Page 24 of Mr. January

Reese's voice, trying to sound like one of reason, comes through my car speakers via Bluetooth, his tone grim. "Knox, it's a mess. Mom got a hold of the Mr. January article, and she demanded I fire Robyn before she even got in my office this morning. She also wants the article changed, regardless of what you said, and wants Robyn written completely out of the article. She's even considering having Genesis take over as interim editor-in-chief to clean up this mess."

I can't believe what I'm hearing. Our mother's interference in our lives has reached a new level of intrusion. "Genesis as editor-in-chief? Not saying that she couldn't do it because she has the background, but are you kidding me? That is Robyn's job; she's been with the company for 15 years! This is getting out of hand."

Talon chimes in, his voice strained. "We're trying to talk Mom out of it, but she's insistent. We're in damage control mode right now, Knox."

I grip the steering wheel of my car tighter as I navigate through the winding roads toward the Forrester estate. The anger in my chest burns hot, and I know it's time to confront my parents about their meddling.

"Listen, guys, I'm almost at the estate," I say, my voice resolute. "I'll try and talk to Robyn to make sure she understands the gravity of the situation and her decision. And then, I'm going to have a little chat with Mom and Dad about boundaries."

Reese's voice softens with understanding. "Knox, we respect your decision, and we're here for you. Just make sure Robyn knows we're on her side, no matter what."

I appreciate my brothers' support, and I know I'll need it in the coming confrontation. "Thanks, Reese, Talon. I'll call you later."

I end the call and pull up to the main Forrester estate, the vast driveway leading to the imposing mansion. Any other time, I might be nervous about facing my parents, but right now, a bold determination runs warm in my veins.

I know what I want, and it's Robyn. I'm in love with her, and there's not a damn thing my parents can say or do to change that. It's time they respect me as an adult and my decisions about who I choose to love.

The Forrester estate stands like a fortress of opulence as I approach it, its grandeur a stark contrast to the turmoil inside. The mansion exudes an air of authority, much like my parents who reside within its walls. But today, I won't be intimidated by their power or influence.

I step out of my car, my footsteps echoing on the cobblestone driveway as I approach the entrance. The tension in the air is palpable, a heavy cloud that hangs over the estate. This is not the first time I've challenged my parents, but it may be the most significant.

As I approach the front door, it swings open before I can even knock. There stands my mother, Rachael Forrester, her icy gaze locking onto mine. It's a surprise to see her; she typically leaves the task of answering the door to Vera, the house manager. She's impeccably dressed, as always, exuding regal authority, but her raised brow betrays a sense of suspicion. I'd had my assistant, Ellie, call ahead to inform them of my visit, purposefully omitting the reason. Given her penchant for overstepping boundaries and the fact she's already read the 'Mr. January' article, I know she's well aware of why I'm here.

"Knox," she says, her voice cold and calculating. "I assume you've heard about the situation at the magazine."

I don't waste any time with pleasantries. "Yes, I have, Mother. We need to talk."

She steps aside, allowing me to enter the mansion. The interior is as grandiose as the exterior, with ornate furnishings and paintings that exude wealth and power. We make our way to the sitting room, where my father, Jeron Forrester, sits in a leather armchair, a glass of brandy in hand.

"Knox," he greets me with a nod, his tone more measured than my mother's but equally stern.

I take a deep breath, trying to quell the anger boiling within me. "You both have gone too far this time. Robyn had to quit her job because of your interference."

Rachael remains unapologetic, her demeanor unyielding. "We had our reasons, Knox. You know the Forrester name carries certain expectations."

I can feel my frustration mounting, but I stand my ground. "I won't let you control my life, Mother. I love Robyn, and I won't let anyone dictate who I can be with."

Jeron sets his glass aside and leans forward, his gaze intent. "Knox, we only want what's best for you and for the family."

I take a step closer, my voice unwavering. "What's best for me is Robyn. And if you can't accept that, then I'll have to make my own path."

The room falls into a tense silence, the weight of my words hanging in the air. I know this confrontation won't resolve everything, but it's a start. It's time for me to assert my independence and fight for the woman I love, no matter the consequences.

I stand my ground, my resolve unwavering, as I face my parents in the ornate sitting room.

My mother remains unyielding. "Knox, you're letting your emotions cloud your judgment. Robyn's past, with her counting cards and the medical bills, was a burden we couldn't socially afford to bear at Forrester International."

I grit my teeth, anger simmering just beneath the surface. "She's paid her dues, Mother. And her past doesn't define her. She's an incredible woman, and I love her."

My father, Jeron Forrester, finally speaks up, his voice softer than my mother's. "Knox, how is Anika doing?"

I feel a flicker of hope at his question. "Anika is 21 now, and she's in remission."

Both my parents seem genuinely pleased to hear the news about Robyn’s sister's health, and for a moment, I see a glimmer of humanity in them.

But I don't back down. "I'm going to pursue Robyn, Mother. You can either accept it or lose your oldest son. And if you don't stop meddling in Reese and Talon's lives, you'll lose them too."

My mother's icy façade cracks for a moment, and I see a hint of vulnerability. "Knox, we only want all our sons to be happy."

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