NOVEL WEB Chapter 70: ....To Billions
The hum of the Speedtail's engine filled the car as Parker drove through LA's morning traffic. The city was already alive—cars honking, people rushing, life moving. He reached for his phone, his thoughts drifting to Tessa. They hadn't talked yesterday, and that silence felt wrong.
He hit her name on speed dial. The line rang twice before her familiar voice filled the car.
"Morning, Master," she said playfully.
Parker couldn't help but grin. "Morning, Tessa. You miss me yet?" Read the latest on empire
"You have no idea," she said with a dramatic sigh. "It's been, what, hours? And it already feels like a month. How do people even do long-distance relationships?"
"Some don't," Parker quipped, his tone teasing. "But I'm guessing you're not one of them."
"Obviously not," she shot back. "Anyway, I told you, I have a surprise coming your way soon. It's already in progress."
"Oh, really? A surprise I won't see coming, huh?"
"Exactly," she said with a sly edge. "You'll never guess, so don't even try."
Parker smirked, shaking his head. "I'll keep my expectations sky-high, then."
On the other end, he heard faint clinks of forks and spoons on plates. It made him pause. "Wait, are you having breakfast or something? I'm hearing, like, serious silverware action."
Tessa chuckled. "Yeah, I'm with my parents. We were eating before you called, but I stepped away so I could talk to you."
Parker let out a soft laugh. "Wow, I thought billionaire families had strict no-phone rules during meals or something. You know, all formal and proper."
"You're half right," she admitted, her tone light. "But I'm a special case. Rules bend for me."
"Of course, they do," Parker said, shaking his head with a grin.
Tessa's tone shifted slightly, the lightness fading. "But… there's something I haven't done yet."
He didn't press, letting her continue at her own pace.
"I haven't told my parents about… my uncle," she admitted, her voice quieter now.
Parker's grip on the wheel tightened slightly. He kept his voice even, careful not to add any pressure. "You're still deciding how to break it to them?"
"Yeah," she said with a heavy sigh. "Every time I try to bring it up, my throat closes up. I keep picturing their faces, and I just… I can't do it."
"You don't have to," Parker said, his voice steady. "Not if it's gonna stress you out. You can take your time. Or, hell, you don't even have to tell them at all. It's your call."
"But if I don't, it'll just sit there, you know? Like this huge weight," she said softly.
"Then when you're ready, you'll deal with it," he said simply. "No rush. No pressure. I'll handle your uncle either way."
"No," she said firmly, surprising him. "This is my family weight. My fight I can't have my man troubled with. I can't have you stepping in and dealing with him. It's something I have to face myself."
He stayed quiet for a moment, respecting her resolve. "Fair enough," he finally said. "But if you need me—just say the word. No hesitation, okay?"
"Okay," she said, her tone softening. "Thanks, Parker. For understanding."
"No thanks needed. Just do what feels right for you." He paused, glancing at the airport signs ahead. "By the way, I'm heading to New York. Business stuff. I'll call you when I land."
"New York? Well, safe travels, Master," she said with a smile in her voice.
"Bye, Tessa, Ere misses you lots" he said, his tone casual and sincere.
"Aww~ I miss her too... and I Love you, Master," she whispered before hanging up.
From his lap, Ere gave him a look—half judgment, half confusion.
"Say it, don't just look at me like that!" Parker said with a chuckle.
Ere snorted and leapt to the passenger seat, her tail flicking with irritation as she curled up and faced the window.
"Pouting now? Really?" Parker muttered, shaking his head.
****
The city blurred past him as the Speedtail's engine purred, eating up the miles. LA's skyline glittered under the sun, the mix of skyscrapers and palm trees creating that iconic West Coast vibe. Parker loved driving, especially in this car—it was like a part of him, sleek, fast, and powerful.
When he finally pulled into the VIP parking area at LAX, he handed the keys to the valet with a nod, grabbing Ere and his small carry-on.
"Don't scratch it," he said simply half-joking making the valet smile at Parker's dark humour
The valet looked slightly awestruck by the car and the fact that Parker was carrying a cat like it was the Hope Diamond. As Parker strode into the VIP entrance, he could feel the stares.
It wasn't just the car or his tailored look—it was the cat. Ere's sleek black coat shimmered under the light, and she sat regally in his arms, clearly unimpressed with the world around her.
Inside the VIP terminal, the check-in process was seamless. A few quick confirmations, and he was escorted to a private lounge. From there, a dedicated staff member guided him directly to the plane.
*
Boarding the first-class suite, Parker couldn't help but appreciate the setup. It wasn't his first time flying like this, but it was the first time in a while. The suite was like a mini hotel room—spacious, with a plush bed, a personal entertainment system, and even a tiny desk for work.
Parker slid into his first-class seat, leaning back with a satisfied grunt. "Alright, this ain't too bad," he muttered, letting his head sink into the ridiculously soft headrest. The seat was huge, easily twice the size of what you'd get in coach, and even came with its own little privacy divider.
He stretched his legs out, his dark skin catching the soft cabin lights as he settled in.
As he settled in, memories of flying to South Korea with Helena when he was eight bubbled up.
Unlike Helena, who was insufferable no matter where she went, his second aunt had been warm and welcoming. It was strange how tied his life was to that country now, even indirectly.
Ere curled up beside him, looking smug.
"You comfortable, princess?" he asked dryly, earning a lazy yawn from the cat.
The plane took off smoothly, and Parker leaned back, already plotting his next move.