14. Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fourteen
A ntonio
I stepped out of the office building, exhausted from a long day of trying to do damage control. The rumors that had begun two months ago had suddenly resurfaced, and this time they were more persistent than before.
My father was not making things any easier. I couldn’t understand why he’d refused to take legal action against my mother for what she was doing. The rest of the world wasn’t aware of the source of the rumors, but we were.
What I was still in the dark about, however, was why he continued to protect her, and what exactly she had on the winery.
As I made my way to my car, a swarm of journalists descended upon me, their cameras and microphones at the ready.
“Mr. Michaelson! Can you confirm your mother’s involvement in the winery’s finances?” a reporter shouted.
I halted, scanning the sea of faces for a friendly one. None existed.
“I’ve already issued a statement,” I replied, trying to keep my tone neutral. “My mother’s return has nothing to do with the winery’s business. She’s only back for personal reasons.”
“But what about the rumors of incriminating evidence?” another journalist pressed. “Do you know who’s behind the leaks?”
I clenched my jaw. “I’m not aware of any credible evidence. We’re cooperating fully with any investigations,” I said, taking a deep breath before the lie. “And no, we do not know who is spreading rumors about any evidence.”
A microphone was thrust into my face. “Is it true that the winery has been hiding financial irregularities? That your family’s empire is on the brink of collapse?”
I struggled to keep my composure. “Those allegations are baseless. We’ve always conducted business with integrity. You should watch where you get your information. Where did that even come from?”
Another reporter from a local newspaper pushed forward. “Mr. Michaelson, sources close to the winery suggest a deep-seated family feud. Care to comment?”
I shot her a stern glance. “That’s personal and irrelevant.”
The questions continued, each one more pointed than the last. I felt trapped.
“If you won’t comment on the rumors, then what about your relationships? Is the heir of Bellavista Winery looking to start a family? Or are the rumors about your sexual preferences true?” Anne, one of the journalists from ABS who had done a project with the winery about a year ago, fired.
My gaze narrowed. “My personal life is off-limits.”
The reporters continued to shout questions, their voices growing louder and more aggressive. I stood firm, my responses measured, but my mind raced.
Just as I thought I’d escape, a young journalist fired off another question. “Mr. Antonio, do you think your family’s legacy can withstand the upcoming revelations?”
I froze, my heart sinking. Not knowing what was coming made me nervous.
“I’ve said all I can,” I growled, pushing through the crowd.
As I reached my car, a hand grasped my arm. I turned to see Anne, a slightly apologetic look on her face.
“Antonio, off the record,” she whispered urgently. “Do you know who’s behind the leaks? Is it someone close to you?”
I shook my head, peeling her hand off. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. And the next time you grab me like that, you won’t like the legal repercussions that follow.”
She stepped back, anger flashing in her eyes, but I didn’t care. Besides working on a promotional piece for the winery, Anne had made advances at me. I’d made it clear time and again that I wasn’t interested, but she wouldn’t let it go.
As I drove away, the reporters’ shouts faded into the distance. My phone buzzed with incoming calls and messages. I ignored them, my mind reeling.
I gripped the steering wheel tightly, the phone’s incessant ringing grating on my nerves. I’d ignored the calls, but the persistence was wearing me down. Finally, I snatched the phone from the console.
“Hello?” I growled.
“Antonio, it’s been days. Why haven’t you been taking my calls?” My mother’s voice dripped with annoyance.
I rolled my eyes, frustration boiling over. “I don’t owe you an explanation, ma’am. I don’t owe you anything.”
“Fine. Be that way,” she snapped. “I want to discuss the winery’s future. Your father’s being obstinate, refusing to listen to reason.”
“What do you want?” I barked, accelerating through a yellow light.
“I want to make a deal with you, Antonio. After all, the empire will be yours soon enough.”
I slammed on the brakes, narrowly avoiding a collision. “Why are you doing this? What happened to loving Father, to being my mother?”
Her laughter sent a shiver down my spine. “Grow up, Antonio. I’m not here to cuddle you or baby you. This is business.”
“Business?” I repeated, incredulous. “You’re tearing down what Dad built for decades, and it’s just business?”
“Emotions cloud judgment, Antonio. I’m only looking out for myself… only doing what’s necessary to thrive.”
