Adrian stood unmoving like a statue sculpted in place as he watched the city stretch far below him. He was at the interview of Cayla Hart, and he was glad he could watch it because she performed exceptionally well. And they would certainly hire her for the job. It was a good thing he chose to watch from the other room, as he thought against startling her and making her lose composure if she saw him there and discovered he was the big boss. The thought of it brought a smile to his face.
The way her arms fidgeted slightly on her lap. She must have thought no one noticed. That was the case, but he did, because of how much attention he paid to her. The flutter of her lids and the slight twitching of her lips did not escape him.
It had been a busy morning as rumors were going around among the top businesses in Orsboard. A wealthy business tycoon was coming to town from America and was willing to invest massively in businesses and real estate. The stakes were high as it was a multimillion-dollar company, and their investment was no small matter. Whomever got lucky enough to partner with them would get a massive boost. And as a result, he was swamped with work and massive meetings lined up for the week.
But that was the least of his problems as he stared out the massive glass tower, unmoving and peering toward the street like a vulture as the storm approached.
His father was here.
He'd seen the car pull up via the tower's security feed. His father's presence infuriated him, and even the thrill of seeing Cayla again was almost quelled. He refused to move from his position at the window or speak to anyone. He stood there, calm and unmoving, waiting until the man himself came. This confrontation was long due.
The office door opened with a hiss as Rafael strode in with confident strides.
Adrian didn't turn from the glass, though he was fully aware of the imposing presence behind him as the pressure in the air was building. Years ago, this might have frightened him, but now, he was impervious.
"Adrian Leviste!" Rafael called out when he realized standing quietly wouldn't work.
Slowly, Adrain turned away from the glass, eyes dark with a melancholic smile. "You're here. Why?" He queried as they stared each other down, none backing off or stepping down for the other.
"You knew I'd come," Rafael replied, barely masking his fury.
"I was hoping you wouldn't," Adrian replied curtly.
"You didn't leave me much of a choice since you decided not to pick up your phone." Rafael hissed.
"I was hoping that would send the message across to you more efficiently that I did not — do not, want to speak with you. I guess you didn't get the memo; otherwise, you wouldn't be here." Adrian snarled.
"I wouldn't have," his father sighed softly as the tension from their exchange faded, giving room to an expression Adrian felt uncomfortable with. "If your grandma had not collapsed."
Adrian's head snapped up as his eyes widened in shock. "What?"
"She slipped yesterday morning in her room. She had a concussion and has been slipping in and out of consciousness. She's been calling you for."
Adrian swallowed the lump that had formed in his throat. "How bad is it. Is she stable?"
"She's stable for now. I'm not sure how long." Rafael sighed.
Adrian closed his eyes as memories of his grandma flashed before his eyes. "Fine. I'll come tonight."
"No, son. I think you should come now," Rafael interjected curtly. There was no room for negotiation.
Adrian turned with eyes burning. The previous feelings of empathy he felt for his father vanished without a trace. "In case you haven't noticed, this is an office. My office and I have to work," he deadpanned.
The tension returned to Rafael's shoulders once again as he stared down his son. "You are my son. You carry my name — her name, and you will do as you are told." Rafael retorted.
"I don't carry —," Adrian tried to interject, but Rafael wasn't done speaking, and he continued firmly. "This company wouldn't exist without her. This is not about the business, family, or the issues you have with me or your mother. Your grandmother needs you. She asked for her grandson and not Adrian Arison or whatever it is you go by nowadays. She wants to see you, not this building you've holed yourself into."
Adrian hesitated. Several emotions flickered behind his eyes. He looked pained, but for a brief moment. "What else do you want?"
"I want you to come home. If not for me, then for her."
Adrian stared at his father for a long moment, and his father equally held the stare. None of them spoke. Then Adrian nodded once. "Helipad in twenty."
Rafael turned to go.
"Oh, and Adrian?" He said, pausing at the door.
"What?" He was already reaching the limit of his tolerance, being in an enclosed space with his father for a long time.
"I may have met someone downstairs. Hart. Sharp girl. She was here for an interview. You don't need to worry about her cause I've hired her."
Adrian said nothing, but his fists clenched so tightly. His nails left marks on his palms. He did not think it was possible to despise his father any more than he already did—oh, how wrong he was, as in that very moment it took every ounce of control not to pounce on him. So now his father, the Governor of Cape, went around poaching his workers. His jaws clenched as he let out a shaky breath and chanted.
"This is for grandma."
"This is for grandma."
This is for grandma."
He was already losing his patience, and he was not yet at the hacienda. He had to force himself to remain calm, but just for his grandma. He would tolerate them for his grandma.
His mind drifted to Cayla again. Her wide eyes and beautiful smile. What the hell is wrong with me? He sighed as he shook his head, in a failing attempt to shake her off his mind. He missed how he felt when she was in his embrace, albeit briefly. It was calming.