Chapter 33 Chapter 33

Chapter 33 Chapter 33


Sydney

I turned and my eyes opened. There was sunlight streaming from the windows and I could hear the waves against the shore. Letting out a sigh, I turned and the bed was empty.

Bryce.

I sat up, clutching the sheet against my chest. The suite was empty. He was gone. I reached to feel the side of the bed, pushing my hair back from my face.

It was cold. He’d been gone for a while. Of course. Im not sure what I expected. Was I expecting him to stay? Letting out a sigh, I picked up my phone from the nightstand.

Tapping the side button, the screen came up. There were 7 missed calls from Eric and ten text messages from Eric. I couldn’t help the disgust swelling in my chest.

Closing my eyes, I took a deep breath trying to calm myself but it was no point. I still wanted to throw the phone across the room. Sighing, I unlocked the phone, opening it. All his messages had the same predictable pattern.

Sydney is everything alright?

I’m a little worried. Please call me.

Call you by 4am? Wasn’t that a little ridiculous?

It’s not like you to ignore my calls. Hope everything is alright with the meetings?

I knew why he was sending these stupid texts and I almost laughed. It was Bryce. He was so worried over Bryce, he couldn’t think straight.

I was about to fling my leg off the bed when I saw a note. Picking it up, I glanced at it first then read it twice. It was such professional BS. Almost as though we hadn’t been making love last night.

I crumpled the note at first then immediately smoothed it out. There was no point getting mad. I made the choice as well and I had to live with the consequences.

My phone chimed again and I grabbed it. It was an email from Bryce’s assistant.

Mrs Stanley,

Per Mr. Westin’s instructions, I’ve booked on the 2:15PM return flight. A car service will arrive to pick you up from the hotel at 12:30PM. Your boarding pass is attached.

Please let me know if you require any changes to these arrangements.

Best regards

Letting out a sigh, I set the phone down and looked around. My dress was on the floor and so were my panties. I felt heat crawling up my cheeks.

Standing up, I got into the shower and washed my hair, trying to stop my mind from drifting back to how Bryce had saved me again from Marcus.

Stepping out of the shower, I dried off and changed into a pair of tailored black trousers and a cream silk short sleeved blouse. Putting my hair in a ponytail, I grabbed my powder when my phone buzzed again.

Picking it up, I stared at the screen and frowned.

Eric.

Oh for God’s sakes!

Syd, I’m worried. Just let me know you’re alright.

Sighing, I typed back. I’m fine. Business dinner ran late and I’ve been in bed. Flying home this afternoon. See you at noon.

I tapped the send button before I could overthink it, silenced my phone, and dropped it in my tote bag. I spent most of the morning at the summit but it was more exhausting than not. There was too much talk about what had happened last night with Marcus and when the car came by at 12:30, I couldn’t have been more grateful.

Thankfully, the driver was quiet the entire ride to the airport and I could spend my time staring at the Hampton landscape as we drove past. There were a ton of well manicured lawns and beach houses.

The flight back to New York was short. Barely enough time to finish reviewing all the emails I hadn’t answered before I had to get down and head for the house.

The vehicle drove into the lot and I felt my heart sink into my belly. It was weird. I used to love this place. At least I did in my first life. It had everything I wanted, happiness, stability, and a future with the man I loved. Or so I thought. Now, it just looked like some sort of expensive cage.

I climbed up the porch and pushed the door open, stepping into the lobby. I heard voices immediately. Someone was laughing over the sound of silverware clinking against china.

Were they having lunch?

I let out a sigh. So much for being worried about me. Pulling my bag along, I walked into the house. I was right.

The Stanleys were at our dining table having the time of their lives. Eric was sitting at the head of the table. He looked good if I was being honest. His sandy hair was styled back and he was wearing a nice red cashmere sweater. He looked up in time to see me, his blue eyes widening immediately.

His father was sitting down beside him, right next to his mother; Patricia who was looking as uncomfortable as she always did.

Yan was there of course, stuffing chicken into her mouth. They all looked up as I entered.

“Well, well,” Chairman Stanley looked up, setting down his glass of wine. “You finally came home. I was telling Eric, that you may have forgotten where you lived.” He let out a dry chuckle.

I managed a polite smile. “Good afternoon Mr Stanley. I wasn’t aware of this…” I gestured vaguely at the table. “Or I’d have come earlier.” I flashed my smile at Eric.

“It was last minute.” Eric retorted, gulping down some of his wine. “I tried calling you several times and….”

“Oh. I’m sorry. I was at the summit.”

“At the summit.” Yan scoffed, tucking her hair behind her ear. “Must have been a lot if you couldn’t make out sometime to pick up your husband’s call.”

“Yes.” I smiled at her. “I don’t think you would know what summits are like”

Her eyes widened at the jab and I could see anger dancing on her face.

“Well, I do” Chairman Stanley perked up, fixing me with a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “Eric also told me you attended with Bryce Westin.”

I knew what he was implying. My jaw tightened and it took everything in me to keep the stupid smile on my face.

“Yes. Per my father’s instructions based on the partnership we’re building with Westin Enterprises.”

“Partnership?” Yan laughed, leaning back on her chair. “Is that what they’re calling it now?”

I knew she would try to have a lick back.

“Yanique,” Patricia called softly. “That’s enough…”

“No, it’s not, Mom! It’s not enough!” She snapped turning those blue eyes on me. “Eric’s been calling you all weekend. He was worried sick and you couldn’t be bothered to pick up your phone even once?”

“Yes because like I said, I was working. Some of us have to work to earn a living and not spend our time stuffing food in our mouths.” I hissed.

The room went quiet.