Kayden's BMW M6 pulled over in front of the massive gate at Lakewood neighborhood. For some reasons, he was really nervous.
Kayden walked into the large living room in steady steps. He met his father, Mr Reginald Hart sitting on the single couch, reading an article. Mrs Silvia was standing beside him. Kayden proceeded and sat across his father. Reginald looked up, glaring at Kayden under his spectacles. Kayden stared calmly at his father.
"Good day, father, mother" he greeted with a slight nod.
"Explain what is good about the day!" His father snapped. His tone cold and firm. Kayden breathed out. He was expecting that anyway.
"I've already explained everything, father. There's noth---"
"Explain it directly to me then!" Reginald Hart yanked the magazine on the table making Mrs Silvia flinch but Kayden remained calm and composed. He glanced at the top article and sighed.
The legend CEO seen with a child. Is she a mysterious family?
"Tulip is someone I care about. The rumors are not true. That's all I can tell you" Kayden shrugged his shoulders elegantly.
"I trained you to be a good leader and not to act recklessly. Your actions reflects on us! On the reputation of Golden Sparrow Enterprise!" Reginald continued yelling.
"We want to see you progress and not with some...some child!" He added, his tone showed how displeased he is.
"Kayden darling, perhaps you should tell us your true relationship with that Tulip" Mrs Silvia chimed in.
"Mother, I've already clarified the issue. I only cared about her. That's all" Kayden groaned softly.
"If I find out what you said is not true...I will not let it slide" Reginald warned, adjusting his spectacles.
"I know, father. I will keep that in mind" Kayden nodded like an obedient little kid.
"Remember, this will not pass just like this. I am watching, so be warned" there's a hint of threat and warning as he said that. Kayden nodded, knowing fully what his father meant. He knew his father is capable of doing what he said he would and no one can stop him. Kayden knew that right now, he's sitting on pins and needles if his father find something otherwise. He won't let his guard down.
Reginald Hart was a legendary figure in the business world. He trained Kayden to be a man of potential since from his young age. Golden Sparrow Enterprise flourished under his leadership. When Kayden clocked 22, he decided to step down his position for Kayden to take over. He became a mentor and role model for Kayden, guiding him towards the business world. He was proud of the man Kayden grew up to be. But Kayden had the passion for design and creativity. And so, he established Golden Sparrow Graphics as a subsidiary of Golden Sparrow Enterprise. At 26, Kayden's organization became one of the top ten companies that lead the business world. His presence in the business world had made a formidable force to business.
Now, Kayden's father, Mr Reginald Hart was really pissed off when he saw the news. He will do everything in his power to protect the reputation and future of Golden Sparrow Enterprise even if it means shattering Kayden's personal reputation and image, he will do it. The company means a lot to him and losing it...
"Honey, what are you trying to do about it. It looks like Kayden is telling the truth" Mrs Silvia broke through his thoughts.
Reginald Hart didn't respond. He only scrolled through his phone and dialed a number.
"Sir?" A voice was heard from the other end of the line.
"I want you to investigate about that little Tulip that appeared. Her parents, past, everything. I need to know" Reginald stated.
"Yes sir. Consider it done"
Beep! The call ended.
Alynah was talking to Kayden in his office. They are discussing about the trip to Italy which will be next tomorrow. It's been a week since Kayden visited his family and the news was taken down. Everything turned back on normal in the business world. But as for Kayden, it's not normal knowing fully his father his keeping an eye on him.
"But sir, if the business trip is taking two weeks, what about Tulip and her studies?" Alynah asked, worried and concerned.
"We can take her with us. We can't possibly leave her behind since she has...no one" Kayden replied, softening his voice at the last word.
"But her studies...?"
"I will talk to the principal of her school, she'll be taking two weeks off" Kayden cut her off. Alynah scoffed.
"Seriously? The public haven't recovered from the recent scandal and now, you want to go to her school? You'll make it look more suspicious"
Kayden bit his lower lip and shook his head.
"I'll take care of it"
"Alright Mr Hart, where's she living if we take her with us? She can't possibly come with us to the conference" Alynah asked again. She's asking all these in order for Tulip and Kayden to be on the safe side. She wouldn't want another scandal to be breaking out I'm Italy. Her daughter will be the talk of the month, if not for the year.
"Trust me, that's a surprise" Kayden grinned as he said that. He leaned his back on his chair, staring at Alynah who was staring weirdly at him.
Just then, the door burst open and as usual, Royce walked in.
"Goodness Man! Look at what you've caused. You---" he trailed off and froze at the sight of Alynah. Royce coughed into his fist and composed himself.
"What's up, you two?"
Seriously?
Kayden and Alynah stared at each other then back at him.
"Mr Hart, it was nice meeting you in person. Can we discuss something in private?" Royce asked, trying to act more professional or should I say, formal.
"I'm afraid not, Mr Westgate. You just broke into the office when I am in the 'middle' of a serious meeting" Kayden offered a the affectionate sarcasm on his words that Royce glared at him.
"Are you chasing me out of your office?" He asked, crossing his arms.
"No. You are trying to chase her out of my office" Kayden pointed. He rolled his eyes, ignoring Royce's glares and sipped from his cup.
"And don't even think of coming near to my espresso machine" Kayden warned as if reading Royce's man.
"Uhmm... Mr Hart, I think we should continue the meeting later by the day. I have some things to do now. If you'll excuse me" Alynah rushed her words as sh stood up. She bowed and turned to leave, shooting Royce a blank stare.
As the door shut behind her, Royce rushed to Kayden's espresso machine, ignoring Kayden's threatening gaze.
"Gosh man! I missed this taste!" He sipped from his cup.
"Why are you here?" Kayden asked in a plain tone.
"I was in Peru, when I saw the news. Goodness, you are truly good at causing trouble" Royce pointed, sitting opposite him. Kayden didn't say anything, he only sipped his coffee, absentmindedly.
"Tell me, did daddy threaten his little son after seeing the news?" Royce asked, leaning forward and Kayden nearly choked on his coffee, earning a laughter from Royce.
"Ohh, I guess he did!" Royce chided.
"Why exactly are you here? Don't tell me you flew all the way from Peru to Texas, just to disturb my peace?" Kayden scoffed in disbelief.
"I will do just that if it annoys you" Royce winked at him.
"You were brave at the press conference but I guess you looked like a shivering chicken in front of the almighty Mr Reginald Hart" Royce laughed at the thought of Kayden shivering like a chicken.
"You're hurting my pride" Kayden warned but Royce laughed it off. Royce cleared his throat and dropped his cup then leaned forward with a serious expression.
"Now tell me, why did you deny Tulip as your daughter?"