Page 49 of Worship Him

I turn back to the window, bracing my hands against the cool glass. Somewhere out there, Destiny and Avery are going about their day, the foul paparazzi possibly keeping track of them.

Frustration gnaws at my stomach. I need to take control of the situation. Fast.

19

ADAM

Idrink the last of my coffee, adjusting my tie. I’m meeting with the board of investors in a few minutes, but I can't focus on the impending meeting. My mind keeps drifting to Destiny and that night four days ago.

The silence between us since then is deafening.

My phone vibrates, a news alert flashing across the screen. I tap it, my stomach dropping as I see the image.

Destiny. Avery. Suitcases. Airport.

"What the hell," I mutter, gripping the phone so tight my knuckles turn white.

Is she running? Taking my daughter away?

Surely she wouldn’t do that after everything we’ve been through. She seemed so full of remorse when she apologized.

I dial Destiny's number, my foot tapping an impatient rhythm against the polished floor. Straight to voicemail.

"Destiny, it's Adam. Call me back. Now."

I try again. Nothing.

"Mr. Ryder?" My assistant pokes her head in. "The board is ready for you."

"Reschedule it," I snap, grabbing my jacket. "Something's come up."

"But sir, they've been waiting-"

"I said reschedule it!"

The door slams behind me as I walk towards the elevator. My mind races, trying to understand what the photos could mean.

The elevator descends too slowly. I loosen my tie, feeling trapped in my suit.

"Come on, come on," I mutter, watching the numbers tick down.

My phone buzzes again. Another news alert. I open it, hoping for more information, anything to explain what's happening.

Instead, I'm greeted by speculation about my company's stock prices. The last thing I’m thinking about now.

The elevator doors finally open and I push past a waiting group of employees, ignoring their startled looks.

I stride towards my car, my mind a whirlwind of anger and concern. How long have these vultures been circling around Destiny? The thought of paparazzi stalking her and Avery makes my blood boil.

My little girl, barely three months old, already thrust into this hungry frenzy.

"Damnit," I mutter, running a hand through my hair. "Bastards."

A voice cuts through my haze. "Mr. Ryder? Your car, sir."

I blink, realizing I've walked right past my valet and the sleek black Audi. Shaking my head, I turn back.

"Thanks, Jake. I'll take it from here."

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