The Billionaire’s Creed

MYKEL

The meeting went well. From the beginning, I was interested in a company that produced better quality medical equipment.

The visit to MicroLab Biotechnology was refreshing and eye-opening. I wanted honesty and play-by-the-book answers. And I got it.

“A lot of investors declined us because there’s already a company which is the major producer like our products,” the co-founder said.

“What made you come to me?”

“I researched some major companies you’ve invested in. It caught my attention that most of them are promoting environmental, economic, and social sustainability.”

“As much as I love making money, I can’t enjoy it if the world is on the brink of ending. So, in my own small way, I’m trying to help fight this climate change. And your company is helping.”Property of Nô)(velDr(a)ma.Org.

“It’s not a small way, Mr. Creed. I’m not trying to boost your ego, sir. But you are one of a few wealthy men who give a crap, sorry for the use of the word, who cares about mother earth.”

“You mentioned earlier that the lab uses energy-efficient machines, yes?”

“Yes, Mr. Creed. We also use LED light bulbs.” He pointed up. “It doesn’t mean we produce advanced testing kits and can’t do something to help prevent a catastrophe.”

I pointed at the other package on the table. “What’s this?”

“Advanced liquid biopsy kit. We haven’t mass-produced this yet. We are waiting for approval.”

“What’s the difference with the other one in the market?”

“The same procedure only is less invasive, low complication, and very convenient for a patient. The test is accurate at identifying cancer cells. Since this is relatively new, companies are still trying to upgrade it. Still, at MicroLab, we’ve tested it more accurately detecting early occurrence, early-stage, or recurring cancer cells.”

I was speechless. Considering Mom was a survivor, there was nothing wrong with being cautious since that pain in the ass cells could recur.

“That’s very enlightening and revolutionary.”

“Thank you, Mr. Creed.”

“I’ll call as soon as I get back to New York.”

***

I went to the hotel with Sax. Earlier, Kye was out with his friend. We met him in the bar at the hotel for a drink after that.

It was past dinner, and I wasn’t feeling hungry. After I ordered neat whiskey, I checked my phone. I didn’t have a single missed call or text from Adley.

I dialed her number, and the ring went on until it reached her voicemail.

I typed a message.

MYKEL: Baby, call me when you get this. Take care.

I slipped my phone into my pocket when I found Sax and Kye staring at me. “What?”

Sax exchanged a quick glance with Kye before they focused back on me.

“Is anyone of you gonna answer me?”

“Nothing. You don’t text,” Sax answered.

“When I call people, they are more excited to answer.”

“Hmm.” Kye lifted and sipped his beer.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” I loved that we did not have a boss-employee relationship. Maybe our age helped us become good friends.

“You’re right, boss,” Sax agreed, but that was not what I saw on his face.

I placed a bill with a good tip before emptying my drink. “I’m going to the room. You two can have some fun.”

I entered the elevator, and they still followed me. “I’m good, guys.”

“Our job, boss.”

I glared at Sax. I was annoyed at Adley that she didn’t even care to call when she returned home. When I said I missed her, her reply was a fucking I believe you. That was all.

After I stripped off and put on my sweatpants, I called her again. Nada!

I was exhausted and pissed off.

I dialed Elise instead.

“Hey, boss. Everything okay?”

“Yes. I want you to process the documents and send them to finance. I want it ready on Monday.”

“Anything else, boss?”

“Have you heard from Adley today?”

“We talked over the phone around lunch, I think.”

“Who called?”

“Your wife.”

“What did you two talk about?”

“Blaze called in sick, and she was worried she couldn’t reach him. I told her Blaze left early in the morning. I haven’t heard from her again. I texted her, but she hasn’t replied. My guess-was she went to her apartment to check on Blaze. But I already talked to Blaze an hour ago.”

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome, boss. Anything else?”

“No. That’s all. Bye.”

I was puzzled. They buried the hatchet, and I wasn’t informed. I meant, they didn’t have to tell me about it. Okay, I took it back. What was so hard telling your husband that we were going out for a celebratory drink? I’d love to hear that from her.

My fingers itched to know. I dialed Blaze.

“Mykel,” He called my name as his greeting.

“Where’s Adley?”

“Is it so hard to ask how I was doing?” His sarcasm would not match what I felt right now.

“She didn’t answer my call, Blaze. Did you meet her today?”

“You worried a lot. You’re gonna have a heart attack at thirty.” He was stalling and deflecting. He was hiding something.

I growled. “What the fuck are you not telling me? I know my wife always has her phone on her side.”

“Maybe she’s in the shower. Wait a few minutes and call again.”

“I called twice between thirty minutes. What did you two talk about? Where did you two meet?”

“She came to the apartment.”

“Are you still in the apartment?”

“Yes.”

“How about Adley?”

“Just track her phone, man.”

