Chapter 71
Nick
I was in the middle of a call with the kids. I decided to do it after reaching my hotel room. I listened with delight as they talked and responded, concentrating on understanding what they were saying. Alaia told me about her encounter with my grandfather, and although I knew he would make a move against me, it infuriated me that he had decided to go after my children. Alaia told me that she was going to reinforce their security. When I offered to send them protection, I contacted Josh to ask him to review the possible cases we could be facing and the possibilities. I assured the mother of my children that I had nothing to do with it. I hoped she believed me; her serious look told me she was not very convinced. I just hoped to finish this trip soon to return to them.
I said goodbye to my kids, who were smiling for the camera. They were precious. “I love you,” I expressed and saw Alana blow me a kiss, which I took with my hand and brought to my chest. “I’ll call you later,” I said to everyone, and Alaia responded curtly. If this trip weren’t so important, I would have already taken a flight back.
I dialed a new number, and Will was quick to answer.
“Nick,” he spoke, and I frowned when I saw that he was at home, something not common on a weekend.
“Are you at home?” I questioned.
“Yeah, man,” he said, showing the apartment.
“What’s going on with you?” I asked. His behavior had been strange for a while now.
“Everything’s good, bro, I just think I’m getting bored of going out to clubs, going out with strangers,” he commented, looking for a glass of water. “How’s the trip going?” He leaned on the kitchen counter.
“Good, I just got to the hotel. I need to ask you something p>
“Anything you want,” he shrugged.
“Block Killian’s accounts, don’t let him receive a dollar from now on p>
“Okay, I’ll do it. I’m afraid to ask why p>
“My kids, Alaia,” I said, and my cousin nodded immediately. “He’s up to something, count on it,
I’ll do it tomorrow morning p>
I thanked my cousin, said goodbye to him, and got ready to go out.
I got into the car waiting for me at the hotel entrance and checked the location of the labs. It was a coincidence that it was in this country.
“I sent the information to your email, including the location,” Martin spoke through the screen. “One of the engineers in charge is waiting for you; I just spoke with him.” I read the information. and remembered an important fact that I had overlooked.
“Does Biomed have anything to do with the Van Holt family?” I questioned, and Martin raised his eyebrows.
“How do you know them?” he asked, crossing his arms.
“Cedric Van Holt is a pain in the ass, plus he’s not a trustworthy person.” I snorted, and Martin laughed.
“Well, you’re in luck, we’re working with their direct rival, and both companies are competing for first place in the market p>
I thanked him for the information and headed to the company that was finalizing the details of the equipment for my father.
After three days of meetings and organizing the trip of the machine to Seattle, which would be taken there tonight, I decided to leave for my second destination, one that had to do with the project we were currently working on at the company.
I went down to the hotel lobby. I was checking out while I watched the woman behind the counter doing her job, and I looked for my wallet when she asked for my ID, which I couldn’t find.
“I have to go back to the room,” I explained, and she nodded.
I went up to the floor where the room was and opened the door with the card. I entered quickly and saw my wallet on the nightstand. I must have been distracted at some point while I was receiving some calls.
I opened the door to leave the room again, just as I heard a voice I knew, although I had heard it a few times, that accent that managed to irritate me. My steps led me out, and I found Cedric walking down the hall. I looked down at my phone and I noticed the blond i***t was on a call.
He got into the elevator and turned around, which was when I allowed myself to look at him to make sure it was him.
I was about to leave when I noticed a woman coming out of what looked like Cedric’s room, but I couldn’t be sure. The woman was wearing a hat and dark glasses; her hair was light blond. The elevator doors closed, and I quickly went down the emergency stairs. I needed to find out who this woman was and if she and Cedric had any kind of relationship.
I walked quickly toward the exit, and that was when I saw her get into a car and drive away in a hurry.
I cursed under my breath and returned to the lobby, catching my breath.
“My friend just left, we met after a long time,” I spoke, and the receptionist paid attention to me. “The blonde woman, with dark glasses,” I commented, pointing to the street.
“Miss Vanessa Collins?” she questioned, and I affirmed, trying to remember where I had heard that name. I was sure I had; I needed to find her.
“Today was the last day of her stay at the hotel, but as you will understand, we cannot provide further information about our guests. I imagine you will be able to contact her by some means,” she suggested kindly.
“Yes, of course,” I said, looking at the exit.
I sent a message to ask them to investigate her; there must have been flight records and images from the cameras.
I left the hotel to go to the airport. I had to travel to Germany.
Alaia
It had been a long week. I had been busy with work and the wedding. I didn’t think I’d be nervous, but for some reason, I was.
I stopped the car at the entrance of Nick’s house. He was arriving from his trip today, and I had brought the kids so they could see him as soon as he got home. It would only be a moment.
“Alaia, please come in.” Sophie opened the door for me and pointed the way.
“Mommy!” my children shouted as soon as they saw me, and they ran towards me. I welcomed them with open arms and nodded to Loli, who smiled at me.
“Sir arrived a short while ago; his flight was delayed,” she commented.
“Mommy, dinner.” Noah took my hand and asked me to sit in a chair in the dining room. I did so.
“I think Noah has invited you to dinner,” commented Sophia.
“No, Sophia, that’s very kind, but we have to go,” I replied, standing up.
“Please, ma’am, it will only be this once. I made your favorite food. Sir will be delighted to have the three of you here tonight to welcome him.” She looked at the children, who seemed delighted to be at this table with them.
“All right.” My hands were sweating, and a feeling I hadn’t felt in a long time came over me, and I ran my palms down my pants.
I saw Sophie and Loli go into the kitchen.
“You can serve, Sophie,” commented Nick, arriving at the dining room, and he didn’t notice my presence. He was holding a white T–shirt in his hands and proceeded to put it on. My eyes couldn’t help but look at his bare torso, his damp hair, and the way the muscles in his arms and abdomen rippled with every movement. I swallowed hard and thought it was a bad idea to stay.