Chapter 31

Electra POV

I exhaled sharply as he walked out of my office, leaving me seething. My fists clenched, I slammed them onto the desk, making the pens and papers jump.

"What did he take me for?" I muttered, my voice laced with indignation. "Does he think I still have feelings for him?" The thought repulsed me. "I resent him, not love him."

I took a deep breath, attempting to compose myself. My subconscious mind piped up, its voice a nagging whisper.

"Perhaps you should tell him about his daughter. He deserves to know he has a responsibility."

I snarled, silencing the voice. "Shut up!" My palm slapped the desk, the sound echoing through the room. "Who says I'm not capable of taking care of my daughter?"

My anger boiled over, I shot up from my chair and strode to the water cooler. I gulped down a glass of water in one swift motion, feeling the cool liquid calm my frayed nerves.

As I stood there, I couldn't shake off the lingering emotions. His presence still lingered, stirring up memories I thought were long buried.

"How dare him show up here. Did he think he can stop me for revenging what he did for me" I scoffed.

"He has the nerve to come here and preach to me that I should stay away from Maxwell. Like did I have to take his consent or did he thinks is opinion matters" I said, as I settled on the chair.

I grasped my desk phone and swiftly dialed the receptionist's number. She answered on the first ring. "Reception, how may I help you, ma'am?" her cheerful voice filled the line.

I didn't waste time on pleasantries. "Listen carefully. Anytime I have a visitor, ensure you verify their identity thoroughly," I instructed, my tone firm. "If you fail to do so and allow unauthorized access, I'll have no choice but to let you go."

The receptionist's apology was immediate. "Okay, ma'am. I'm very sorry. It won't happen again."

I ended the call, my eyes lingering on the phone for a moment. With a deep breath, I attempted to compose myself and refocus on work.

Just as I was about to dive back in, my mobile phone rang. The screen flashed "Maxwell." My stomach twisted into knots; I didn't want to talk to him now. But avoiding him wasn't an option.

With a reluctant sigh, I answered. "Maxwell."

My tone was neutral. "Hey, how's it going?" Maxwell asked, his cheerfulness grating against my frazzled nerves.

I forced a polite response. "It's going. What's up?"

"Can you come over to my place today, let's talk?" Maxwell asked, his voice laced with expectation.

I took a deep breath, weighing my options. "About what, Maxwell?" I inquired, my tone cautious.

The line fell silent, and for a moment, I wondered if he'd hung up.

Then, Maxwell's voice dripped with persuasion. "You're my girlfriend now, Electra. You should at least come visit me once."

I scoffed, feigning annoyance, but secretly delighted. This was the perfect opportunity to fuel Knoxville's jealousy.

"I should go," I thought to myself. "It will drive Knoxville mad seeing me with his half-brother, exactly what I wanted."

"Alright, I'll be there," I replied, injecting a hint of reluctance into my voice. "But I might be late."

"I'll be expecting you," Maxwell said, his tone confident.

I nodded, even though he couldn't see me. "See you soon."

The call ended, and I couldn't help but smile. This was going to be fun.

*****

I walked towards the door, already prepared to see Maxwell, when Gladys' voice stopped me in my tracks.

"Mum!" she called out in her tiny tone, rushing towards me with an irresistible smile.

I knelt down to her level, opening my arms wide. "Hey Baby!"

Gladys wrapped her small arms around me, pulling me into a tight hug. I felt a pang of guilt, realizing how much I'd been absent from her life lately.

Since her birthday, I'd hardly spent quality time with her. She was always with her nanny, who got her ready for school and often put her to bed before I returned from work.

"Mum, please stay with me tonight. I missed you," Gladys pleaded, her big brown eyes sparkling with longing.

My heart melted at her words. How could I leave her again?

"I'm sorry, baby, but I have plans," I said, closing my eyes, bracing for her reaction.

Gladys' voice trembled. "You're going to reject me again, just like when we were abroad. You promised to spend time with me."

Tears filled her eyes, and my heart sank. I remembered the guilt I felt then, and it was back now.

"I'm sorry, baby. Mummy is quite busy these days. But I promise I'll spend time with you during weekends."

I attempted to placate her, but she wasn't convinced.

"You have school tomorrow; you should go to bed," I added, trying to redirect.

Gladys' gaze turned piercing. "Are you going out with him?" she asked, her voice laced with accusation.

I hesitated, unsure how much she knew. "Who, baby?" I asked, stalling.

"The uncle I saw at the mall, are you both going out?" Gladys asked, her curiosity getting the better of her.

I chuckled, trying to downplay the situation. "You're too young for that, baby."

Gladys' eyes sparkled with determination, but I firmly guided her towards bed.

"Please go to bed, mummy is trying everything for us to be fine," I reassured her.

I signaled to her nanny, who promptly appeared to escort Gladys to bed.

As the nanny led Gladys away, she looked back at me with pleading eyes.

"Mummy, don't go," she whispered.

I forced a smile. "Sleep tight, baby. I'll be here in the morning."

The nanny's gentle voice faded into the distance. "Let's get you tucked in, sweetie."

With Gladys settled, I took a deep breath and refocused on my plans for Maxwell.

But Gladys' words lingered: "The uncle I saw at the mall."

"I am sorry baby, you mum has to do this just safe

you from you toxic father. The one who has neglected us. I am trying to fight for us" I thought within myself.