“Why are you even her best friend?”

“She’s gonna hate me if I tell you. Happy?”

I blinked. My stomach rolled. “What the fuck do you mean by that?”

“We fought because I was placed in a situation where I couldn’t make a choice. Hurt or leave my best friend kind of situation. So I chose to hurt her.”

“Why didn’t you come to me?” I grunted at him and wished I could collar him and push him against the wall.

“That’s the other choice, man. And would you even care?”

“Of course, I do. I care about everyone my wife cares about. Then what happened?” I was already sitting on the bed. My exhaustion worsened because I knew this would be a long night.

“I received another call. I went to the apartment early and found those men I met yesterday waiting for me. They asked me to call in sick and closed my phone. I was praying Adley would not come to check on me. Knowing Adley, it’s impossible.”

“Where is she now, Blaze?”

“She went with the two men and made me promise not to tell anyone, even you and Elise.” His voice dropped in the end.

I forced myself to be rational. I understood Blaze somehow, even if I was beyond frustrated.

“What the fuck, Burns? How could you let her go alone?”

“I volunteered to go with her, but she said she’s gonna be okay. Her grandfather won’t hurt her. Her words, man.”

“How do you even know those are her grandfather’s men?”

“She asked a question, and I pictured the plates of the sedans.”

“Sent them to me now.” Fuck! My blood boiled again. She knew I would go ballistic if she went to her grandfather without telling me. No wonder she didn’t pick up the phone.

When I received the images, I called Sax.

“Boss?”

“Are you still near the hotel?”

“In the hotel, boss.”

“Can you come over to my room?”

“Of course.”

A few moments later, I heard their signature knock.

I was already at the door waiting. “Can you contact your HQ to check these plate numbers?”

“What info do you want, boss?”

“Who’s company or name registered to? And the location if possible.”

I sat back to bed after Sax got the plate numbers. I rubbed my face in irritation.

“Is everything okay, boss?” Kye asked, joining us.

“Nothing is okay. We’re leaving early in the morning,” I sternly said.

Sax was talking on the phone, working on the info I asked.

I redialed Adley. This time she picked up.

I couldn’t contain my relief. I threw myself in bed, letting go of a shuddering breath.

“Hey, big guy.”

“Good to hear your voice, Adley.” My words came out sarcastic because that was what I wanted her to hear from me.

Sax and Kye signaled if they should go out. I shook my head.

“Sorry if I wasn’t able to return your call. There’s some development that I can’t discuss with you on the phone, but I promise I will tell you as soon as you get back home.”

“I’m going home in the morning.”

“Why a sudden change of plan? I thought you still have meetings tomorrow.”

“Who picked you up?”

“What do you mean?”

“You know you’re a terrible liar, Adley. Don’t do that.”

“I’m sorry. This has been a hectic day.”

“What’s going on? Are you changing the plan as well?”

“No. But let me put it this way. I’m negotiating.”

“About what? You’re doing that without your lawyers involved?”

“This is a family matter, Mykel.”

I sat quickly on the bed, exhaling heavily. I wanted to curse the fuck out, but I held it back. “I am your family, too, Adley.”

“I know that.”

“For fuck’s sake, I am your husband.” I groaned. “Sorry. It’s just-it pissed me off that I am here miles away, and we are talking over the fucking phone. Can’t that wait until I’m there with you?”

“Do you trust me?” Of course, she would play that card.

I drew a deep breath. “Do you really have to ask me?”

“Yes or no.”

“I trust you with my life, Adley. Don’t ask me that again or ever doubt me.”

“Grumpy.”

“I’m serious.”

“So do I. Just trust me on this. I’m not jeopardizing anything. And I can handle this.”

“Adley.”

“Mykel, do me a favor. Finish what you started, then come home. That’s the time I will discuss this with you.”

“Just don’t do-”

“What happened with the ‘be-spontaneous-take-a-risk-speech, huh?”

“This is different. Are you going home?”

“To the penthouse?”

“Yes. Unless you have a new home now.” I rolled my eyes in annoyance as I fist my hand in the air.

“I didn’t see you as a controlling husband before, but I see it now and hate it.”

“You’re now pissed at me after you did something without telling me?”

“Wow! You’re obnoxious and impatient. May I remind you of our conditions? Number 7. We should not give a crap about our lives when miles apart.”

“That’s before-”

“Before what?”

“That-” My jaw tightened as I lost a word to say. I spat a vicious curse.

“Nothing’s changed, Mykel. Can I hang up the phone now?”

“No. Wait.”

“What is it?”

Now I didn’t know what to say without sounding so stupid.

“Looks like you have nothing to say after all. Bye, Mykel.”

When the call ended in my face, I threw the phone away. “Jesus! I’ve never met someone as infuriating and stubborn as this woman!”

“Looks like you just found your match, boss.”