Chapter 109

Timothy stood in the bustling gym, sweat dripping from his brow as he pushed his body to the limit.

The rhythmic thud of sneakers on the polished floor, the clang of weights, and the hum of conversation filled the air. It was his sanctuary, a place where he could escape the chaos of his life and focus on his own strength and determination.

Amidst the rhythmic thud of sneakers on the polished floor, his phone suddenly vibrated in his gym bag. Timothy paused, a bead of sweat rolling down his temple, as he fished out his phone and saw his father’s name flashing on the screen.

It was unusual for his father to call him. The silence between them was preferable, especially today of all days. He needed to release tension, and his father caused the opposite effect.

Heaving a sigh, Timothy swiped the screen to answer the call, his voice strained from exertion.

“Dad?” Timothy greeted, his breath heavy.

“Timothy, it’s time we had a discussion,” came Kamran Hayes‘ firm and measured voice from the other end of the line. “I need you to come to my office.”

Timothy’s brow furrowed in confusion. His father had always been distant, more preoccupied with his own business than with family matters. However, Timothy hadn’t expected his old man to actually develop a business in the years he’d distanced himself from the family.

Even more unusual was the notion of a “discussion” with his father, the master of evasion. “Why?”

Timothy asked, a hint of suspicion in his tone. “What’s this all about?”

Kamran’s voice remained composed. “I’ll explain when you get here. It’s important.”

Timothy sighed, looking around at the plethora of moving bodies around him. The activity was dizzying. “Alright, I’ll be there as soon as I can.”

Ending the call, Timothy continued his workout, a sense of unease gnawing at him. His father’s sudden summons was perplexing. Moreover, he couldn’t comprehend what hand landed the man in an office of his own.

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7 The Hayes patriarch had always operated from home, occasionally fishing for get rich quick schemes along the way, usually at the family’s detriment. He had seemed well–adjusted when his mother first met him, but the illusion fell rather quickly just months into their marriage. That alone dwindled any trust Timothy had in him.

After a cold shower, Timothy made his way to his father’s office building, Fitzgerald and Co. The sleek, modern exterior of the building spoke of wealth and influence, that of which his own step–

father had obtained, and Timothy couldn’t help but feel out of place as he entered. He wasn’t exactly living a humble life himself, the corporate setting of it all let alien to him.

He walked to the front desk and was greeted by the smiling face of receptionist in a pristine white suit. He returned the smile and leaned on the counter.

“Hi, I have a meeting with Kamran Hayes. I’m his son, Timothy,” he explained. He waited, but the woman didn’t budge.

“Of course! Everyone knows you!” she said chipperly. “Your father’s office is on the top floor. Head on up!”

With a nod and a soft “thank you“, Timothy took the elevator to the top floor. The floor–to–ceiling glass windows offered panoramic views of the city. The bright blue skies merely alluded to a nice day, one that Kamran would single handedly soil.

As he approached the office door, Timothy couldn’t help but wonder what awaited him on the other side.

With a light knock, Timothy pushed his way into the room. Kamran sat behind his polished mahogany desk, a pristine symbol of power and authority. The room was decorated with tasteful opulence, and Timothy couldn’t help but feel like an intruder.

Kamran looked up as his son entered, his expression unreadable. Timothy.” “Dad,” Timothy replied, taking a seat in front of the imposing desk.

The air seemed to grow heavy with tension as Kamran regarded his son. “I’ve become increasingly concerned about the media attention you’ve been receiving lately.”

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A Timothy raised an eyebrow, perplexed by his father’s sudden interest in his life. “What media attention? It’s just sports coverage.”

“Just sports coverage?” Kamran pressed, his eyes darkening. “Do sports channels. usually cover romance as well?”

Just as Timothy opened his mouth to retort, the office door swung open, and Stella Fitzgerald waltzed in with an air of self–satisfaction. She was impeccably dressed, her fiery red hair cascading elegantly over her shoulders. Timothy took several steps backward.

“Hello, Timothy,” Stella greeted with an affected sweetness that made Timothy’s skin crawl.

Timothy’s confusion deepened, and he turned his attention back to his father, searching for answers. “Why is Stella here? What’s going on?”

Kamran folded his hands together, his face stoic. “Timothy, I’ve heard rumors about your involvement with that ‘Evie‘ girl, and I’ve grown uncomfortable with it.”

Timothy’s eyes narrowed, his irritation growing. “Evie is my…she’s important to me, Dad, and she was helping me out with my case-”

Stella interjected with a sly smile. “Well, Timothy, perhaps it’s time to consider other options.”

Timothy’s patience wore thin, and he leaned forward, his voice tinged with frustration. “This woman right here nearly cost me my career as a hockey player. I won’t make that mistake again.”

Kamran’s voice took on a sharper edge. “Timothy, why on Earth would you choose to become a hockey player? Why couldn’t you be more like your step–brother, Andy?”

The mention of Andy, Kamran’s biological son and Timothy’s step–brother, hit a nerve. It was a sore point in their relationship, a constant source of tension. Timothy had always felt like an outsider in his own family, and his passion for hockey had only deepened the divide.

Furious, Timothy pushed back his chair, rising to his feet. “I’m not Andy, Dad. I’m not interested in your business or your plans for me. Evie means the world to me, and I’d never give up on her.”

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A 10:27 Sat, 23 Mar GUG.

Stella’s satisfied grin faltered, and Kamran’s expression remained implacable, but Timothy had made his stance clear. Of course, Kamran never made it easy.

Kamran finally spoke, his voice cold and calculating. “Timothy, I’ve decided to work with Stella’s father. There might be opportunities for you in his real estate ventures.

Stella chimed in, her voice dripping with condescension. “My father has recently transitioned into real estate investing, you know, since he lost his last job. Perhaps there’s a way for your father to work with him, too.”

Timothy’s anger flared, but he controlled his emotions. He couldn’t let his family’s expectations dictate his choices any longer.

“I’m not interested in your business dealings, Dad,” Timothy replied icily, turning to leave the room.

“And I’ve made a name for myself without your help.”

With that, he turned and walked toward the door, purposefully avoiding Stella’s glare on the way.

Just before leaving, he stopped at the threshold and said. flippantly over his shoulder, “Have a pleasant life.”

As he descended the elevator, his mind was filled with a greater sense of fear rather than confidence. He had the money and means to not let his family’s expectations. define his future anymore, but that didn’t shake away his memories of the past. Saying no to his father had a different effect now.

His father’s bad side was the last place he needed to be.