Chapter 250: Her insecurities

"Good work, everyone," Killian’s deep, command-heavy voice rang out across the glass conference room, bringing the executive board meeting to an abrupt end.

His head was still throbbing with a fierce, punishing pulse, and he knew with cold certainty that if he didn’t end the session now, he would have to worry about far more than just a blinding headache.

Across the long marble table, board members and department heads exchanged bewildered, hesitant looks. They were visibly shocked that Killian was dismissing them twenty minutes ahead of schedule.

It was a rare, unheard-of mercy from their relentless CEO, and not a single soul dared to object or question it. If Killian had known they were silently celebrating his migraine, he would have choked on his own blood.

Killian stood up first, unbuttoning his suit jacket and sweeping out of the room without waiting for his staff. His executive assistant, Zayne, immediately fell into step right behind him, matching his swift, ground-covering stride. One look at Zayne’s tense jaw and rigid shoulders was all it took for Killian to realise that whatever was waiting for him was bad news.

’Out with it already,’ Killian hissed sharply through their private mind-link, his long legs eating up the carpeted corridor. Soft amber light from the setting sun poured through the floor-to-ceiling windows, washing the corporate wing in a warm, golden hue. His strawberry-blonde hair looked golden under the evening light.

Zayne hesitated for a brief second before responding through the link. ’You have a visitor waiting in your office, Lord Killian.’

Killian’s jaw tightened, his step faltering for a fraction of a second. ’I explicitly instructed you to clear my entire afternoon schedule and turn away every meeting,’ he snapped, although his irritation didn’t reflect on his calm face.

’We couldn’t turn this guest away, sir,’ Zayne explained hastily, his tone laced with subtle stress. ’It is Lady Eloise.’

Killian stopped dead in his tracks. He turned his head towards the floor-to-ceiling glass, gazing out at the distant city skyline as a vein near his temple twitched violently beneath his pale skin. His face remained an unreadable mask of absolute calm, but internally, his blood ran cold. This was precisely the bitter pill he needed to top off an already miserable day.

"Fine," Killian said aloud, his voice flat as he resumed walking towards the corner suite. "I will handle it."

He knew he couldn’t send her away this time. He had been feeding her far too many convenient excuses over the past few weeks, and avoiding her now would only spark unnecessary suspicion.

A moment later, Killian arrived at his executive office suite. His senior secretary immediately stood up behind her desk, bowing deeply to welcome him while softly informing him of Eloise’s presence inside.

"Welcome back, Lord Killian," she greeted with a respectful bow. "Lady Eloise is waiting inside."

Killian merely gave a brief nod. Zayne stepped forward, opening the heavy double doors, and Killian crossed the threshold. His sharp gaze swept the room, landing instantly on the velvet lounge area where a familiar, delicate figure was curled up, lazily flipping through a glossy fashion magazine.

The moment the door clicked shut, Eloise sensed his presence. Her face lit up with a brilliant smile, and she tossed the magazine aside, rising to her feet and running straight into his arms. She threw her arms around his neck, hugging him with a natural, practiced intimacy as she pouted against his chest.

"You took forever, Killian!"

Killian hesitated for a brief, imperceptible second, his hands hovering over her waist before he smoothly wrapped his arms around her, returning the embrace.

"I apologise," he murmured softly, leaning back just enough to look down at her. "Though you really shouldn’t have come all the way to the office without calling ahead. I hate keeping you waiting."

Eloise whined, resting her chin on his chest as she looked up at him with wide, pleading eyes. "I missed you! Everyone has been so busy lately, it feels like I’m completely ignored. Kaden even dropped his university lectures to focus on some official duty at the military headquarters, and Kieran is being his usual workaholic self." She pouted her lips, her shoulders slumping.

Killian let out a long, quiet sigh, guiding her towards the sofa. "It is to be expected, Eloise. Our responsibilities have naturally increased across the board with the current state of affairs," he explained patiently.

Eloise’s face fell instantly, a flicker of hurt crossing her features as her tone turned small and vulnerable. "Do you... do all of you see me as a burden? Am I just trouble to you?"

Killian’s dark eyes widened slightly, a flash of surprise cutting through his exhaustion. He immediately reached out, cupping her face with a firm, reassuring touch. "Where is this coming from? That isn’t the case at all, Eloise. You know you are our priority."

Despite his words, Eloise’s face remained fallen, her expression heavy with an insecurity that wouldn’t lift. Killian frowned slightly, completely unable to decipher her sudden shift in mood, and his throbbing, blinding headache was certainly doing nothing to aid his patience. He smoothed his thumb over her cheek, his voice dropping into a quiet, measured inquiry.

"What is really bothering you, Eloise?"

Eloise hesitated, her fingers nervously twisting the hem of her cardigan. Something had been festering in her mind for days, and it was the sole reason she had driven out to the corporate headquarters to find him. Among the brothers, Killian was always the most level-headed, the most rational one to speak to. Well, at least he was the most emotionally intelligent.

"I think... I think Kaden is actively avoiding me," she admitted softly, her voice barely above a whisper.

Killian arched a dark eyebrow, a look of genuine disbelief washing over his face. "Kaden? Avoiding you?"

To Killian, the concept was entirely absurd. Kaden trailed after Eloise like an overly eager golden retriever, constantly seeking her attention and devotion. Eloise released a shaky breath, looking down at her lap.

"I’m serious. He’s been making up all kinds of sudden excuses lately whenever I ask to see him," she vented.