"Now tell me, why did you deny Tulip as your daughter?" Royce asked and Kayden was forced to choke on his coffee. He coughed and coughed for a while before composing himself.
"Point of correction Royce, I didn't deny her. She wasn't my daughter in the first place. I thought I've cleaned that rumour?" Kayden corrected, tilting his head in a questioning manner.
Royce groaned and lazily leaned back in his chair.
"Many won't take it that way, Kayden. You're the most successful, if any business tycoon finds out about your weakness, you're done for. Better investigate yourself, maybe you have a past that looks insignificant to you but has a large if not larger impact on you..."
Royce advices, like a 'true and serious' friend. Kayden stayed quiet, looking like he's thinking. A light bulb appeared on Royce's head as he remembered something.
"Ah! The reason why you stopped taking alcohol, that could also---"
Royce made to talk but Kayden cut him off firmly, slamming his hand on the glass desk.
"Cut that crap!!!"
Royce flinched at the sudden resentment in his voice.
"That was four years ago. Careful not to bring that up. It was mistake and I regretted it for the rest of my life" Kayden said firmly. Something flickered in his grey eyes like that of regret or pain but it disappeared as soon as it came. Royce had noticed his sudden flicker but didn't say anything. He understands his friend more than anyone else and he wouldn't love to provoke or bring up his bitter past.
Everyone has a bitter past indeed.
"Sorry about that. But also least Kayden, I know it could hurt bringing up your past but can you look into it a little so s to be sure that you haven't left anything behind. I'm only trying to help as a friend" Royce said, his voice calm and persuasive this time around.
"Thank you for your concern" Kayden offered all the sarcasm in the world in that sentence. Royce however sighed and shook his head.
"I'll take my leave now, if you ever need help..."
"Thank you for your help, Mr Royce Westgate. I think we are done with today's meeting. If you will excuse me, I have another meeting in less than an hour" Kayden cut him off in a more formal and professional tone.
Royce smirked and stood up.
"It was a pleasure meeting you, Mr Kayden Hart" he offered his handshake but Kayden only glared at him. He chuckled and shove his hand into his pocket and walked out, not after hearing Kayden curse him underneath his breath.
Kayden buried his head in his palms and sighed.
Four years of success
Four years of regret and pain
Four years of recklessness
Four years of...
"Why the heck must it be four years? Is it some kind of curse?!" Kayden asked, no one in particular. He sighed and ruffled his hair in extreme frustration.
Kayden, Tulip and Alynah flew from Texas to Italy using his private jet. Tulip was the most excited of them as she kept squealing and appreciating anything she sees. She seemed to be enthusiastic about traveling and tours. Kayden and Alynah smiled at her enthusiasm. They are both glad that the trip will make her happy. It well truly be a memorable one.
They arrived at their private Villa and Kayden inserted the pin. The door clicked open and what followed was a sharp female voice and someone jumped into his embrace.
"Kayden!!!" She yelled. Kayden stumbled backwards but maintained his stamina.
The lady pulled back, smiling sheepishly at him. Alynah and Tulip stared at each other then back at the over- excited lady. She has a long silky black hair and dazzling grey eyes, just like Kayden.
"Kayden! Lei è qui. Le sono mancato tanto!" She hugged him tightly again.
Kayden! You're here. I missed you so much!"
"Ti ho perso anch'io cara" Kayden replied in a low tone.
I missed you too dear.
"Crystal!" Kayden called and she pulled back, smiling brightly.
"What the heck are you doing in my Villa? I regret informing you about my arrival" Kayden shove her to a side and ushered Alynah and Tulip in.
"Chi abbiamo qui? Queste bellezze! La tua famiglia?"
Who do we have here? Such beauties! Your family?
"Ohh, che Carina!!!" She crouched down to Tulip's level. Tulip smiled at her which made her gasp.
Ohh how cute!!!
Kayden had to cough awkwardly to draw Crystal's attention.
Crystal stood up and met his gaze.
"Crystal, meet Alynah Grayling, my CCD and...this is Tulip. Alynah, meet Crystal Hart, my younger sister" Kayden introduced.
"Nice to meet you, Alynah" Crystal shook hands with her. Alynah reciprocated with a charming smile.
Crystal suddenly froze and gasped.
"Alynah Grayling?! You're Mr Grayling's daughter?! That legendary figure?! The owner of GL Group!" Crystal shrieked. Kayden stiffened while Alynah froze. They exchanged awkward glances both not knowing what to say. Alynah then forced out a tight smile.
"I've seen your father's achievements. He's a wonderful man!" Crystal continued, not noticing the awkward tension that rises.
"Uhmm... Crystal, can you let her rest? She's so tired from the trip" Kayden grabbed Alynah's hand and pulled her inside.
"Oh, siete una famiglia così bella!" Crystal cupped her cheeks, staring adorably at Kayden and Alynah.
Oh, you are a beautiful family!
Kayden paused in his tracks and turned to her.
"Non siamo famiglia, Crystal. Non fare tante storie" he replied firmly. "Come on Tulip"
We are not family, Crystal. Don't make a fuss about it.
Crystal pouted as she watched the trio left.
Later on, Evan came in with Kayden's necessary documents for the conference.
Crystal Hart is the second daughter of Reginald Hart. She's a beautiful 22 years ago lady with a passion of art, language and design. She came to Italy three years ago to study Language and Art and soon became an artist. She has an art gallery in the heart of Florence City, where her artworks flourished with the Italian magic. Since she stayed in Italy way too long, Italian became her second language.
Kayden, Alynah, Tulip an Crystal settled in the dining for lunch. The lunch was quiet except for Crystal and Tulip. Crystal became attracted to Tulip at first glance and with the way Tulip responded, she loved Crystal too.
Crystal was extremely excited when Kayden told her that Tulip will stay in her care for the whole two weeks in the trip since they (Kayden and Alynah) have conferences to attend. Tulip also easily agreed to stay with Crystal since they became really close in just few moments.
After lunch, Crystal took Tulip to take a tour round the Villa while Kayden and Alynah stayed in the living room.
"I have a question, Alynah. That's if you don't mind" Kayden began and Alynah looked up at him with a slight nod.
Kayden breathed out and faced her.
"Mr Grayling, owner of GL Group is really your father?"