chapter 27

Kane’s POV

To say I was warmly welcomed would be an understatement. Jayson, Ethan, and Albert, who had just returned from his medical NGO work in Africa, had practically escorted me from the airport straight to my LA office.

‘What do they want now?’ I wondered.

At the office, Mrs Hawkins entertained us with refreshments, as ordered by Jayson, who wouldn't even look at me while Ethan and Albert flashed me their death glares.

For a split second, silence filled the room before Albert finally spoke.

“Kane, seriously? After everything that we've said and warned you of?”

“I don't understand.” I glanced at Jayson. “Okay, someone needs to tell me what's going on, and why are you three looking at me like I've committed a crime?”

“Bro….” Jayson started, but was shut down by Ethan, who threw a half-eaten croissant at him.

“This is not a laughing matter.” Ethan drank his wine and slammed it on the table. “You know, sooner or later, we'd have to eject you from our brotherhood…. Now I see the reason our wives think you're a bad influence on us married people, playboy….” He spat it out.

Oh! Now I understood what was happening. Claudia….. she was at her game again.

“Ahh, seriously Ethan, you wound me.” Jayson faked hurt, holding onto his chest.

“Keep quiet, unserious fellow!” Albert snapped.

“What are you doing in our married men gathering anyway? It's not like we invited you. You just pop up everywhere you're unwanted.” Ethan hissed.

Jayson stood up and grabbed Ethan's collar to our surprise.

“Liar….” He winked. “I'm wanted, desired by every woman. You want to see why I can't settle down with a woman? This exquisite body is meant for everyone... even you.” He smacked his lips on Ethan's cheekbones.

We burst out laughing.

“You rascal, I'm freaking straight!” Ethan pushed him and cleaned Jayson's saliva with utter disgust.

“So, what did Claudia say I did this time?” I asked when the room settled.

“She didn't have to say anything, we saw this…..” Albert brought out the evidence.

It was me and Josephine, in Italy. Holding hands.

“Pictures can be deceiving, I'm sure it's not what you think. Right, Kane?” Jayson defended.

I just shrugged and sipped my wine. It wasn't Claudia who complained. I guess Adrian's cock is too deep in her that she didn't even notice the picture that made the front page.

Interesting.

“See….. Jayson is his enabler,” Albert snorted. “Just look at him... defending rubbish. He'll be our marriage's downfall, even Laura is afraid of him.”

I chuckled loudly. Laura, Albert's wife, was right to be scared of Jayson. During our university days, Albert cheated with a cheerleader who, I might add, had drugged him.

Jayson had told him to lie, not knowing Laura was standing right at the door. Let's just say Laura is also not Jayson's fan.

Left to our wives, Jayson would be an old acquaintance by now. But we men insisted we're brothers, so they let it go.

“Tell Laura to be assured that I'm a changed gentleman,” Jayson smiled with no remorse.

“Stop straying from the subject, idiot! Can't you see the man you're giving excuses for isn't even denying the claim?” Ethan continued.

I felt a headache coming on. They are my sworn brothers, but sometimes I can't stand them when they're on their league-of-truth mission.

“There's nothing between Josephine and me. What you see is two old friends catching up.” I said eventually.

“You heard the man.” Jayson started, but was shot glares and stopped talking immediately.

“We're not fools. We all know Josephine isn't just a friend from old times,” Albert said.

“More like friends with benefits!” Ethan slammed the table.

I glared at them both while leaning back to sit comfortably. “Whatever you think is not the case. She's just a friend I happened to meet on a business trip, nothing much…. So let it be.”

“But….”

“Leave it!” I glared. “No one here has bothered to ask about my meeting with Chairman Alister.” I scoffed at them, throwing the new contract with Kings Steel Rigs on the table. “Some lousy investors you all are, poking into my personal business instead.”

“You were able to convince that old man?” Jayson said in shock. “Wow, you're great!” He praised, while Ethan and Albert grunted in defeat.

“Sir! You can't just barge in!” I heard Mrs Hawkins' frantic voice close by, and I wondered what the commotion was all about.

‘She'd handle it,’ I thought to myself while we spoke about the terms of the contract.

“Get away from that door, or I'll push you through it, woman!” A voice I recognized too well barked. From the loudness, it showed they were right at my office entrance.

“No, Mr Kane has important guests over! You can wait till he's done attending to them!” She said again.

“Move, you dumbass bitch!” Adrian cursed, and the office door opened with a loud bang while a totally dishevelled Mrs Hawkins raced in after him.

The company was becoming a clown stage for my family affairs.

“Sir, I tried to stop him,” Mrs Hawkins blurted out.

“Leave, you idiot, and pack your things you're fired!” Adrian said.

Mrs Hawkins rolled her eyes in response. She must be totally fed up with our family drama. “Boss?” She faced me.

“No, you're not fired. Hawkins, you can go back to your desk,” I sighed.