The Devil's Love For The Heiress by LiLhyz

Chapter 8: Who Is Your Girlfriend? 

“Were you followed?” Ethan asked Carlos. He was frowning after learning about Carlos‘ current predicament. He rose from his seat and turned his back on Carlos. Ethan looked distantly through the windows, taking it all in.

“I don‘t believe so, uncle. The French gang still believes Alexander and I are in Paris, preparing for the French Open,” Carlos answered. “And the driver who drove me is a company employee. Like all my employees, he had signed a privacy clause. He won‘t say a thing.” “I understand you, Carlos. I understand your reasons for leaving, for chasing your dreams, for going after the reason for your family‘s downfall, but it should not have been reason enough to cut us completely,” Ethan berated.

“I.” Carlos gulped. “I regretted not explaining my side. Again, I am sorry, uncle, but when it all got complicated, I was already stuck in the situation and… I wanted to be man enough to handle everything.”

Hearing his defense, Ethan sighed. He replied, “Carlos, dealing with everything doesn‘t make you the man you think we want you to be… A real man‘s power lies in his inbred values, sense of balance, intellect, ability to hold his own in any situation, and his mature handling of relationships.”

“Relationships,” Ethan repeated. “Relationships are equally important to any man… because no man is an island.”

“Nonetheless, I am proud of how you made it this far… without my help,” Ethan turned to face Carlos. “I am proud of what you have become. And I am very sure you made your father proud.”

At the mention of his father, Carlos sensed his chest becoming heavy. He nodded repeatedly and said, “And I will revive his legacy. Take it even higher.”

Carlos did not expect it, but he noticed Ethan open his arms for him. He walked closer and accepted the hug from Ethan. He said, “Thank you, uncle. Thank you for understanding.” Ethan patted Carlos‘ back. He suggested, “Go to Kate and talk to her. I can‘t promise she will be as open–minded with everything, but don‘t give up. Try your best to bring back the friendship you once shared.”

‘Friendship?‘ Carlos choked. He did not work so hard for nine long years just to settle for friendship, but that was good enough for now. He cleared his throat and answered, “Yes, uncle. May I see her now?” “Go ahead,” Ethan approved.

***

her mother,

her blouse when she heard the door to her room creaked open. After studying herself in

Carlos and not her mother, who was standing at the door, Kate froze in her stance. Her

straight at her. She did not miss how his adam‘s apple repeatedly bobbed as he studied her. Kate sensed her knees turning into noodles, as if her whole body weakened to his presence. Her mouth parted, but no words left her

think… you look nice,” Carlos implied. He cleared his

Kate replied. “I‘m surprised you still remember the way to this house. How did you even get past dad

talk? I can come back next month when you are ready

fell open. She thought, ‘How could he throw it

wait another month to get her answers! She frowned and

was planning on leaving. How am I going to handle seeing Hailey every so often?‘ She

she quickly sensed the butterflies in her stomach going wild. Carlos looked so different nine years back. To see him up close made a huge difference. Gone was that clean–shaven face that made him look innocent. The Carlos today looked captivating in every way; his gaze, his stance, his beard, the tan on his skin, and

“Shall we

know for how long she gawked at his hand. She wanted to take his hand and feel his touch, the roughness of his skin against her palm, but she held back. Kate returned her regard to him, saying, “I don‘t need you

room. Kate and Carlos made it out to the garden, only to stop at the spot where Carlos often

“This was my favorite spot right here. The wall

ball machine, then you

to her and said, “Kate, your father did so much for me already. I did not want him to be

went to the Mckenzies instead because you did not owe them anything?” Kate sarcastically suggested. “Mmmm.” Carlos looked at Kate and revealed, “My deal with