hapter 160 Impatience
Mia’s POV
“Mia,” he said, his deep voice resonating in the quiet room. “How are you feeling?”
“Fine,” I replied automatically, easing myself onto the sofa with Scarlett’s subtle assistance. “Thank you for coming on such
short notice.”
“Of course.” He remained standing, though he seemed uncertain whether to move closer or maintain his distance. “My team has been investigating regarding Edward Porter. It’s… complicated”
“What have you found?” Mom asked.
“Edward Porter and my father were business partners in the early 2000s. They founded a mining operation in South America- primarily copper and silver. The venture was profitable for several years, but then something changed. My father pulled out abruptly in 2007, liquidating his share of the business at a significant loss.”
“Why would he do that?” I asked.
“That’s what I’ve been trying to determine,” Kyle replied. “My father wasn’t one to walk away from profitable ventures, especially not at a loss. The official reason given in the company records was ‘irreconcilable differences in business philosophy,‘ but that’s obviously corporate speak for something more serious.
“And what happened to the mining operation after your father pulled out?” I said.
“It continued under Porter’s sole management for another three years, then was sold to a Brazilian conglomerate,” Kyle explained. “The sale price was significantly below market value, which is another red flag.”
“Money laundering?” I suggested.
“Possibly,” Kyle acknowledged. “Or a rushed sale to avoid some kind of exposure. The timing coincides with Porter’s relocation to France and the establishment of his investment firm there.”
I processed this information, trying to connect it to our current situation. “But what does any of this have to do with Taylor or my father?”
Kyle said, leaning forward slightly. “Richard Williams had been working with Porter all the time. That’s what we could find so far. ”
It is no surprise that my father and Porter have been keeping in touch. They must been involved misappropriating my mother’s
funds.
Kyle held my gaze for a long moment, then sighed. “My team found communications between Porter and an unnamed associate discussing what they referred to as ‘the Alexander problem‘ in late 2007, just before my father’s death.”
“Are you saying-” Scarlett began.
“I’m not saying anything definitive,” Kyle interrupted. “My father’s death was ruled a heart attack. The autopsy confirmed natural causes.”
“But you have doubts,” I pressed.
Kyle’s expression was carefully controlled, but I could see the tension in his shoulders. “I have questions. Enough to warrant a deeper investigation.”
The twins chose that moment to execute a particularly vigorous series of movements. Kyle noticed immediately.
“Are you alright?” he asked.
“Fine,” I assured him.
He nodded.
Chapter 160 Impatience
+25 BONUS
“We need concrete evidence,” Mom said decisively. “Theories and suspicions won’t be enough to convince a judge, especially with Whitfield running interference.”
“My team is working on it,” Kyle assured her.
“I need some air,” I said suddenly, pushing myself up from the sofa. The room felt too small.
“Mia-“Mom began.
“Just to the balcony,” I assured her.
Kyle stood as well. “I’ll come with you.”
I didn’t argue, knowing his protective instincts would win out regardless.
The November air was crisp and cool as we stepped onto the small balcony overlooking the city. I breathed deeply, trying to clear my head.
We stood in companionable silence for a moment, watching the city below. The security measures Kyle had implemented were visible even from this height–two unmarked cars stationed across the street, men in suits trying to look inconspicuous as they monitored the building’s entrances.
Kyle’s phone rang. He glanced at it and frowned.
He looked up, “I need to take this.”
“Of course,” I nodded.
He moved toward the entry, his voice dropping to a low murmur as he answered the call.
Oddly, I think I can hear that Kyle’s phone is ringing from a woman. And I’m pretty sure it’s not Linda.
My common sense prevents me from thinking any further.
Kyle can certainly have a new relationship.
It’s none of my business.
Thinking about this, I walked out onto the balcony, trying my best to convince myself that I didn’t feel any unhappiness.
Scarlett’s phone chimed with a text message. “Morton’s asking about dinner,” she reported. “Apparently he’s stuck at the office
with some crisis.”
“Go,” I urged her. “You’ve been here for hours already.”
“I don’t mind staying,” she insisted. “Movie night, remember?”
“Rain check? I’m actually pretty tired.” It was a lie. But I shouldn’t keep Scarlett worried.
Scarlett studied my face, then nodded reluctantly. “Fine. But I’m coming back tomorrow with more chocolate and zero talk about murderous uncles or psycho stepsisters. Deal?”
“Deal,” I agreed.
As she gathered her things, I heard Kyle’s voice rise slightly from the hallway.
I reminded myself once again that Kyle’s love affairs were none of my business. He had every right to have his flings with any woman he wanted.
I must have made some sound because he turned suddenly, something registering on his face as he saw me standing there.
“I have to go,” he said into the phone. “Keep me updated.” He ended the call, slipping the device into his pocket. “Mia. Is everything alright?”
Chapter 160 Impatience
“I was about to ask you the same thing,” I replied, studying his fa
He hesitated, clearly debating how much to share.
This makes me impatient.
Chapter 160 Impatience
“I was about to ask you the same thing,” I replied, studying his face. “That sounded serious.”
He hesitated, clearly debating how much to share.
This makes me impatient.
