The Best Friend's Contract

"With all due respect, Mr. Ashton, we would like your brother's cooperation in this. We've had several meetings for the past two weeks and it's a shame to not see him joining us," One of the board of directors say, leaving me to sigh deeply; knowing that Alain is actually nowhere in New York City which is indeed a shame.

I rest both of my palms on the desk as I bend forward, all attention on me. "There are certain undiscussed matters. Don't get me wrong, Mr. Lee but I'm simply not my brother's babysitter and I certainly don't know his whereabouts," I reply before looking around the room to see them exchanging glances.

"He is still the company's chief financial officer, isn't he? It'd be good to see him play his role than being completely absent due to 'certain undiscussed matters' and please don't misunderstand me, Mr. Ashton-I simply want the best for this company as one of the board directors." He replies, looking directly at me as I clench my jaw before curving my lips into a small smile; listening to him. "We still need to discuss the financial details," He adds.

I stand up still, showing off the perfect posture before shoving both of my hands in my slacks' pockets. "For the time being... the financial details can be discussed with me," I respond.

"Will he be back anytime soon?" Someone else asks, making me turn to look at him.

Deep down, I understand their concern about Alain's absence but ever since he found out about Mia's pregnancy, he kept his distance. Not even Harley knows where he is and it worries me more, knowing that he's actually nowhere to be found; Mia's matter may not be a big issue but Alain might even blame himself for what happened.

He cares a whole lot about Mia, more than I can even care for her. They're closer together, they keep each other's secrets and they definitely do not tell lie. I completely understand how this would affect him but at the same time, he's overreacting.

"Like I said... I'm not my brother's babysitter. If that's all, end of discussion." I answer before picking up my coat from my seat and make my way out of the meeting room with Flynn following behind me.

We both enter the elevator with my mind fully occupied about Alain, wanting to know of his whereabouts and even his wellbeing. Yet, he's an adult and he can surely take good care of himself but he's worrying others around him. Then again, he wouldn't leave for too long; he wouldn't be gone for more than two or three weeks top, he wouldn't want Ava to question about his disappearance.

"Call him again," I gesture towards Flynn.

Flynn lifts his phone up to his ear before sighing, "Straight to voicemail, sir." He replies.

"For fuck's sake, Alain. Where the hell are you?" I mutter under my breath, pinching the bridge of my nose as I lean my head back-feeling my head starting to hurt, the common kind of pain when I'm going through a lot of pressure or stress.

"Mr. Ashton, did you make a huge amount of payment recently? The bank called to confirm your withdrawal an hour ago under your name," He hesitates at first as I turn to look at him but he continues to speak, "Just need to make sure because of the amount... incase you made any withdrawals while you were drunk," He adds.

My lips curve up into a smile before bursting out into soft chuckles, "What makes you think I'd call the bank when I'm drunk, Flynn?" I ask, raising an eyebrow.

"Well... I'm just making sure,"

"How much was the amount?" I ask, the elevator doors open as we exit-heading straight towards my office, passing by the empty hallway.

"About eighty-eight thousand dollars," He replies as he fixed his glasses, making sure they don't slip down the bridge of his nose; blinking a few times before clearing his throat, eyeing me as I take a seat in my office.

I look up at him, "Then, you have nothing to worry about, Flynn. That's a rather sober amount of money," I reply, running my fingers through my hair as a sudden gesture, somehow wanting to lift away all the amount of stress but nothing seems to be working.

Flynn blinks nervously, "If you don't

mind me asking, Mr. Ashton, did you

invest in something illegal?" He keeps his voice down, somehow afraid if the other staffs are going to hear us which causes me to laugh at his question-even if I'd like to invest insomething illegal, it would be without anyone knowing.

"I bought a car," I reply.

"How exciting. What kind of car did you buy? Will Gerald be driving your new car soon? Do I need to start making arrangements-" He continues to speak until I decide to cut him off.

"Actually, I bought a car for Kenna

and it's a Porsche. The one that

you've been talking about lately. it's a Christmas present-I wanted something unusual and

unexpected," I cut him off with a face before

smile plastered on my

leaning back on my seat, seeing Flynn nodding his head.

"You're making me a little bit jealous here, sir." He chuckles, placing the files on my desk.

I lean forward, "Well... how would you feel if I let you take that car for a drive as soon as it arrives?" I raise an eyebrow, causing his eyes to widen at the sudden offer as he starts to stutter, "I mean, if that's what you want-knowing it's also your dream car." I add. "I-I would love to, Mr. Ashton." He replies.

"Speaking of money and cars, I need to go to the bank to settle these cheques. Tell Gerald to prepare the car," I stand up, fixing my coat on my body in order to make myself appear more presentable and neat instead of 'stressed out' or filled with unsettled problems.

Both Flynn and I step out of the elevator to walk straight towards the exit, seeing Gerald standing beside the car as he smiles at me before he starts to open the door for me, letting me enter. Just like that, Flynn immediately enters the passenger's seat before Gerald drives down the road.

"Are you alright, Mr. Ashton?" Gerald asks, looking at the rear-view mirror.

I smile, "Just a little bit tired but I'm alright. What about you, Gerald? You seem happier today," I reply as I lean my head back on the seat, frowning at the sudden headache before closing my eyes, hoping it will all pass away.

He chuckles, "Today is my

daughter's first day in kindergarten

and my wife took pictures of how

excited she was to be there. It cheers me up," He answers as he takes a left turn, "It's crazy how time

flies, sir. She was just a baby and now she's growing up to be a beautiful girl," He adds.