Chapter 23

TWENTY-THREE

HUNTER

“Why do you have to go?”

Alexandra is naked beside me, and although the temptation to stay with her is hard to resist, I’ve been called into the office for a company handover.

I lean across and kiss her lips. “Because I’m a sucker for punishment. Tonight again, at my new place. The movers will be here any minute.”

She jumps up, her tits bouncing in front of me. To stop her from leaking all night, I made sure to relieve her of the pain. I’d never tasted breast milk before but fuck, what a turn-on. We went all night, and I’ve lost count of the times I’ve come.

“You need to get dressed and ensure our son is okay. I need to go to work. Tonight, bring Elijah to the new place.”

“Fine.” She pouts.

We both end up in the shower but make it quick, given the movers were, in fact, arriving any minute now. It started off with a quick soap, but of course, I was greedy and demanded she get on her knees and suck me off. In return, I gave her the best head against the tiled wall.

Wearing my suit, the doorbell rings. We’re both dressed when the movers start doing their job.

“So, this is it, your last day in the office?”

I nod. “Sure is.”

“What will you do next?”

“I don’t know. I guess I will find another company to work for. I highly doubt the new buyers will want to keep me. Usually, CEOs are the first to go.”

“Well, good luck. I guess I have to work extra hard tonight to cheer you up if the day turns sour.”

A laugh escapes me. “I’ll look forward to it.”

I park my car in my usual spot beneath the building. It’s surreal to think something I worked so hard on is gone just like that. After spending the night with Alexandra, I wouldn’t have it any other way. Money is just money. It doesn’t bring me the happiness I desire.

When I reach our floor, there’s an odd energy in the office. People look afraid, scurrying around with their heads down and whispering to each other. Perhaps, the news is out, so I assume I’ll be forced to make an announcement sometime today.

My feet move toward my office until Meredith stops me in the corridor.

“Mr. Cash, the new buyer is here.”

“Great.” I force a smile. “Let’s get this over and done with.”

I enter my office and see the back of the tall man sitting on the chair. Closing the door behind me, I clear my throat to prompt him of my presence, but he doesn’t turn around. As I walk toward my desk, I turn around to see the face of Lex Edwards.

“I’m here on official business,” he begins with. No, hello, nice to see you, or congratulations on your son, who also happens to be my grandson. “This company…”

“Is no longer mine,” I interrupt him. “So, whatever you have planned to bring it down, be my guest.”

Lex keeps his stare blank, not a single blink of an eye.

“Well, that would be rather stupid of me, considering I now own this company.”

I refrain from showing my true reaction. Edwards bought the company? Why the hell would he buy it? The guy loathes me.

“What interest do you have in this company?”

“The growth rate is impressive. You’ve done a substantial job of standing out in a competitive market. Shall I go on?”

“But why this company? You can buy any company you want.”

“This was for sale,” he simply states.

I pace the area behind my chair, running my hands through my hair.

“So, I guess you want me out, is that it?”

“No, I want you to run it. Just like you did before.”

I stop and turn to face him. “I don’t understand?”

Lex stands up and slowly buttons his jacket. “I know you gave up everything for my daughter and your son. I can’t imagine it was easy, given just how much was at stake.”

“I needed to start my life again so my son could look at me and be proud.”

“And?”

His unwavering stare goads a reaction from me. It’s those damn emerald eyes, just like Alexandra’s.

“I love Alexandra. That’s all there is to this. I want to give my family the life they deserve, and not with tainted money.”

“Good, then it’s settled. You will run this company. I will be involved in quarterly meetings and ensure your accounting team provides me with reports. Aside from that, consider me a silent owner.”

Lex turns his back to me, but as he nears the door, he stops.

“To redeem yourself, you must realize your imperfections. The easiest part of life is making mistakes. The hardest part is learning not to make them again. None of us are perfect. We all have our flaws. But remember this, when you’re part of my family, there is no judgment of the past. We celebrate our life and our children, and everyone deserves to be treated equally.”

His words are powerful and perhaps what I need to hear. I’d been hard on myself for too long, and when I finally let go of the chains around my neck strangling me, I’m able to see clearly and realize exactly what is important in life.

“Welcome to the family, Hunter,” Lex finally says before closing the door behind him.