
"I've been calling you Aunty Aly, you refused to answer" Tulip poured.
"Sorry baby, I zoned out" she stood up, holding Tulip's hand.
"Aunty Aly, are you mad at me?" Tulip pouted as they made to leave.
"No, I'm not" Alynah answered with a smile.
"Can I stay with handsome uncle for while?" Tulip asked.
"No"
"Please please" Tulip pouted. Alynah shut her eyes and sighed.
"Fine"
Tulip giggled and ran into Kayden's office.
Royce was smiling mischievously as he sat facing Kayden. "What a smart choice" he commented with a knowing smile and Kayden's brows knotted.
"What choice?" Kayden asked.
Royce shrugged his shoulders leisurely and rested his back.
"The little girl out there is a pretty one" Royce said, making Kayden more confused.
"Whatever that's not the case" Royce shrugged again. He stood up and made his way towards the espresso machine but was stopped by Kayden's cold voice.
"What's your connection with Miss Grayling?" The question got Royce frozen on the spot for a while and Kayden continued however.
"You've been hiding something from me since the last time you saw her"
Royce laughed it off and shrugged.
"You knew about her past?" Kayden asked again, catching him off guard.
Royce breathed out and returned to his sit. He placed both of his hands interwind on the desk and stared closely at Kayden.
"I only knew a whim. And even if I know about her past, it won't be so nice to unravel her secrets without her knowing. She'll tell you if she trusts you enough. But if you want me to dig it out, I'll help you since I've already gotten a hint" Royce stated.
Kayden lowered his head, shot his eyes and sighed deeply. He then looked up and waved his hand at his face.
"Nevermind. I'll let you know when I need help. You're right about telling me if she trusts me enough" he said. Royce nodded with a genuine smile.
"Well, I'm here let's discuss the trip to Italy for the conference. Your girl will be there, that adds a layer of spice in the story" Royce smirked, licking his lower lip and Kayden glared.
"Nothing will happen. This is strictly business trip. No personal feelings attached" he stared firmly and Royce grinned a stupid grin.
"Let's see then. A single touch and I'll sue you" Royce challenges.
"Yes father" Kayden said in a mockery tune that Royce laughed it off.
"I won't take advantage of her unless she pushes me to the wall. I'm not a pervert but...I can be one ...for her"