Page 9 of Serena
“You know your father, but I know everything is in good hands, and so does he.” She gives me an apologetic look. “Also, I talked to Cassandra, and she told me that Mila has been trying to get a hold of you. Do you think it could’ve been a misunderstanding?” I don’t respond.It wasn’t a misunderstanding.
She sees my shift in mood and changes the conversation. “Have you spoken to your sister?” Her voice cracks, and I see the tears in her eyes.
“Not recently. It’s been about a week since I spoke with her. When I last talked to her, she was going to go visit some friends in Miami. I’m sure she’ll check in soon.” My mother nods.
Out of all of us, Veronica has been taking my mother’s decline in health the hardest. Although we have Mom on medications to slow down the disease, my sister can’t come toterms with it. My father throws money at any new experimental drug or medical trial. Money can buy some things.
I make my way to my father’s study and find him behind the desk reviewing contracts that should be with the lawyer. When my father stepped down, I became CEO. It wasn’t something I wanted to do. Being the eldest son of Miguel and Abigail Kayde is a role in itself. There is no expectation greater than those set by your family. A sentiment my younger brother, Gabriel, shares; he’s the corporate lawyer of the family and carries his own burdens, but at the end of the day, the pressure falls on my shoulders.
I traveled the world cultivating my family's businesses and enjoying extracurricular activities. Coming back to the States was out of necessity, not pleasure, but once I did, I couldn’t leave, nor do I plan to.
“Everything looks good,” he tells me. Yeah, no shit. “Hello to you, too, Dad. I know, Gabe and I reviewed them. How did you get your hands on them?”
“The company, all of it, it’s still mine, Ian. I can make a call and take control of it whenever I please.”
“But you won’t, you know that, and I know that.” Taking the reins as heir to the Kayde Corporation, which is a multibillion-dollar conglomerate empire, was not supposed to happen yet, so my father is struggling with giving up control, but he has no choice.
“What’s really going on, Dad?”
“Your sister is acting out again. We need to figure out a way to keep her at least in the same damn state. She needs to grow up and face this, like an adult.”
“An adult you have spoiled and given in to your whole life. And she is facing this the best way she can. If we try to control Veronica, you know she will just get worse. She isn’t like us; she’snever been good at hiding her feelings. If anything, she feels too much.”
“Unfortunately, it’s a trait that she inherited from your grandmother.” He grabs his nape in frustration. “Also, you need to do something about the Mila situation. She’s been coming to visit your mother a couple of times a week. My guess is, she’s hoping to run into you. Ian, you really made a mess out of that. Fix it. Although we’re not in the media spotlight, we don’t want to give any cause for attention, and Mila can be that cause.”
I clench my jaw. “I will have Caleb check on Vee; she always responds to him. As far as the Mila situation is concerned, there would be no situation if it weren’t for you. I told you not to get into business with her father. That just made things messy. You’re losing your touch, old man.”
“Listen, you little shit, if you kept it in your pants, maybe she wouldn't be as obsessed with you. As far as the business, I saw an opportunity and took it.”
“You’re getting too greedy. And to be clear, it only happened once. I didn’t fall for the manipulation tactic that you did.” With that, I walk out of the study.
I sit with my mother, and she catches me up on what’s been going on with the extended family. After a couple of hours, I see she’s tired, so I kiss her and head home. On my way back to the city, I call Miles, who answers on the second ring. “What can I do for you?” Always the smartass.
“I need you to look into something for me. Also, what’s the update on Vee?” I get to the point.
“She’s still in Miami. I checked her purchases; nothing out of the ordinary. She hasn’t bought a small island or anything if that’s what you’re worried about. Her social media account is as active as always. I’ll let you know if anything out of the ordinary pops up.”
Then I move on to text my cousin.
Ian
I need you to check on Vee for me. She hasn’t gone to visit Mom. I think she’s spiraling again.
Caleb
Well, hello to you too, cousin. Consider it done. I spoke with her a couple of weeks ago, and she seemed fine, but you know our family. Nothing is what it seems with us.
Ian
I don’t need a sermon. Thanks.
Caleb
I need to go overseas for a couple of days to take care of some business. Potential change in management.
Ian
Keep me informed.
