Chapter 141 Never Felt Like Home
Kyle’s POV
The amber liquid in my glass caught the light as I swirled it, watching the way it clung to the crystal before settling, Macallan 25. a formidable scotch with notes of dried fruits and oak. I took another measured sip.
“She’s back, you know.”
I looked up to find Morton watching me. My longtime business partner, occasional adversary, and perhaps the closest thing! had to a genuine friend. Currently, he was leaning back in his leather chair, nursing his own scotch
We were seated in the private lounge of The Metropolitan Club, where generations of New York’s financial elite had conducted their affairs away from public scrutiny. The oak–paneled walls, leather furnishings, and discreet staff created an atmosphere of exclusivity that had always suited my preference for privacy.
“I’m aware,” I replied, keeping my tone neutral despite the way my pulse had quickened at the mere allusion to Mia.
Morton raised an eyebrow. “And?”
“And nothing.” I set my glass down with precise control. “She’s back in New York and meeting with the DA regarding her father’s case.”
“That’s it?” Morton’s skepticism was evident. “No hero saving girl to win a second chance?”
“This isn’t one of your wife’s romance novels, James.” The edge in my voice betrayed my irritation more than I’d intended.
Morton chuckled, unperturbed by my tone. “You know,” he continued, swirling his drink thoughtfully, “your ex–wife doesn’t lack for suitors. Thomas and the doctor, I guess she was over you.”
His words ignited something dangerously close to jealousy in my chest.
“She’s free to associate with whomever she chooses,” I said evenly.
“Indeed.” Morton took another sip of his scotch. “And she seems to be choosing rather well. She’s accepted that position with Leblanc & Associates, you know. She’s been positively glowing since making the decision.”
“Are you attempting to make a point, or simply enjoying the sound of your own voice?”
He laughed, the sound rich and genuine. “Both, perhaps. But primarily, I’m wondering what your strategy is here. Because from where I’m sitting, it appears you don’t have one.”
I’d known Morton for fifteen years. We’d navigated market crashes, hostile takeovers, and international acquisitions together.
He knows about me.
“She doesn’t want me back, Morton.” I said finally. “The situation is complex.”
Morton studied me for a moment and glanced at his watch. “Unfortunately, I need to cut this particularly illuminating conversation short. Scarlett is expecting me home for dinner.”
He loves to show off the happiness he has achieved with great effort. Morton has been in love with Scarlett for many years. He finally got what he wanted with the plan of a family alliance.
“Of course,” I said, gesturing for the check. “Far be it from me to keep you from domestic bliss.”
Morton smiled. “Mock all you want, but at least I recognized what was in front of me before it
oo late.”
The server appeared with the bill, which I signed without examining. The Metropolitan Club knew better than to make errors on
a Branson account.
“All I’m saying,” Morton added as he stood to leave, “is that self–pity is an unusually unattractive look on you, Kyle.”
“I’ll take that under advisement.”
1/2
Chapter 141 Never Foil miome
+25 BONUS
“See that you do.” He straightened his already immaculate tie. “And while you’re at it, you might want to pay closer attention to the developments in Richard Williams‘ case. Things are moving quickly.”
nodded. I had not let any detail escape me regarding this matter. No one could hurt Mia, including me. Moreover, Richard’s wife seemed to be involved in the kidnapping. I was glad about what I would find out.
“Have a pleasant evening, James,” I said. “Give my regards to your wife.”
He nodded, knowing better than to push further. “Think about what I said, Kyle. Some opportunities don’t present themselves
twice.”
As he walked away, I remained seated. I signaled for another scotch, ignoring the careful calculation in the server’s eyes as he determined whether to advise against it.
I took another sip of scotch, feeling the pleasant burn as it made its way down my throat. My phone vibrated with an incoming call, it is Simon, Branson Industries‘ head of security.
“Simon,” I answered.
“Mr. Branson. There’s been an incident at Ms. Williams‘ apartment building,” he explained, “Nothing serious a suspicious individual was observed in the vicinity and apprehended before gaining entry.”
“Is Mia alright?”
“Ms. Williams and her mother are fine. They were unaware of the situation until after it was resolved. The individual has been taken away.”
“Find out all about this person and increase security at the building.”
“Yes, sir. We have placed additional private security on rotation.”
After ending the call, I finished my scotch and stood.
My phone buzzed with a text from Simon:
Security team in place at Ms. Williams‘ building. All clear for now. Will update with any developments.
The night air was crisp as I stepped outside, nodding to the doorman who immediately signaled for my car. October in New York carried the first promise of winter, the city’s frenetic energy tempered slightly by the encroaching cold.
As the Bentley pulled up, I checked my watch. Nine–thirty–not too late for returning to the emptiness of the mansion that had never felt like home without Mia.
“Good evening, Mr. Branson,” my driver greeted me as he held the door.
Traffic was light, allowing the car to progress smoothly through the city’s grid. Manhattan at night had always held a particular appeal for me–the illuminated skyscrapers creating a jagged silhouette against the dark sky, the streets pulsing with purposeful energy regardless of the hour. It was a city that rewarded ambition and punished weakness, a philosophy I’d embraced throughout my career.
Until that philosophy had cost me Mia.
The woman I loved.
The person I had loved since childhood, even before I understood the concept.
I would not make that mistake again.
