CHAPTER 13

GENEVIEVE Tessa Robert

'Stop crying, babes. You will get through this. Don't forget your family background and mine too. We've got all the resources to deal with Kyle and his family.’

I sniffed, trying to stop the tears. “I know, babes, but I am still hurt. How could he do this? I am so worthless that I don't deserve some sense of happiness.”

She smiled, lifting my chin. “You're worthy of every bit of love and happiness, Tessa. Don't let Kyle's dislike for you and disregard make you think otherwise. He's not worth it, nor is he worth your tears, okay?”

“Okay, thank you for the pep talk. You're the best friend ever. Also, thanks for saving my ass at the store. You saved me from fresh gossip.”

She grinned and said, “You're welcome, babes. There's one question, though. Why did you insist on buying the necklace set? You know your mom wouldn't approve of you spending a lot on a birthday gift.”

She was right. Mom wouldn't be so excited when she discovers how much I paid for it, but she will be grateful and proud of me.

“I bought it as a bribe to get a place in the company, and now that Kyle has made me poor, I will need extra cash to take care of personal bills and what I owe you. I can't afford to be a liability even though I am pregnant, I rattled, picking up the package.

The sales attendant had done a good job of arranging the set and giving the package a sophisticated look. Mom wouldn't be able to guess what I had in store for her.

It was the perfect gift.

'Alright, you win. I hope you get a job there. I have a good feeling you will, after all, you're their daughter, even though you were disowned,” she scrunched her nose, avoiding my gaze.

“Whatever, Vee. Once I get the job, I will send your money, okay?”

She smiled. “I would have waived the money, but you know how it's for your babies. Mama gotta pay bills and take care of her ever-demanding folks.”

I nodded, falling onto the bed. If Kyle could hack into my account, that means he could hack into my social media accounts and other stuff he had access to. I made a note to change the passwords for everything before he fully destroyed me.

“Are you going to inform your parents about Kyle's fraud?” Vera asked

I had thought about reporting him to Dad, but Mom's birthday is in two days, and I wouldn't want to make them worry or be distracted. Knowing Dad, he will probably send all his men to Nashville and his lawyer to deal with Kyle, and the results will be drastic. He could end up in jail, and that would be the end of what I had in store for him.

“No. I will inform them after the birthday party. I don't want Mom to become distracted at the moment. Besides, she doesn't need to know that I borrowed the money to buy her birthday gift yet.” I replied, lowering my voice a little.

She groaned, “Alright, Tessa. I will be going home now. I have a presentation at the office tomorrow morning, and I haven't prepared for it. I will call you later, alright?”

I hugged her and wished her good luck as the chauffeur drove her out. Vera could be lazy and one of the best latecomers I have ever met in life, but she was also the best creative director in the city.

It was not a surprise when two of the most prominent advertising firms sent her job invites with exclusive deals, but she turned them down because she preferred working for a company that allowed her to fix her working hours, which was great.

Santiago was preparing *when I stepped into the kitchen for a glass of water. The man knew how to prepare dishes that took you on a journey.

“I wish I could prepare meals the way you do. You're so talented, Santiago.” I said, helping myself with a plate of toasted bread and scrambled eggs.

He chuckled, pouring a glass of milk. “I can teach you after Robert Junior comes on board, and don't be afraid; my dishes are easy to prepare once you know the right quantity of ingredients to use.”

I smiled, taking the glass of milk. “Thank you. I feel it's best I learn it now if you can create some time, please. I would love for my baby to be able to enjoy different dishes specially curated by chef Santiago.”

“Tessa, you give me too much credit. I am only a humble servant who's always at your service. Whenever you want us to start the training, let me know,” he replied, checking the pots.

I bowed, promising to inform him when I was ready. Cooking was one of my favourite hobbies, but I lost the passion after two years of being the wife of Kyle. It wasn't as if he hated my dishes, but whenever his mother complained about a certain dish or how the table was set, his agreement was always so bold.

He would make cold remarks to make Dahila so happy, and when I tried to apologise for being Tessa, he threw his usual condescending remarks about barren women not knowing their places in a family setting.

The divorce was long overdue anyway. I should have seen it coming with or without a child.

Dad's study was empty. He was probably still at the office, so I helped myself to the documents on the table when my eyes rested on a particular paper.

It was the announcement of the annual Robert Tech project, which is scheduled to begin next week in Nashville. The selected companies would be allowed to work with the Robert family on any project of their choice and be awarded once the project went live.

I had a good feeling that Kyle was going to jump in on the project due to the award and the prize tag. This was my chance to start working on my plans if he decided to hop in.

Dahila might not approve of it, so he will keep it away from her. I knew how smart he was when it came to disobeying his mother.

I checked through the documents to see if a list of companies had been selected, but there was a list but no Kings Company. That was strange. Kyle was an opportunist. He wasn't one of those CEOs who thought they had made it all. He was a go-getter, and knowing how important the company was to him, he wouldn't hesitate to apply. So, why wasn't the company's name here?

The door opened slightly. My heart almost jumped. It was Santiago announcing that lunch was ready. I arranged the desk and followed behind, promising myself to ask James about the project.

                                                                      ***

“Did you talk to them? I am yet to get any response from them.” I asked, giving James a bowl of popcorn.

Lunch had almost been a boring event until James showed up and apologised for the lateness. Mom and Dad were at a hotel attending a boring seminar and book launch event,so I was left with James.

He sat up, taking the popcorn. “I spoke to them, but Dad isn't ready to let you in. He feels the company's activities would stress you. I suggested he be allowed to take charge of our regional projects. That way, you don't have to be in the office every day and give reports like other regional managers. He said he would speak to you about it.` 

I hummed, staring at the glass of water. `That's fine, then. Thank you for helping out, James. I wanted to ask: Is there a particular project that we are working on at the moment?`

If anyone knew why Kyle wasn't on the list, it would be James, and I also needed information on the project. Maybe I could convince Dad to let me in on the project, and I could start dealing with Kyle from there.

James took a bite from his chicken and said, `Oh, the annual Robert project? It`s a tough project, but most competitors, or, should I say, companies, don`t know that the selection process is rigorous. We haven't started selecting them, though, because Dad hasn't gone through their proposal plans and the videos for them. You want to help Dad? He would appreciate it, Tess.`

I smiled. Right, James. You just made things easier for me. One more question, and I would have everything to convince Dad to let me in.

`I would love that, bro. I just hope Dad won`t turn me down. He can be strict about these things, and if I make any mistake, he will be fuming for weeks. One more thing, though: are people still submitting their proposals?`

He chuckled. `Dad won`t turn you down; just be emotional, use Robert Junior as a bribe, and watch him say yes to you.`