12. Kyle The Struggle Within
Kyle: The Struggle Within
The sun is barely up when I force myself out of the penthouse. I take the elevator straight to the underground garage, where my driver is already waiting by the car.
The space is quiet, the concrete walls echoing my footsteps. It’s a relief from the chaos outside, but I know they’re up there, circling like vultures.
Even from here, I can hear the low hum of voices, the occasional burst of excitement when someone thinks they’ve spotted movement. They’ve been camped out all night, hungry for a story, for a scandal.
I slide into the back seat, my jaw tightening as the door shuts, sealing me away from the noise. “Straight to the office,” I order, my voice colder than I intended.
The driver nods, pulling out of the garage through the private exit. It’s a route designed for discretion, avoiding the frenzy above. But I still catch a glimpse of them as we speed away—paparazzi crowded at the main entrance.
I lean back, running a hand through my hair. The image of Leslie asleep on my couch last night flashes through my mind, her body curled up so vulnerably, her face peaceful despite everything.
I carried her to the guest room, careful not to wake her. She looked so perfect, so . . . right in my arms.
I shake the thought away, clenching my fists. None of this should have happened. I knew the risks. I knew what could go wrong. But I let myself get too close. Now the wolves are circling, and they won’t stop until they’ve torn us apart.
When we reach the office, I don’t even wait for the car to fully stop before I’m out, striding toward the elevator.
I nod at Sharon, my secretary, who looks at me with concern but says nothing. She’s used to the rumors, the scandals, the headlines. But this . . . this one’s different.
I head straight to the conference room, wondering why a meeting is going on without me. But when I reach the doors, two security guards block my way. I frown. “Move.”
One of them hesitates, his eyes flicking to the glass doors. “I’m sorry, sir. We were instructed not to let you in.”
My blood runs cold. “By whom?”
He looks genuinely uncomfortable. “The board, sir. They’re in a closed meeting.”
My chest tightens, anger flaring. A meeting without me? Without the CEO? It’s a power move. One meant to undermine me, to question my leadership. I force myself to stay calm, my voice low and controlled. “Open the door.”
“I can’t do that, sir. They were very specific.”
I step back, my jaw clenching so hard it hurts. I know who’s behind this. Patrick Holmes. He’s been gunning for my position ever since my father passed the company to me. This scandal is exactly the opportunity he’s been waiting for.
I turn on my heel, storming back to my office. The door slams behind me, the sound echoing through the room. I grab my phone and dial Daniel. “My office. Now.”
He arrives minutes later, his expression tense. “I heard. They locked you out?”
I nod, pacing the room. “Holmes. He’s pulling the strings. But I want to know how the hell they found out about Leslie.”
Daniel’s jaw tightens. “I warned you. Mixing business with pleasure—”
“I know what you said.” My voice is sharp, but I regret it instantly. I’m not angry at him. I’m angry at myself. “I didn’t plan this, Dan. It just . . . happened.”
He sighs, sinking into one of the leather chairs. “That’s the problem. You never plan for these things. You react. And this time, you reacted to her.”
I stop pacing, his words hitting too close to home. “I need to know who took those pictures.”
He nods, his face hardening. “I’m already looking into it. But this isn’t just about the leak. The board’s questioning your judgment. They’re wondering if you’re too . . . distracted to lead.”
I bristle at the implication. “I built this company. Every deal, every contract—that was me. Not them.”
“I know. But they don’t care about that. They care about the bottom line. And right now, your involvement with Leslie is threatening that.”
I slump against my desk, running a hand through my hair.
The weight of it all crashes down on me—the company I spent years building, the reputation I fought to protect, the control I’ve always prided myself on having.
And now, one moment, one woman has put all of it at risk. “Dan, I can’t lose everything I worked for. Not like this.”
He’s silent for a moment before he stands, his hand on my shoulder. “We’ll figure it out. But you need to get ahead of this. Control the narrative before they do.”
I nod, my resolve hardening. “Find out who leaked it. And keep an eye on Holmes. I want to know every move he makes.”
Daniel hesitates. “And Leslie? What are you going to do about her?”
My chest tightens, her face flashing in my mind. “I don’t know. But I won’t let her get dragged through this mess. Not because of me.”
He nods, his expression softening. “Just . . . be careful. Feelings make you vulnerable. And right now, you can’t afford that.”
He leaves, closing the door quietly behind him. I stand there for a moment, staring at the empty room, the weight of everything pressing down on me.
I head home late, exhausted and angry. I open the door, expecting to find Leslie, but the penthouse is empty, quiet. A sinking feeling pools in my stomach. Where is she?
Max, my golden retriever, pads over, his tail wagging, his eyes full of loyalty and love.
I kneel, scratching behind his ears. “At least you haven’t left me, buddy.” He nuzzles my hand, his warmth easing the tension in my chest.
I sit on the couch, Max curling up beside me. My eyes drift to the guest room door, my thoughts spiraling. Where did she go? Did she leave because of me? Because of the scandal?
The elevator dings, and Leslie steps in, her eyes widening when she sees me. “You’re home.”
My relief is instant, but it’s quickly replaced by anger. “Where were you?”
Her eyes flash with defiance. “I needed air. I can’t stay locked up like a prisoner.”
I stand, the frustration of the day boiling over. “You’re a target, Leslie. Every move you make is being watched. You can’t just walk around like nothing’s wrong!”
Her jaw tightens, her chin lifting defiantly. “I refuse to let them dictate my life. I won’t hide because of some stupid rumors.”
I take a step closer, my voice low, dangerous. “This isn’t just about you. It’s about my company, my family as well. I’m trying to protect you!”
“I didn’t ask for your protection!” Her eyes blaze, her fists clenched at her sides. “I don’t need you to save me!”
The air between us crackles, tension thick and suffocating. Her chest rises and falls rapidly, her eyes locked on mine, daring me to back down. But I can’t. I won’t.
Before I realize what I’m doing, I close the distance between us, my hands gripping her waist as I push her against the wall. Her gasp echoes in the room, her eyes widening.
Then my mouth is on hers, hard, demanding, and then she freezes.