𝑶𝑵𝑬 𝒔𝒉𝒐𝒕𝒔 - 𝑹𝑬𝑺 & 𝑳𝑶𝑮

Astor Move

REMINGTON

The light tapping of my legs under the conference table is the only thing that holds my attention. I had tuned out Grandpa Ethan and the charts indicating our company's profits and shares a while ago.

In fact, I've tuned out most of the world for the last few weeks. Shocking I know. His lordship refusing social events? Surely the sun must be raising in the west, Sahara Desert should be flooded or at the least my spawn Creigh should have become chatty.

Nope, nada. The world remains the same.

My life is the only thing that has changed upside down. I tap my fingers on the table, my impatience clear. I feel someone's hard gaze one me and freeze.

Teal Van Doren Astor is the best mom and I am her darling son whom she loves more than anyone. May be not more than Dad but surely me and Dad share the top spot. However, Mum is a different person when it comes to business, she is a formidable leader, feared and respected by all.

I have witnessed my father's friends often clash with her in business deals because they treat her as equal. She wouldn't think twice before kicking me out if she thinks I am not worthy. She told me so herself when I started working in Steel Corporation.

I turn to look at her with an apologetic smile, Mum always softens at my smile. I can see she's tempted to smack me for daydreaming instead she juts her chin towards the screen.

A silent warning to pay attention. Her gaze seems to be warning me "Focus or face the consequences". I sigh inwardly refocusing on the presentation. After discussing for an hour, I walk towards my own office.

"Remi" Mum's voice stops me in tracks.

Oh no. She is going to school me on professional ethics.

"Yes Mum"

Her eyes scan all over my face like she is searching for something, I hope my face is as clear as water. "Is something bothering you, darling?"

"Me? Nah Mum. Nothing could bother me when I have you"

I peck her cheek, and she smiles at me. I love making her smile. Even as a child I have noticed how Mum's smile is so reserved. Her smiles are only for Dad, Me, Uncle Knox, Grandpa and Aunt Elsa. She takes my face in her hands cradling it like I am still her baby.

"Do whatever makes you happy Remi. Your Dad and I are always there for you"

She walks away before I could ask her what she meant. Surely, she wouldn't know my inner conflicts. If she knew she wouldn't be saying what she said. Instead, she would kick me in the ass for thinking about fucking her friend's daughter into oblivion.

I haven't stopped thinking about the hellion stalker since she stormed out of my office weeks ago. Fucking Dammit. I close my office door with more force than needed behind me when I remember there won't be anyone visiting me "unannounced".

For weeks I have given lot of thoughts about it, even before the last day we met. I didn't realize how much she has intertwined herself in my life until that day. For years she has followed me everywhere I went, it was easy to ignore her when she was a kid.

I was mastering the art of ignoring Ariella Jailbait Nash like a pro since I was seventeen. Sure, when you are a high schooler living your best life, ignoring a literal child is no big deal. My steel like grip was shook when she turned eighteen and become more persistent.