Chapter 25
The next morning arrived with a bright,
golden sun climbing high into the sky,
waking the estate with the cheerful chirping of birds in the courtyard.
Marcus was already awake,
sitting at the edge of the large bed,
buttoning a fresh white shirt with practiced ease.
He looked back at Khloe,
who was still fast asleep,
her dark hair spread beautifully across the white pillows.
A soft knock on the door interrupted his thoughts,
and he stepped quietly across the room to open it,
finding Julian standing there with an apologetic expression.
"I am sorry to disturb you so early,
sir,"
Julian said in a hushed tone,
holding a black leather folder tightly against his side,
"but a matter has arisen regarding the international expansion."
Marcus stepped out into the hallway,
closing the bedroom door softly behind him,
his demeanor shifting instantly into that of the powerful CEO.
"What is it,
Julian?"
Marcus asked,
his voice low but commanding,
as he began to walk toward his private study.
"The regulators in London are demanding your personal presence,"
Julian explained,
hurrying to keep pace with Marcus's long strides,
"as there is a discrepancy in the final merger documents."
Marcus paused at the entrance of his study,
his brow furrowing in irritation,
because he had promised Khloe he would take the entire week off.
He hated the thought of leaving his family,
even if it was only for a few days across the ocean,
now that he realized what truly mattered in life.
"Can it be handled via a video conference?"
Marcus inquired,
turning to face his loyal assistant,
hoping for an alternative solution that did not involve a flight.
"I am afraid not,
sir,"
Julian replied smoothly,
shaking his head with genuine regret,
"they require your physical signature and a formal presentation."
Marcus sighed,
running a hand through his dark hair,
feeling the familiar pull of his massive corporate responsibilities.
Just then,
the sound of soft footsteps echoed down the hall,
and Khloe appeared,
wearing a long,
flowing silk robe that trailed elegantly behind her.
She had heard the voices,
and her perceptive eyes instantly read the tension in her husband's shoulders,
knowing that duty was calling him away once again.
"Is everything alright?"
she asked,
walking up to Marcus and placing a comforting hand on his arm,
her touch instantly melting away his irritation.
Marcus looked down at her,
May you like
his expression softening instantly,
as he prepared to tell her the bad news.
