Chapter 38: Kind of Miss You
Byron swirled his glass without responding.
There was an icy cold glint in his eyes.
Percy hosted a group of big shots from a foreign municipal inspection team tonight for negotiations on a major project, under Georgeâs specific order.
He was drunk and giddy after drinking a bottle of 42 Degrees South Sauvignon Blanc.
After sending the clients off, Rose helped him up as they left.
When they passed through the table in Section A, Percy suddenly stopped and said to Rose, âWait for me in the car.â
Rose glanced at the center of the sofa, only to see Byron, Percyâs half-brother.
This was the first time she had seen Byron.
He was better looking than she had imagined, with a handsome appearance, a toned figure, and an extraordinary
aura.
Chapter 28. Kind of Miss You
He was very different from Percy.
His eyes were complex and clear, with a humane desire for lust in them.
She didnât look further and turned around to leave the club.
âYou guys havenât been in touch?â
Byron put down his glass and said, âNo.â
Enos filled his glass and said, âI heard from the president of the Light Group that Uncle George is stepping down.â
âWhy didnât you tell me?â he said reticently while pondering about something.
Enos and Percy had known each other since they were kids, but they never quite got along.
Percy was a few years older than them and had prematurely shown a precociousness unbecoming of his age. As if he was G odâs favorite, he was outstanding in every aspect.
Byron had matured earlier than his peers but his mother was his fatherâs mistress so she was often shamed by others. Thus, Byron was often struggling to survive in the cra cks while keeping a low profile.
However, he got along rather well with this bunch of scions, though he wasnât exactly close to them.
On the other hand, Percy stayed out of frivolous social circles like his and had always looked down on such scions.
Over the years, he was either pursuing further studies or doing business. He was steady and reliable.
He was also very inhumane.
He had a gentle and refined appearance but he rarely smiled. and was like a typical, cold, and merciless heir of a noble family.
In Percyâs immaculate life, his only weakness was a woman, for whom he did not hesitate to fall out with George and insisted on marrying. He even threatened to sever ties with his family and take Stacy Mitchell to L.A where they would. get married if they didnât accept her.
As a result of his determination, George agreed to the marriage, but Stacy wasnât destined to be a rich manâs wife. as she died at the tender age of 26.
The upper-class families who had sons were all jealous and scrupulous towards Percy. He was known to be powerful in the business world and would stop at nothing to rake in as much profits as possible.
Chapter 18. Kind of Miss You
The patriarchs of these families were barely on par with Percy and once their sons took over, they would probably lose their businesses to Percy, whom they were no match. for.
As for Byron, he was also considered powerful and highly capable in the âordinary classâ.
Unfortunately, Percy overpowered him, otherwise, he would have been a strong candidate to succeed George.
For that reason, Percy was very wary of him.
Enos and his friends got up and greeted him respectfully, âHey, Percy.â
Byron didnât move and leaned back lazily instead, his upper body submerged in darkness.
âByronâ¦â Enos nudged him, âYour brother.â
He shrugged it off indifferently, wiped his hands clean with. a paper towel, and stood up to leave his seat.
âHold up. I have something to ask you,â Percy stopped him.
âIs that an order?â Byron retorted as he threw the ball of paper towel onto the ground beside the hem of Percyâs
Chapter 38. Kind of Miss You
pants mercilessly.
Sensing the overwhelming tension in the air, Enos frantically tried to ease the situation.
âPercy, are you here for drinks?â he asked.
Percy was calm and nodded his head as he answered, âIâm here to negotiate a business deal.â
âI have a private room on the second floor. Why donât I arrange for two hostesses to accompany you? Itâs getting late.â
The club belonged to Georgeâs driver but Percy rarely appeared here. Compared to Enos, he was much less of a play boy.
âI donât touch the women in this place.â
His tone was austere and detached.
With an awkward smile, Enos said, âWell, weâre not that particular. It doesnât hurt to try different types of women.â
Percy pulled out his cigarette case and a man next to him was about to light his cigarette for him but he brushed him off and bent forward slightly to light it with the candle by
Chacha
Kind of Miss You
the edge of the fruit plate.
He aimed the butt of the cigarette at Byron, who was remaining silent.
The mixture of fire, neon lights, dance music played by the DJ, alcohol, and nicotine was chaotic, overbearing, and surly.
Under the red light, everything was amplified.
Percy held the cigarette to his lips and loosened his tie with one hand while glancing at him with a deep gaze in his eyes.
âCome over.â
He did not move immediately, and instead, remained seated for a while. Percy remained patient without rushing him.
After a long time, Byron finally stood up and followed him
over.
Remaining composed, he didnât bring up the topic immediately and just stared at the dance floor wistfully.
Percy looked towards another spot and said in a h o a rse voice, âDid you get sick of her?â
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Chapter 28 Kind of Miss You
His voice was emotionless.
The girl dancing on the stage was Enosâs new favorite, a graduate student in the Department of Broadcasting. She pestered Enos endlessly and threw herself at him but he hadnât given her a confirmation so she went all out and decided to go up on stage to dance.