I clenched my jaw, anger simmering. “Necessary? Destroying our legacy, hurting everyone you once called family... that’s necessary? You know what, don’t answer that. What do you want with the winery? What secret does—”
“Enough!” she cut in. “Meet me, and all your questions will be answered… only the important ones.”
I hesitated, curiosity warring with resentment.
“Where?” I spat, resignation etched in my voice.
“The vineyard’s east wing. Tomorrow, 10 a.m.”
As she hung up, I tossed the phone onto the passenger seat, rage consuming me.
The city lights blurred together as I navigated the roads. I was initially headed home, but suddenly, I felt an overwhelming urge to see Kendra. With a quick swerve, I turned the wheel and changed direction, the tires squealing in protest.
As I pulled into the studio apartment’s parking lot, a sense of calm washed over me. The soft glow of the building’s exterior lights enveloped me. I sighed deeply. This place always had a way of taking away the stress I felt… seeing Kendra always made me feel better.
The lights in her apartment were on, so I knew she was in.
I grabbed my keys and stepped out into the crisp night air. I quickened my pace, eagerness coursing through my veins. My footsteps echoed down the hallway as I made my way up the last couple of stairs.
As I turned a corner, my gaze drifted to Kendra’s door. A warm light spilled from the gap beneath it, calling out to me.
Lost in thought, I failed to notice the puddle of water on the floor. My feet flew out from under me, and I landed with a thud, my elbow cracking against the tiled floor.
Pain shot through my arm, and I cursed under my breath. As I struggled to sit up, a vision of concern appeared before me—Kendra.
“Antonio! Oh my god, are you okay?” she exclaimed, rushing to my side.
Her hands cradled my face, her touch warm and gentle. The scent of vanilla and caramel wafted from her hair, intoxicating me.
“I’m fine,” I muttered, wincing as I stood.
Kendra’s grip on my arm tightened. “You’re bleeding.”
I glanced down to see a crimson trickle running down my elbow. Her fingers brushed lightly against mine as she led me to her apartment.
“Let me get you cleaned up,” Kendra whispered, her voice soothing my frayed nerves.
She guided me to her bathroom. “Sit,” she instructed, pointing to the edge of the tub.
I obeyed, gritting my teeth as she gently cleaned the cut on my elbow.
“You’re lucky it’s not too deep,” she murmured, her fingers lingering against mine.
“Thanks to you, I’m lucky, period,” I replied, smiling.
Kendra’s eyes met mine, warmth sparkling within. “What were you thinking? That puddle was hard to miss. How did you not see it?”
“I needed to see you. I wasn’t thinking about anything else,” I admitted, my voice low.
Her gaze softened. “That’s the cringiest thing I’ve heard in a long time.”
I couldn’t help the smile that spread across my face. I had been so torn about pursuing my feelings for Kendra, especially after learning Elon was her husband. But the more I tried to stay away, the more my heart yearned for her.
“Well, it’s the truth.”
Kendra’s cheeks flushed as she applied antibiotic ointment to the cut.
“So, billionaire,” she teased. “Why didn’t you mention it?”
I chuckled. “Would it have scared you off?”
“Maybe,” she replied with a grin. “But seriously, why live next door instead of in some mansion?”
“I wanted peace and quiet,” I explained. “I don’t really get that at home.”
Kendra nodded thoughtfully. “I get it. You wanted a place to just be Antonio, not the Michaelson heir.”
“Yes.” Our eyes locked for a long moment… My gaze dropped to her lips, then back to her eyes. I wanted to kiss her, but I couldn’t be sure it wouldn’t be misinterpreted. So I pulled back, offering my gratitude instead. “Thanks for patching me up.”
“Anytime,” Kendra replied softly, her voice carrying a hint of disappointment.
She stood to put away the first aid kit but paused and, in a split second, dropped it and pulled me into a kiss. She started to pull away almost immediately, but I stopped her with an arm around her waist.
I deepened the kiss, wrapping both my arms around her.
Time stood still as our lips moved together. The bathroom faded into the background, leaving only the two of us, lost in that intimate moment.
When we finally broke apart for air, Kendra’s eyes shone with warmth.
“I’ve wanted to do that for a while,” she whispered.
I grinned, pulling her close.
“Me too.”
I hugged her, still surprised at how the evening had turned out, but grateful.