Chapter 875 - Not good at the waiting game (1/2)

~ Chicago, K Industries HQ ~

October 4, 5:37 PM

Jasper is in his office chair, facing the large floor-to-ceiling window and observing the city skyline. He remembered that almost a week ago Ellie was in his office. Around this time. Lilian made a scene, but luckily he managed to smooth it out with Ellie.

Jasper's mood is low. He will not see Ellie today. And he is missing her more than normally because he knows that she is nearby… yet out of reach. He sent her few text messages, and she didn't reply. Ellie said that she is very busy, so it's not unexpected, but he still hoped that maybe she can spare few seconds to check his messages and send something back.

He told himself more than once to cheer up because Ellie promised to come to his penthouse tomorrow at noon, and they will spend the rest of the day together. But tomorrow seems to be forever away. Jasper is not good at this waiting game and he can only hope that Ellie will not bail out at the last moment. Jasper kept busy planning for the next day. They have the afternoon and evening, so many options… yet nothing seems good enough. At the end, he decided to wing it. She will come to his place and instead of his usual 'we have a reservation' , it will be more like 'what do you feel like doing?' . Yes, he is happy with that plan. It will be nice to spend time with Ellie without anything scheduled.

”CEO Kiani, your father…”, Faith's voice was cut off when door of Jasper's office opened.

Jasper sighed. Will his father ever learn to wait for Faith to announce him, and then Jasper to say that it's OK for him to enter? Or at least to knock? Probably not. As long as he treats K Industries as his company, he will enter anywhere as he pleases.

”You are still here?”, Norman asked with mirth in his voice.

Jasper rotated his chair to see his father and saw that there is a mocking smirk on his father's usually stern face. ”Would you come here if I'm not present?”

Norman sat on the chair. ”I was just making an observation. Lately you leave at five o'clock sharp. What happened? Did you run out of dates?”

”Why am I not surprised that you know when I come and go?”

”Don't make it sound like I'm keeping tabs on you.”

”Aren't you?” Jasper told himself to stop this silly exchange which will not lead anywhere. Angering his father will not bring anything good.

The usually tense relationship between two of them is much worse since Lilian is out of the company.

Jasper did his best to adjust his mood and appear undisturbed by his father's presence. ”Why are you here?”

”To remind you that Cavadini family is hosting an event tomorrow. It's expected that you make an appearance. It starts at one in the afternoon. Their villa.” Norman was informing Jasper that he needs to come, not asking if he can.

Jasper sneered internally. Cavadini family? Norman must be joking! There is no way that he is going to Lilian's house. But if he says that aloud, his father will get upset, and they will burst into an argument which can't end good for Jasper. After all, his father has a good leverage against him.

Jasper knows that he is not going. He does not want to be anywhere near Lilian and there is no way he will cancel on Ellie. But should he say that to his father?

What will Norman do when Jasper does not show up to the event? Come to get him?

Jasper smiled at the thought of Norman fuming at the party when he realizes that his son is not coming. ”I appreciate the reminder. Anything else?”