Kelsey's POV
{In the morning...}
{Kelsey's Residence}
I woke up early, as always. The morning breeze kissed my skin as I laced my running shoes and hit the pavement. My lungs filled with crisp air, and my mind slowly cleared. Running had always been my escape, my moment of control. After thirty minutes, I returned home, sweat dampening my skin, and hit the shower.
I was so relieved that I didn't bump into the pervert general.
I picked a sleek outfit from my closet, a fitted beige high-waisted pencil skirt with a slit at the back, paired with a white tucked-in satin blouse that hugged my curves but looked professional. My hair was tied up in a neat ponytail, and my makeup was clean and subtle but made me look sharper. I slid into nude heels and finished the look with a soft pink lip.
One look at my reflection and it screamed perfect.
My dress style has always been perfect.
Downstairs, I prepared breakfast, scrambled eggs, bacon, toast, and fresh juice. Lila was still half-asleep at the table, rubbing her eyes while Landon sat beside her. He looked too good for someone with that quiet, black tee stretched over his chest and those grey sweatpants that were honestly a crime.
"Eat up," I said, placing the plates in front of them. I returned to the kitchen to pack Lila's lunch, tucking a small note in it like I always did.
I brought the lunchbox to the table. My eyes accidentally met Landon. For a second, we just stared.
God, why did I kiss him yesterday?
I looked away quickly, pretending to adjust something on the box. My face was definitely heating up.
"Um... Landon," I said, still not facing him. "Would you be chanced to pick Lila up from school every day? And, um, drop her off in the mornings too?"
He nodded once, and I felt a strange relief. I wanted to ask him about his job at the bar, but the words stuck in my throat. What if he got fired? Not many people would keep a mute worker behind a bar. The thought made my chest tighten with guilt.
Silently, I walked to my purse, pulled out my card, and handed it to him.
"In case you need anything," I murmured. "Even if you're... not working anymore, I'll still take care of you. For Lila's sake."
He stared at the card, then looked up at me and signed, "Thank you,"
I gave him a small smile, ignoring the pang in my chest.
Soon, it was time to go. I took one of the cars and asked Sylus to prep another one for Landon and Lila.
At the door, I knelt and kissed Lila's cheek.
"Be a good girl, okay? Don't bully your dad or anyone at school,"
"I won't! But... Mommy," Lila said, pouting, "you forgot something."
I tilted my head. "What?"
"You have to kiss Daddy too!"
I froze. Sylus awkwardly looked away, gritting his teeth. He was obviously angry. Landon blinked slowly, clearly not expecting that either.
"Lila, I..."
"You kissed him yesterday! Do it again!"
Shit! Where did this daughter of mine come from?
I sighed. "Fine. One time. Just. One."
I leaned in and kissed Landon on the cheek. But he turned slightly, on purpose, and my lips brushed the corner of his mouth.
I jerked back, glaring at him.
"Take good care of my daughter or I'll kill you. Got it?"
He grinned and nodded.
Grin! Again!
Flustered, I walked out and drove off.
---
{BBC 8:54 AM}
The Buzz Bulletin Company towered in the middle of the media district. I entered the lobby, admiring the clean design and tall windows as if I hadn't seen it yesterday.
The receptionist who ignored me and mocked me with her smile yesterday walked me to the elevator, and I was led straight to my new office.
She seemed to have turned a new leaf after finding out who I was.
It wasn't too small, but it wasn't massive either. A cosy, comfortable space on the tenth floor with glass windows, a mahogany desk, and some shelves. I walked in slowly, taking it all in.
"It's perfect," I whispered.
I removed the desk clutter and began arranging everything my way, a picture of me and Lila on the right, my planner on the left, pens organized by colour, and a tiny potted plant near the window.
Just as I settled into the chair, there was a knock.
"Come in."
The door opened, and a tall man stepped inside, all polished smiles and expensive cologne. He had wavy brown hair, soft hazel eyes, and an aura that screamed 'I think I'm God's gift to women.'
"You must be the new girl," he said, extending his hand. "Cameron Voss. I host Coffee & Chaos."
I shook his hand briefly. "Kelsey Prescott. Reporter, I guess"
"Ah, the mysterious transfer. There's been buzz about you. Some people say you're the boss's cousin. Others say you're a secret agent."
I raised a brow. "Or maybe I'm just qualified."
He chuckled. "Oh, feisty. I like that."
He leaned against my desk like he owned the place.
"If you need any help adjusting, you can come to me. I know all the good coffee spots."
"Thanks," I replied dryly, not looking up from my computer.
He tried again. "So... married? Single? Confusing?"
I didn't answer.
He stepped closer, placing a hand on the desk. "I'm just saying, a beautiful woman like you shouldn't be locked away in a boring office."
I looked up a flat expression on my face. "Touch anything on my desk and you'll need a new hand."
He blinked. Before he could recover, the door opened again.
The receptionist peeked in. "Ms. Prescott, your first job just came in."
Cameron straightened up. "Saved by the bell. I'll be seeing you around, Kelsey."
I didn't reply.
Instead, I turned to the receptionist, who saved that man from losing his hand. "What kind of job?"
She hesitated. "It's... kind of new. You've been assigned to interview the Blackridge head."
My breath hitched.
"The Blackridge family?"
She nodded. "The order came from the top. They want a discreet reporter with no history in the company. That's you."
I swallowed.
'The Blackridge family? Why?'
I looked at the thin file she handed over.
The front of it was blank. But I could feel it; it had something to do with my father.
What the hell is that old man up to?