Chapter 32: Chapter thirty two

Drayton

I sprung to my feet at the sound of Jonathan's voice. The room was dark, save for the moonlight cascading into the room through the floor to ceiling windows. I couldn't see his face clearly from where I stood but I knew he was there.

“What do you want?” I asked, not bothering to hide the displeasure in my voice.

He finally stepped out of the shadows and I saw him clearly. I hadn't seen his face for months and I was hoping it'd stay that way for a while. But then again, he's Jonathan King. He does whatever he wishes and no one can stop him.

“Can't I merely pay my son a visit?” The corners of his lips twitched, I couldn't tell if he was trying to smile or fighting a snarl. Knowing him, it was probably both.

I sighed. Talk about wanting some peace and quiet then your estranged father shows up. What a horrible way to end my day.

“Well, ‘your son’ wishes for some peace and quiet, and he definitely doesn't want to see you.” I said. “How did you even know I was here?”

Penny couldn't have told me where I was. I just spoke to her few minutes ago. Even if she had guessed before calling me, she wouldn't have told him. She tolerates the man just as much as I do.

A thought ran across my mind and my eyes flashed red with rage.

“Are you having me followed?”

He had done it before. Shortly after I moved out, he hired a private investigator to keep tabs on me. It took me threatening to file a restraining order against him for him to call off his private investigator.

Jonathan let out an exasperated sigh as if he was tired of answering the same question many times.

What? I didn't trust him not to go back on his words if it meant getting what he wanted.

“No, I didn't put anyone on your tail. We've talked about that. I came here for a different reason and was half hoping you'd show up.”

“Why would you assume that?” I asked, trying to mask my confusion.

“Well, after the stunt you pulled tonight. I knew you'd come back here to park the car.”

I stayed silent, waiting for him to continue. It was on the tip of my tongue to ask him what stunt he meant. I'd done so many reckless things tonight that even I had lost count.

“And?” I asked when the silence was getting unbearable.

I knew he was doing that to make me nervous but it was having the opposite effect. I was growing more frustrated and I just wanted to sleep. It's been a long day.

“I don't even want to know why you felt the need to pull that stupid stunt, but that was very reckless of you.”

He folded his arms, leveling a hard glare on me, but I didn't respond to him. I barely noticed how hard he was glaring. He probably expected me to bristle like I always do.

Few years back, I would have almost peed my pants when he looks at me like that. But ever since that day, something has changed in me. I no longer see him as the intimidating CEO and father. He was simply just Jonathan.

“What do you have against Charles McAlister? Why would you destroy his property?” he finally said.

Oh, so that's what he was referring to. I wasn't surprised Jonathan had found out about it.

I suspected Todd would inform him right after I told him to bring the Mercedes to come meet me. They all know I only drive that car when I'm planning something mischievous.

I really do need more loyal domestic staffs. I'm so sick of them kissing up to Jonathan's ass. I didn't really blame them. He was technically their boss after all.

“He pissed me off.” I simply shrugged and sunk back into the bed. I made sure to remove my shoes this time, tossing it across the room.

Jonathan didn't leave the wall or readjust his posture, but I was certain he was pissed off. I could literally feel the rage coming out of him.

“You can't just go around setting people's cars on fire just because they piss you off.” he almost yelled.

“I can and I will.” I shrugged again. “Why are you bothered about it anyway? It's not like anyone could trace it back to me.”

I'd made sure to get rid of all the cameras in the surrounding and I was sure no one saw me.

“Well, that's the problem with your plan, genius. I found out about it. Who's to say he wouldn't find out about it too. You're aware he's a minister, correct?” He said.

I sat up on the bed and crossed my legs.

“He wouldn't.” I said with certainty.

“Well, I made extra sure of that.” He grunted.

That earned a chuckle from me.

“Don't want anything tarnishing the King's name, right?” I said sarcastically.

He simply stared at me and shook his head. He didn't say anything for the next few seconds.

“Now that you're done scolding me, I'd like to sleep. Do you mind?” I arched an eyebrow at him.

“What's your deal with Charles anyway? The attack seem so random and out of the blue, even for you.”

“I told you, he pissed me off.” I said, a bit harshly, but I didn't care.

God, the man just doesn't listen. I need him out of here. But short of pushing him out the front door, I can't make him leave unless he wants to. I could leave, but I didn't want to spend a night under the same roof with Arielle tonight.

He went silent for a few seconds.

“Is it about his daughter? I know I'm not very involved in your life but I know about your feud with her. Did she say something to you?” He asked.

“No, it's not about Arielle.” I snapped. “Why the hell do you care anyway? Let's drop the whole ‘loving father’ act, what do you want?”

He ignored my question and continued,

“I know what you did when she was in the hospital.”

“Oh my fucking God, why does everyone keep reminding me of that?” I groaned.

“She’s a distraction and you can't afford it. You're my only heir, Drayton.”

That made me snap completely.

“I'm not your fucking heir. Don't ever call me that.”

I hated the title, the responsibility, I hated everything that has to do with him. I hated him.

“You're my only son, Drayton, and heir to everything I own. Whether you like it or not. It's time you start acting like it.”

I couldn't stop the laugh that escaped my lips.

“Like you acted like a husband when she was dying?” I snarled.

A heavy silence settled between us as soon as the words left my mouth. I knew it was cruel of me but I just couldn't forgive him.

He'd acted like her death meant nothing and had never even spoke of it. He'd swept all of her memories under the rug. I hated him for it. I hated him for everything. He could have saved her, but he didn't.

He seem to realize that as his face sagged, the mask of the almighty Jonathan King slipping.

“You know, for someone who doesn't remember everything, you sure do blame me a lot.” He muttered, almost inaudibly.

He turned around and left before I could say anything.

I watched him walked out of my life. Again.