Chapter 10

Kyra

I woke up to the alarm ringing, like a reminder that from now on my life would be even more hectic. It was Thursday, one of the days Julie has class. After dropping her off at school, I stopped by my apartment to grab some personal things and then came across the following message:

"Missed me? I see you’re living a better life… but since I know you have a good memory, you must remember who you belong to." Bastard!

I wanted to scream, disappear, and even find a way to get rid of him, but how? He ruined my life. My dignity and everything I could have been…

"Kyra?" — My neighbor’s voice pulled me out of my trance, and I was grateful for that. "Sorry to bother you, but there’s a young man looking for you, since last night."

I opened the door and came face to face with Rose. The neighbor from apartment 02, a middle-aged lady who was more of a supervisor than a neighbor.

"Thank you, Mrs. Rose, for letting me know. Would you happen to know how many times this man came? And what he looks like?" — I just needed a confirmation before I went crazy over “nothing.”

"He’s a good-looking young man. Shoulder-length hair, green eyes, and… he knocked on your door about five times. But he returned almost all day." — It’s Marcos!

I thanked her for the information, grabbed my backpack, and said goodbye to the apartment as if it were my last time there. But, of course, Rose kept an eye on me from the moment I entered until I left, and since she wanted to be informed…

"If this man returns, could you tell him I don’t live here anymore?"

"Of course. But why? Are you leaving? You barely arrived. Do you need anything?" — Why does everything need a why?

"Yes… I’m moving to another city for work. It was a pleasure meeting you, and thank you for letting me know about this man." — Her gaze was more curious than usual; I knew what she wanted to ask, but staying silent was the best thing she could keep doing.

I had a few hours before picking up Julie from school, so I thought I could go buy some things I’d need, but as soon as I opened the door, I ran into an old couple…

"Good morning, I suppose you’re the new employee. Could you let Liam know we’re here?" — They said as they entered, as if they owned the place. And their faces were not unfamiliar.

I called Liam, even knowing I shouldn’t have. He answered on the second ring, as if overly alert.

"Did something happen? I’m in an important meeting."

"There’s a lady here… actually an elderly couple. They want to speak with you."

"Shit!" — Seems we were sharing the same thoughts. "Could you hand the phone to the lady?"

I did as he asked, and as I went down the stairs, I noticed she was looking at photos of Julie on the shelf, as if searching for something that wasn’t there.

"Mr. Blackthorne asked to speak with you." — I handed the phone to the lady, who exuded arrogance.

Liam

I was in an important meeting, with important partners, handling business that required all my attention. But when I saw Kyra’s name on the screen, I didn’t think twice…

"Excuse me. It’s important." — I didn’t say anything else, just stared at everyone and left quickly.

Hearing her breathing on the other side, I imagined the worst things that could have happened. But it was just Zinna and Olavo, Ana’s miserable parents. Kyra did me a favor, and I had to control myself to not let anger take over.

"Zinna… long time no see! I hope you’re just passing through and that you leave my house as soon as this call ends." — She smiled, as if doubting what I was saying.

"Liam, I don’t see why you hold so much resentment toward us. Olavo and I always liked you. It wasn’t our fault Ana chose that idiot over there. Olavo and I just want to see our granddaughter. We won’t steal her from you. We’re her grandparents too. Please, Liam."

In some way, Zinna was right. But she and her husband always knew their daughter had been cheating on me for a while; they just never told me anything, laughing behind my back.

"Not today. I’m not home right now and I don’t trust leaving my daughter with just you two. And leave my house, if you don’t want a trespassing report."

"We’ll go. But call us later, we just want to see her. I’ll be waiting."

I heard her handing the phone back to Kyra and calling Olavo to leave. I hate them and can’t bear the idea of seeing my daughter around people as disgusting as her maternal grandparents.

"Kyra? Are you okay?" — I asked, worried, by pure instinct.

"Yes, everything’s fine, Mr. Blackthorne. Julie is great. Sorry for bothering you. There won’t be any more inconveniences like this."

"It’s not your fault. I’ll call later." — And I hung up.

I returned to the meeting room, ignoring the looks of those who thought I had lost focus. I never do.

"Gentlemen, let’s continue," — I spoke firmly. "As you already know, the new extraction hub of Blackthorne Industries will begin operations next quarter. We’re talking about the largest blue sapphire reserve in South America. Pure, rare, and with exclusive cuts made by our own team of gem cutters."

The screen in front showed growth charts, contracts with international jewelry stores, and projections surpassing the value of any other business in the sector.

"Our goal is to dominate the rare gem market in the next three years. And for that, no mistake will be tolerated. Any information leak or logistics delay… will be treated as betrayal."

The room fell silent. I loved this moment: the instant everyone realized I don’t work to “maintain” power. I work to expand it.

But, no matter how much I spoke about billions, my mind went back home… to the woman who, somehow, was already messing with every inch of my peace. Damn, this is consuming me.