Page 46 of The Grumpy Billionaire Baby Daddy

“Hey, Fiona.”

“Dad. Are you holding up fine?”

“There’s nothing to worry about. I told your mom not to bother you with this, but she wouldn’t listen. She just never listens to me.”

The fight is starting – the one that comes from financial tension between a couple. My parents have a stable marriage. I hardly saw them fight or raise their voices; whenever they did, it was because of money issues. If they’re fighting now, then it’s already chipping away at their relationship.

No. No. No.

“Dad, it’s fine. I wanted to tell you that everything’s going to be alright, okay? Don’t beat your head so much. This happened the last time and somehow, you found a way. It’ll happen again, okay?”

He’s silent on the other end of the line for a few seconds.

“Thanks, Fiona. We’d hate to dump all of our issues on you. I know you’re busy with schoolwork. I’ll call you later.”

When the call ends, it leaves a hollow feeling in my chest. Maybe I should call Eleanor and ask for help. Not that she’d have that kind of money anyway. I don’t think she knows anyone too.

Just when my mind circles back to asking Jason, there’s a knock on the door.

“Who’s that?”

“Bertha.”

I walk over and open the door to find Bertha beaming.

“Hey, Fiona. How are you feeling?”

“Uhh…I’m okay.”

“Jackie’s downstairs. Are you ready to go?”

Right. Jackie’s the obstetrician who’s been in charge of checking me and making sure I’m in top shape. I forgot she comes on the last Friday of each month. Couldn’t she have found a better time? I’m not in the mood.

I plaster a smile across my face. “Okay. I’ll join you downstairs. Just give me a minute.”

Chapter 16

Jason

Kavia'slegswereelegantlycrossed as she leaned forward, her determined gaze fixed on my office desk. We had been grappling with the same issue for weeks, unable to reach a satisfying conclusion. I admired her work ethic, and her tireless commitment to finding the best solution, but sometimes her relentless drive could be overwhelming. Kavia possessed an uncanny ability to ignite passion in those around her, to spur us all on to see and act upon her vision. She was not one to shy away from confrontation, always ready to defend her ideas with a fierce, unyielding passion. I found her challenging, even exhilarating at times, but today, my patience was wearing thin. Exhaustion had taken its toll, my bones aching with weariness, and my stomach grumbling with hunger. I could feel myself on the brink of collapse, a single task away from crumbling into a heap.

Being the CEO of Consco means that I’m always on the go — thinking, talking, planning, and leading but it also means that I’m exhausted all the time and not always in the mood to argue.

“What I mean is users should be able to find construction materials even if we’re not going to be contracted for the job. This way, we’re top of their mind when they’re considering actual contracts.”

“I’ve got an issue with that. I don’t think it makes sense for anyone to have that perk if they’re not going to contract us. That’s shooting ourselves in the leg.”

“No! It might be a magnet for some.”

“I’m sorry. I just don’t see it.”

Kavia's delicate fingers pinched the bridge of her nose, her golden bracelet glinting in the subdued light of my office. I always kept the lighting low to avoid distractions; bright lights tended to scatter my thoughts like confetti. The soft, blue-tinted illumination seemed to seep into my mind, honing my focus to a razor-sharp edge. Hours could pass by without my noticing, lost in the rhythm of my work. Kavia, on the other hand, seemed less enamored with the ambiance. She exhaled a deep breath, her eyes glancing around the dimly lit space before settling back on me.

“How about I do a compelling presentation so you can see the possibility stats?”

I rub my chin, spinning my seat slowly.

“Okay. I think that might work. When do you think you can do that?”

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