Byron stared at her silently.
After smoking the cigarette in his hand, Percy rubbed it against the wall to put it out.
âDonât mess with her in the future. Now that youâre sick of her, make a clean break and stay away from her.â
Byron looked away and finally spoke up.
âWho are you to tell me this?â
Percy didnât respond.
âAre you two together?â
He still didnât say anything.
âHow long has it been? Did you guys start last week?â Byron asked as he lit up a cigarette and held it between his fingers.
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Last week, he and Candiceâs âtrial relationshipâ had ended for good.
If the dates matched, she would have jumped ship to Percy seamlessly.
âSheâs innocent and charming on the surface but it seems that she canât stand being lonely.â
âA little earlier. I initiated it,â Percy said as he took off his suit and slung it over the crook of his arm.
âEarlier? When?â Byron asked, squinting.
âBefore she was hospitalized,â Percy said after glancing at him.
When men are possessive, itâs hard to tell if it was because of their love for the woman or they just needed to declare sovereignty.
To certain men, the women they had dated were like their territory. Even after breaking things off, they would still be upset if another man covets or invades their territory.
Most importantly, Percy approached Candice at a time when Byron was dating her.
Chapter 38. Kind of Miss You
Although Byron did not officially announce it to the public or acknowledge her as his girlfriend, he considered it cheating.
He was furious and frustrated.
Vicky was at least honest about her disloyalty but Candice. cheated on him behind his back while pretending to be innocent and prudent in front of him. Or so he thought.
âAre you serious about her?â
âRegardless of whether Iâm serious about her or not, stop messing with her. Otherwise, Iâll deal with you the hard way,â Percy said tipsily.
âSheâs the one who messed with me first.â Byron chewed on his cigarette butt, âDo you like secondhand goods?â
Percy sulked and rebuked, âPlease show some respect.â
âI know clearly what youâre thinking,â Byron said sneeringly as he walked back.
âTake some time out of your schedule and make a trip home.â
âIs George dead?â Byron asked frivolously.
Chapter 34 Kind of Miss You
Percy couldnât stand his petulance.
âHeâs your father.â
âI donât acknowledge him.â
Byron returned to the table gloomily.
The rest of his friends in the room didnât dare to talk too
much either.
Enos inched closer and asked, âDid your brother put you down again?â
Byron spilled a full glass of wine into an ashtray, mixing it with the ashes in it.
He didnât even hear Enosâ question.
After exiting the club, Percy got into his car, and rubbed his brow hard while unbuttoning his shirt.
Rose peered into the rearview mirror and fixated her gaze on his bare chest.
His tie was hanging loosely, and his dark blue shirt was partially covering his Adamâs apple. It was the most s**y and provocative image in the world.
Chapter 38 Kind of Miss You
âMr. Percy, which home are we headed back to?â
He looked up at her with a cool expression.
Rose had forgotten that Nicole was long gone and had moved away from the mansion.
Percy and Nicole had always been rumored to be in a relationship at work, and Rose thought so too.
He treated Nicole differently.
When Percy dismissed Nicole in spite of their previous ties, Rose finally understood that a powerful man like him who had wealth and a high status, had long treated love lightly.
She bit the bullet and said, âNicole used to take care of you every time you suffered from gut problems after a drinking session, but I really donât have her experience.â
âPlease hand me my phone,â Percy interjected.
Rose handed it to him and he scrolled through his call history.
Immediately afterwards, Candice answered, âPercy?â
Chapter 38 Kind of Miss You
She seemed to be sleeping, and her tone was delicate and sweet.
He involuntarily smiled and asked, âAm I disturbing you from your rest?â
âYeah,â Candice answered straightforwardly.
âIâm sorry,â Percy said, grinning widely.
âIs there something you need my help with?â she asked groggily.
âYeah. I kinda miss you,â he said, his voice calm but deep and penetratingly powerful.
All of a sudden, her sleepiness was gone.
Candice sat up, her brain buzzing.
âAre you⦠socializing?â
He smiled without answering.
He was clearly half drunk.
âDo you know who I am?â
18 Vouchers
Percy closed his eyes and said, âCandice.â
She never thought she would tremble violently at the sound of her name one day.
âIs Miss Rose driving you?â
Leaning against the window wearily, he said, âHow nice would it be if you were sending me.â
âHow drunk are you?â Candice asked with her head hung low and her ears turning numb.
âCandice.â
She went numb again, like sheâd been electrocuted from head to toe.
She couldnât guess what he would say next.
âIâm listeningâ¦â
Percyâs voice was strong and alluring as he said, âJust take it that Iâm drunk and itâs the alcohol talking.â
Rose slowed down the car and raised the fender of the backseat.
Chapter 38 Kind of Miss You
âThe moon is beautiful tonight.â
Candice lay back down and looked out the window at the milky white moon. âIt is.â
Percy said, âJust like your eyes.â
***
Harry guessed that Vicky came back this time with the same attitude as before. She would probably behave for a short period of time and soon begin to itch for another man. However, he felt that it was unlikely that she would stay in the playhouse and remain as an actress for good.
