Page 7 of The Tycoon's Pet

“Aren't you getting way ahead of yourself, Dad?” I ask, snickering softly.

"Ha! You know me, son. I like to dream big. But seriously, I'm kind of relieved to hear it's not true. With the contract from the federal government still being all hush-hush, you don't need any unnecessary attention." He pauses, then clears his throat lightly. "So, what about Kayla?"

My body instantly tensed up at his question. "What about her?"

“Hatchets down, son,” Dad says with an amused chuckle. “I was only asking after her; it's been a while since she dropped by the house.”

I exhale, feeling the tension slowly dissipate. “She's doing great.”

"She's such a nice girl. I hope she finds a nice young man that'll love her right. I suppose I can expect grandkids from her too; she's practically my daughter."

His tone is casual… too casual, like he’s trying to get a rise out of me. Unfortunately, he knows me so well that it’s worked. As always, the thought of Kayla with someone else makes my stomach twist into knots.

“What if I don’t want her to have kids with someone else?” I ask my father, so quietly I’m not sure he even heard me.

“Are you finally admitting your feelings for her?” Dad asks, the amusement in his tone clear.

“You know I have feelings for her?” I ask in disbelief. I've always wondered what Dad thought of my relationship with Kayla, but he's remained neutral over the years. He has always been fond of her, but I sometimes wondered what he'd think if we ever took our relationship any further than friendship.

“Son, it’s been pretty obvious to anyone paying attention,” Dad says with a chuckle. “You practically have stars in your eyes when you look at her—even as a teenager and I've always wondered why you've held back for so long.

"I guess I was scared of her rocking the boat. I can’t lose her.”

“Then don't,” Dad says simply. “You belong together anyway.”

I nod, the tension in my chest easing slightly. “You’re right. I just need to remind her that her place is right beside me.”

“Go get her, son!”

We hang up, and I immediately begin wrapping up for the day, hoping I can catch Kayla before she’s gone home for the evening. I am overcome with fear that she’ll reject me, that changing our relationship will ruin everything.

Pushing aside my conflicting thoughts, I force myself to speed through email replies so I can get out of here. Just as I’m finishing up, I hear a curt knock on the door. The door is pushed open and John Cowell appears, his broad shoulders filling the doorway. Pushing down the groan that rose in my throat, I wave him in, forcing a smile.

So much for getting out of here quickly.

“Working overtime again, Carlton?” John asks with a wide grin on his face as he walks over to my desk. He plops into the chair across from my desk, arching his brows at me. “Or are you waiting out the paparazzi lurking in your lobby?”

“I don't give a shit about them. They're all bark and no bite, anyway,” I mutter, leaning back in my chair. “So, what brings you my way?”

“I was in the building catching up on the recent acquisitions. I just wanted to stop by and see how you’re holding up?” John leans back in the chair, crossing his legs. “I figured you could use a distraction.”

I let out a tired chuckle. “A distraction, huh? Well, you’re not wrong. It’s been a hell of a day.”

John's expression softens a little, and I can see the genuine concern in his eyes. “I saw the article; I know how much you hate dealing with the press.”

“That's why I plan to have you deal with it,” I say with a faint smile. “You’re the expert at handling this kind of mess. How do you think I can make these people pay? I feel like I need to make an example of someone to get the others to back off.”

John’s grin fades, replaced by a more serious look. “Carlton, I understand your frustration, but retaliating might not be the best course of action. It could backfire and make things worse.”

I sigh, running a hand through my hair. “So, what am I supposed to do? Just sit back and let them spread lies? Christy’s wedding is soon and I need to make all of this go away before then.”

John nods, understanding the urgency. “I see. Okay, let’s consider our options carefully.”

I lean forward, giving him my full attention. “What do you suggest?”

John takes a deep breath. “First, we could go the legal route. Issue a formal statement denying the allegations and send a cease-and-desist letter to the blog. If they don't comply, we can sue them for defamation. It sends a strong message, but it might take time and could still draw some unwanted attention.”

“I don't think we have the time for that. What else?”

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