14: What is mine!

XAVIER

My eyes scanned the conference room, my mind focused on the lucrative deal being discussed as I tapped my pen lightly against the table.

"I assure you, Mr Santos, this acquisition presents a unique synergy that could significantly bolster our market share in the renewable energy sector, " Mr Huang spoke with so much confidence, his gaze pinned on mine.

He makes a compelling case. I thought to myself, but I was also mindful of the inherent risks involved.

Let’s see if anyone is just as assertive as I am.

"While you might be right, we need to be cautious," one of my partners, Mr. Yiannis interjected, his brow furrowed in concern. "We can not afford to take on too much risk."

Exactly what I thought. I fought to hide a smirk.

Mr. Yiannis turned to me.

“Mr. Santos, we need to consider the potential downside,” he said. “We must consider the potential risks associated with integrating a new technology platform into our existing infrastructure”

“I would like to agree with Mr. Yiannis,” another partner, Mr. Nikos spoke up and I turned to him. “Expanding into emerging technologies like this entails substantial financial commitments and operational challenges. Are we prepared to navigate these complexities?

"Risk is what gets us ahead," I counter, my voice firm but measured. Leaning forward, I addressed them.

“Gentlemen,” I began, addressing the room with authority. “I understand the risks, but I also recognize the transformative potential of this acquisition. Our due diligence has been thorough, and I am confident in our ability to manage any challenges that arise.”

"This investment will pay off, I guarantee it." Mr Huang’s voice was quite convincing and I watched as agreement spread among the executives, reassured by my resolve.

Good.

But my attention was suddenly diverted when a message from Castor flashed on my phone.

Castor: Mrs Santos has left the suite and is headed to Club Eclipse nearby.

I chuckled lightly despite the surge of anger that boiled through me. I didn’t expect any less from Lillian, especially since I left her all alone for hours. I knew she’d act out and I half expected that she’d track me down to this place and match here raving the entire place down in her usual melodramatic manner.

But a club? A fuckinh club? In a city she has never been to?

I didn’t expect her to act so recklessly. What in heaven’s name was she thinking?

And the truth was that her quest for freedom didn’t even bother me as much as the potential dangers lurking in a nightclub—spiked drinks, perverted me.

The mere thought churned my blood.

She was fucking fresh meat!

Excusing myself from the meeting with a curt nod to my associates, I took precise strides out of the conference room. Castor was already waiting for me just outside, his expression anticipating my reaction.

“She’s at Club Eclipse. We tracked her there,” he informed me, his tone cautious.

“Why the hell wasn’t any security posted outside the suite?” I demanded, my frustration evident in my voice.

“I didn’t expect her to leave, sir, especially since she’s unfamiliar with Santorini.” He was apologetic

Shit. I sighed, pinching the bridge of my nose.

“Lesson number one, never underestimate Lillian’s wit,” I muttered, more to myself than to Castor.

“Prepare the car,” I said to Castor. “We are going to get her.”

“Yes, boss.”

And in a second, Castor was on his phone as he called the car, walking right beside me as we got into the elevator that led to the underground garage.

I climbed into the car, feeling the veins in my head tick like fucking time bombs as time stretched, and twenty minute drive felt like an entire day.

As I entered the club, the thumping music and flashing lights assaulted my senses and the stench of alcohol and sweat permeated the air. I scanned the crowded dance floor and it didn’t take long before my eyes found her.

Lillian.

But she wasn’t alone.

Someone was holding her. Another man was holding her.

Her eyes were closed, clearly delirious and also oblivious to my presence in the club as her body swayed against the stranger’s, lost in the music. She was grinding against him and his hands everywhere; her breasts, her waist, her bum, even slipping underneath her dress.

My blood coiled in my veins

I was going to break those hands.

I guess Castor forgot to mention that my wife left the hotel suite dressed in an outfit unfitting for a married woman, showing off half of her tits, her thighs and would expose her ass and cunt if she stood in the fucking wind.

In other circumstances, seeing her in such an outfit would have turned me on. It kinda still did.

But seeing her with another man, allowing someone that wasn’t me to touch her despite me singing it like a mantra the other day that her body was mine made me livid.

I am going to kill someone tonight.

“Boss, should I—” Castor began to ask but I held my hand up to stop him.

“No,” I shook my head, my gaze deadlock on the man who had the effrontery to put his hands on my wife. “I will handle it,” I growled out.

“Boss, I don’t think that’s a good idea—”

I didn’t wait for Castor to finish before I charged towards Lillian and the motherfucker, pushing off everyone on my part. It took my three strides to get to him and tear him away from my wife.

And with one powerful swing of my clenched fist, I landed a solid punch to his face, feeling his bones crush underneath my fists as he let out an ugly, guttural sound.