There were plenty of younger actresses who had powerful backers and who could rival Vicky but they had no choice. but to make do with being the supporting actresses. As a result, Vicky managed to become the female lead of three major plays in a row.
All of these were undoubtedly because of Byronâs intense support.
He had invested millions into the playhouse to cajole her and make her happy.
Vickyâs fame was unparalleled at one point, lauded and put on a pedestal by the industry.
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Byron was extremely wealthy and drew a high annual salary but Vicky was a bottomless pit. In order to satiate her desires, which often cost him millions, he had no choice but to get money from his family.
However, it had been almost eight years since he asked. George for any money.
It was said that George was quite cold towards him, because his wife was still alive and he was scrupulous about Percy. Hence, he did not allow Byron to interfere with his properties.
He could give Byron money but not a proper status.
The Wilson family was very complicated and filled with
secrets.
Harry went to the cafeteria at noon with some food for Byron. However, the latter didnât have an appetite and remained seated with his eyes closed, seemingly troubled by something.
He didnât seem to be joyful about his old flameâs decision to repent.
âIs the matter regarding Vicky hurting Candice, over now?â Harry asked.
Chapter 35 Kind of Miss You
Byron could not bear to let Vicky go to jail or suffer
detention even though the circumstances were not serious.
âAre you upset that Candice didnât pursue the matter?â he snapped in annoyance.
Harry straightened his back and said, âDoctor Byron, I hope you can strike a balance between your talent and your character. Youâre being too biased.â
He was incredibly talented but his character was terrible.
âShould I go after her then? Iâm already in my thirties and itâs time I get married and have kids,â Harry said in an attempt to spite him.
âItâs up to you,â said an unbothered Byron.
Harry smacked his lips, unable to figure out why Byron wasnât in love with the pretty and virtuous Candice.
After a while, Byron walked out and said, âJust treat her well.â
He bought a pack of cigarettes at the nearby grocery store before going back to the clinic. Candice happened to alight at this moment too.
Chapter 38 Kind of Miss You
He quickly rushed forward to catch up with her and boarded the same elevator as her.
As soon as the doors closed, Candice spotted Byronâs figure through the door.
She was calm on the surface but her heart was in turmoil.
The composure she had regained after ten days was broken again as her memories came flooding back.
A mature man in work attire was much more lethally attractive than young hunks and broody young men.
It was especially so for Candice who had a thing for men in uniform and work attire. Back then, she had fallen in love with Rufus at first sight, largely because he was conducting team bonding exercises at the traffic police squad.
She thought that he looked really dashing standing under the sun in his uniform.
Instead of saying she was obsessed with Rufus, it would be better to say she was obsessed with that scene of him, which she saw through rose-tinted glasses.
Candice felt that her youth might have been wasted.
Chapter 38. Kind of Miss You
It was not like her character for her to fall in love with Byron so quickly.
Unless, of course, she didnât know the difference between. true love and transient love even after her experience with Rufus.
In the elevator, there were several male medical staff, and one of the nurses, egged on by her peers, huddled up next to Byron and asked, âDoctor Byron, is Miss Vicky from OB/GYN ward 2, your girlfriend?â
âYeah, weâve been together for years,â he answered.
One of the interns, whom Byron had trained, was bold enough to gossip about sensitive topics and people.
âHow about Miss Candice?â he asked.
After half a minute of silence, he gave the most professional answer without a change of expression, âWeâre just friends.â
Candice felt like she had been stabbed in the heart.
They had kissed and slept with each other whilst being in an ambiguous relationship. Yet, he said they were just normal friends.
Chapter 39. Kind of Miss You
Men can really be heartless. They were good at lying and acting, and the most infuriating thing about them was that they could easily forget a woman.
The intern doctor wanted to continue asking, but the nurse tugged her sleeve and gestured in Candiceâs direction. All of a sudden, everyone in the elevator fell silent.
âDoctor Byron, remember to invite us to your wedding!â
âGot it,â he chuckled and said.
The nurse turned her head to the side and asked, âWhen will it be?â
A patientâs family entered the elevator on the fifth floor and he took a step back, only to be shoulder to shoulder with Candice.
âBefore you guys get married, for sure.â
âDoctor Byronâs big day⦠is more or less confirmed.â
Amid the gossip and small talk, Byron kept staring at Candice from the corner of his eyes.
He went to the orthopedic clinic on the 7th floor.
Chapter 39 Kind of Miss You
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Out of goodwill, he reminded her, âDoctor Samson is not in. He has gone out for a consultation and heâll be back tomorrow afternoon.â
After hearing his words, Candice said politely, âThank you.
Byron placed his hands in his pockets without answering.
After exiting the elevator, she went across the street and was about to go back to the first floor when he called out to her as soon as she turned the corner.
Candice stopped and waited for him to come around to the front.
âHave you changed your dressing?â