Chapter 94
Alaia
Excited by the news, I ended the call with Nick and looked up at the sky, hoping that this time there would be more news about Dominic, something to increase our hopes.
“What’s going on, honey?” My mother, Ash, and Tino walked towards me. I pressed the phone to my chest and smiled.
“Dominic has responded better to the treatment,” I explained, and my mother’s eyes widened while my cousin and friend covered their mouths with their hands.
“My God, that hot blonde surprised me. He’s not just good at picking up everyone,” Tino commented and came closer to hug me.
“Come on, we’re all thrilled with the news. We know that Nick’s happiness is yours too,” Ash said as she hugged me.
“Let’s hope he wakes up soon and is as handsome as his son,” Tino commented, and we all looked at him.
“What?” He put his hands behind his back. “It gives me life to see handsome men p>
“Poor Tony,” Ash shook her head, and I knew she just wanted to tease Tino.
“There you go again.” He clapped his hands on his legs. “Leave it, girl, let me be happy p>
“You’d cut Tony’s throat if he even dared to look at other men,” my cousin scolded him.
“Of course, he wouldn’t look at other men,” Tino got flustered.
I distracted myself from the new argument and went to get my children to put them to bed, but I fell asleep late thinking about Nick.
I woke up and got the kids ready for the day. It was the weekend, so we’d have some fun while we waited for their dad to arrive. I found it strange that he hadn’t called me yet, so I decided to call him a couple of times.
I bit my lip looking at the screen when I got no answer. I called Will, and he told me that Nick wasn’t answering him either.
“I’ll call you as soon as I hear from him, or you call me if you know anything,” Will said on the other end of the line. I thanked him, thinking that something important must be happening with Dominic. It was the only reason that came to mind. I went out to the backyard to be with my children, who were demanding my attention.
“Honey, a man with an imposing posture came looking for you. He’s huge, the guy,” Tino went out to the patio and looked towards the living room for longer than necessary.
“Who?” I asked, turning around.
“Minister Lander,” Ash arrived behind Tino. I found a visit from him on the weekend completely strange.
I stood up in silence and walked towards the living room. The minister greeted me cordially, but his face was tense.
“Come in,” I showed him the way to the office.
“Your visit has surprised me,” I said, closing the door.
“It’s a delicate matter that brings me here,” he commented, and I looked at him without understanding.
“We received an envelope; it came from you,” he expressed, and I tried to remember. I hadn’t sent anything. “It had information about several fraudulent contracts from Garnett Morgan p>
“I’m afraid there must be a mistake. I’ve never sent such information. Our correspondence will always be sent on behalf of the company,” I said, understanding that there was something shady about all of this.
“Imagine that, but I must tell you that we investigated that information and discovered that there’s an open case for the same reason, which leads us to cancel any contract with the Garnetts. They will have to face the penalties that a negotiation like ours demands,” he expressed, and I couldn’t help but stare at him. Neither the company nor Nick was to blame for what Killian had done.
“Minister, I know the situation sounds terrible right now, but I can assure you that Nick and the company are not involved in the contracts you mentioned. I can give you my word,” I said, without clarifying that I knew. I thought I should be cautious.
The minister looked up at me; he seemed to be wondering many things. “What’s the reason for the change? You seemed to hate each other, although you hid it very well, but at my age, those details don’t go unnoticed p>
I smiled with my lips closed. It wasn’t hate; it was hidden love.
“Well, there’s a history between us. Nick is the father of my children.” I couldn’t mention that he was my husband when they assumed he was married to Barbara. I was sure we’d get around to clarifying that soon.
“I’ve grown fond of both of you, Alaia. I’ll give you a reasonable amount of time. If they can’t clear their names, Garnett Morgan must terminate the contract p>
“Thank you.” I swallowed a lump and smiled, encouraged to be able to give Nick time.
“We’ll talk soon.” The minister nodded and left.
I took a breath and went out after him to find my mother, Ash, and Tino outside. I didn’t need to guess; they were eavesdropping.
“What’s Nick involved in?” Ash asked.
“Killian has done and undone things in the company for years. He signed contracts that were awarded through illegal moves p>
“That guy! He came straight from hell. Sauron, your father,” Tino looked at Ash, “is nothing compared to this one.” His tone was disgusted. “The folder you were carrying yesterday contained that information. I gave it to Nick p>
“I don’t understand. What about what he said about you informing the minister’s office?” Ash raised her eyebrows.
“Something happened. I would never do something like that,” I assured, exhaling. “I can only think of Killian.” I rubbed my forehead.
“I bet my life on it. What, that man doesn’t get tired? It seems that the hottie doesn’t leave one woman before he’s with another one,” Tino shook his head. “What have you heard from his father?” The three of them looked at me.
“I don’t know. I haven’t been able to reach him since he called me last night. He’s not answering my calls,” I affirmed, and they remained silent.
“What? How is it possible that he hasn’t contacted you? Come on, this doesn’t smell good, does it?” My friend looked thoughtful. I could only think that his lack of response to my calls was about Dominic.
“What if he thinks that you didn’t just send the information you had to him, but also to the minister, who they surely must have called? Well, it doesn’t sound far–fetched,” Tino stared at us.