**Kieran's P.O.V**
After she left Aiden's office in shame, I felt so disappointed in him.
For some reason the sight of him being possessive over her gave me discomfort.
In the few words that I'd heard from her, it was clear that Aiden just wanted her to be by his side and show her that he owned and controlled her life.
The thought of it alone was disgusting.
"Mr Deveraux, it seems that something has been bothering you ever since you left Mr Marcelo's office" My assistant said as soon as we left Aiden's company.
"Why do you say so?"
"You've been spacing out a lot, I was saying that you're having a meeting in 2 hours with Chen Zhu corporation"
"Please cancel and reschedule for another day"
"Mr Deveraux but this meeting had been postponed a lot of times, they're beginning to ask...."
"It wasn't a request Eugene, I said reschedule it , if they have anything to say, they have freedom of speech"
"Okay...So where are we heading now?" He asked as I rested my head, I stayed at Aiden's office for far too long.
"I'm tired and I want to head back home"
"We're heading to Deveraux Mansion" he said to Jacob, my new driver.
"Yes sir"
"What feedback should I give Mr Marcelo?" He asked and at the sound of his name I felt agitated.
"Ignore him, whenever I feel like he's worthy enough for the partnership I'll give him a reply" I said in a harsh tone.
"Did he perhaps upset you?" he asked but I just ignored him.
"I guess so…."
"And Mr Deveraux, I wanted to inquire if I can take some months off, I mean like a leave?"
"Why would you want to do that in this crucial moment?" I said glancing at him.
"My wife just gave birth and she needs some help at home"
"Like how many months?"
"Like up to a year, I'm not quite certain, but I'd love to return when she's quite comfortable"
"Meet the secretary to finalize everything" I said in a cold voice.
Eugene had worked with me for years, to say I wouldn't miss him would be an understatement, excluding the fact that he works for me, he's the only close person in my life.
"I'll arrange your schedule before leaving, maybe I'll recommend someone to take my place, and please don't forget to go to the hospital for your checkup and treatment"
"I'm not a kid, you don't need to do all this"
"Well I'll still do it either way, Jacob I'll be coming down here" he said then Jacob abruptly stopped the car.
"Congratulations"
"I know you'll miss me if that's what you plan to say, I'll see you around then, maybe we'll come visit someday" he said then left.
I am such a jerk.
Immediately he told me about his wife birthing, I should've congratulated him, but here I was upset that he was leaving.
"Mr Deveraux, should we leave?"
I was about to say yes when I saw a familiar face.
"Could you wait a bit?"
"Yes sir"
It was Aiden wife, the woman my mind had been on all afternoon, what was she doing here?
I felt the urge to go meet her and take her somewhere safe, but Aiden's words repeated rang iny mind.
'This is not the first time she's doing this, she'll come around'
Maybe I was doing too much, I didn't even know her before today, so why did I have this urge to protect her, even from Aiden.
"Let's wait a little"
"Okay sir"
Although I felt really exhausted, watching her felt like recharing myself, I just watched, Did she really have nowhere to go?
"I watched for for hours, night approaching faster than expected, just then rain suddenly started drizzling, Jacob then turned on the light.
It didn't matter to me, I was just worried about her catching a flu, I knew I couldn't approach her so the first person to call that came to my mind was Marcelo.
I tried reaching out to him but his number was unreachable.
Just then she glanced towards our car's position, my heart skipped a beat.
What was I doing?
She then slowly gathered her things and stood up, her steps gradually increasing as she walked
She must have thought I was following or watching her
But to be sincere, I was, WHY?
The question kept popping up in my mind and nothing was stopping me from leaving but I just couldn't.
Glancing at the direction she was headed, I guessed she was heading to my club, that makes it more easier to be sure she's safe.
"Head to the bougie club"
"Should I inform them that you'll be on your way?"
"Yes, The VIP lounge upstairs should be ready when I get there"I said as he immediately called but my mind wasn't there, I was still staring at the direction In which she had gone.
We were there in no time, I tried to look for her in the crowd but these goddamn bouncers kept pushing people away.
I hoped I could get a better view from upstairs.
I went upstairs and settled down, then I spotted her, downing herself in alcohol, sitting at the counter.
An unknowing smile appeared on my face.
"Boss, Mr Graciano is here" At the sound of his name, my slight smile disappeared.
That bastard had the balls to show up here after stealing my half million dollars.
"Is he aware that I'm in?"
"No"
"Bring him here, we have urgent business to discuss, I said throwing a side glance at her once again.
I watched as Graciano was dragged into the lounge, he looked battered, it seems my money had sucked life out of him.
Immediately his eyes met mine, he froze as his face went pale.
"Mr Deveraux...…..I…..I...I thought you were having health issues?"
"I was, as a good friend of mine you couldn't even say hello, or drop by, now half a million dollars of mine is missing, and I really don't know who to point fingers at"
"i swear it wasn't me"
"Then who was it?"
"I… I…." he said stammering, I hated the sound of it.
"What are you so scared of Graciano, it seems you underestimate me a lot" I said with rage enveloped voice, he tried to speak but I didn't let him.
"I heard your company has been doing well lately...…." I said a devilish smile appearing on my face.