“Phillip, what you’re not going to do is come here and disrespect my wife. No one owes you shit. If you want the money, then you’re gonna sit there quietly and listen to my conditions.”
His face reddened. Phillip didn’t look happy at being scolded by me and it was clear he had more to say but he tucked his tail between his legs instead. “Two hundred and fifty thousand.”
“Are you fucking crazy, he’s not—” Again I silenced Xylina by giving her shoulder a squeeze. I couldn’t lie, this was the first time I’d seen her lose her cool like this and seeing it in defense of me had me looking at her in a different light. But this wasn’t a fight she needed to get worked up about.
“Don’t stress our baby out.”
“But, Yosiah?—”
“I’ve got everything under control. Trust me.” Again I squeezed her shoulder but this time in reassurance.
She inhaled then pushed a heavy breath out. Her face was still slightly tense but she gave me a stiff nod anyway.
“Listen to your husband, Xylina. A woman isn’t needed to talk business anyway. Just sit there and look pretty.”
His words turned my blood hot. I faced him with a frown. “Didn’t I just say to not disrespect my wife. Matter of fact, don’t mention her again or the deal’s off.”
The wounded yet pissed look on his face was exhilarating. Phillip was used to having the upper hand and calling the shots. Last time we were face to face, he had my dad and me by the balls. This time he was one hanging on by a thread.
My hand dropped from Xylina’s shoulder and went to her hand. I led her over to the table across from her dad. I pulled a seat out for her before taking one next to her.
I pulled my phone out to send a text when Xylina leaned over and whispered in my ear.
“Hearing your no nonsense business voice made my panties wet, hubby.”
I snorted, lifting one corner of my mouth and glancing at her. She had a dreamy look now plastered on her face. I grabbed her thigh under the table and squeezed. “Behave.”
She pouted and batted her lashes. “I’ll try.”
Shaking my head, I turned my attention back to the phone and sent a quick message before setting it face down next to me. My eyes went to Phillip and all playfulness left.
The air felt like a rubber band stretched too far, just waiting to snap. Phillip watched both me and Xylina with irritation and impatience written all on his face. His jaw clenched so tightly I wouldn’t be surprised if he cracked a tooth or two. Under normal circumstances, one might find the environment suffocating, but it was entertainment for me. Seeing Phillip on the begging end was better than finally finishing coding a new software for me. I wanted him on edge and not knowing what was to come.
I was able to intercept one of his calls to Xylina without her knowing. After hearing him instantly start yelling and throwing out demands before I could even say hello, I knew it was time for me to put my plan in motion to rid him from her life. I promised him the money he wanted and we agreed for him to meet me today to get it and sign a no contact contract. He was nothing but a burden, causing stress she didn’t need.
The door opened and my lawyer walked in.
“Who’s that?” Xylina asked, watching as Gloria sat next to me.
“My lawyer.” I faced Phillip. “Now that we’re all here. Let’s get started.”
“About time.” He sat up straight. His eyes lit up with anticipation for the first time.
“Our agreement is, I pay you and you disappear. You leave Xylina alone and never contact her again. Deal?”
“How much we talking about?” Phillip questioned.
I was disgusted by how money hungry he was. He didn’t care about his daughter and the fact that he was agreeing to cut ties with her. He didn’t even seem to care how she was doing. Watching and listening to him caused me to feel sympathy for the neglect Xylina suffered even more than I had before.
I faced Gloria and nodded for her to take over. “Mr. Bedford is offering you five hundred thousand dollars. It’s already set up in a private account that’s unable to be traced back to you.”
“What?” Xylina whipped to face me, but I shook my head. She didn’t look happy but didn’t interrupt again.
“All you have to do is sign this contract.” She opened her briefcase. “Ensuring you won’t contact Xylina Bedford again. Once signed, you’ll get this card with the money on it.”
“How do I know there’s money really in the account and this isn’t a scam?”
“You would know about scams, wouldn’t you Phillip? Gloria, show him the papers please.”
