The Nerd Who Stole The Quarterback (Astra and Zayne) novel Chapter 117

Chapter 117

Chapter 117

LANDON

“Now that we have that out of the way, Landon.”

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Keegan Whitmore slid the final document aside with measured precision, then clasped his hands beneath his jaw. The office fell into a thoughtful silence. Floor-to-ceiling windows framed the glittering city skyline, the Whitmore Foundation headquarters rising like a monument above the dozens of companies the family controlled. The foundation was only the public face. Behind it lay generations of old money-Whitmore Capital, Whitmore Biotech, Whitmore Holdings, charitable trusts, private investment firms, and quiet board seats that shaped politics, healthcare, and education across the country

The Whitmores and Ashtons had known each other for decades. Power respected power and that was exactly why Keegan had requested this private meeting.

His gray eyes settled on me. “There’s another matter we need to address.”

I nodded. “Go ahead.”

“It concerns our children.”

That caught my full attention.

“My daughter came home in tears several weeks ago,” Keegan continued, his voice calm and measured. “The same evening Elira hosted her fashion event. My wife attended at your wife’s invitation, and both of them returned deeply upset.”

I listened without interrupting.

“From what I understand,” he went on, his tone hardening almost imperceptibly, “your son ended his relationship with Maya. He publicly humiliated her, defended a member of your household staff over my family, and spoke to my wife in a manner I would never tolerate from one of my own children. He ordered Catherine to leave the event… and referred to one of your employees as ‘what’s mine.””

That phrasing sounded exactly like Zane.

“I also understand the young woman physically attacked Maya. My wife intervened, yet somehow she was painted as the villain while your son threatened her in front of a room full of guests.”

He folded his hands again. “I wasn’t there, and neither were you. But Catherine has never laid a hand on another person’s child without believing she had reason. She does not lose her composure without cause.”

I remained silent.

“Landon… we’ve known each other a long time. Our families have shared business, philanthropy, and friendship for generations. That’s why I came to you privately instead of letting this become something uglier.”

“The employee,” I said finally. “Did Catherine mention her name?”

He frowned. “…No.”

I already knew who it was. Astra. Of course it was Astra. I’d seen the way my son looked at that girl-the way he became someone I barely recognized whenever she was involved. Whatever happened that evening hadn’t started because of Maya. It had started because of Astra.

Keegan held my gaze for several long seconds. “I believe this situation is still recoverable. Our children are young. They make emotional decisions and become distracted. But temporary emotions should not jeopardize relationships that existed long before they were born.”

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Chapter 117

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He tapped the polished oak desk once. “The Ashton and Whitmore families have spent generations building mutual trust. 1 have no desire to see that damaged because an eighteen-year-old became infatuated with an employee. The girl will eventually leave your household. People in her position rarely remain permanent. My daughter, however, will always be a Whitmore.”

He offered a faint, polite smile. “Once emotions settle, Zane will realize where he belongs.”

I folded my hands on the desk. “And where do you believe that is?”

“With Maya.” he answered without hesitation.

“They’ve known each other since childhood. Our families understand the responsibilities that come with our names. I see no reason that future should change because of a passing attachment.”

I studied him. “You’ve given this considerable thought.”

“I have. There is, however, one matter I cannot overlook-my wife and daughter. No matter what occurred, your son spoke to both of them with open disrespect. He may disagree with an older woman. He may defend someone he believes was wronged. But he does not curse at her, order her out of a room, or threaten her.”

Everything he said was reasonable. Regardless of the full truth of that night, Zane should never have spoken to Catherine that way.

“I agree,” I said. “When I speak to him, he will apologize to your wife. If she was treated discourteously, she deserves that much.”

Keegan gave a slow nod. “I appreciate that.”

“But understand this as well,” I added, holding his gaze. “I’ve raised my son to respect women. If he forgot those manners that evening, then something serious pushed him there.”

For the first time, Keegan’s expression shifted slightly. “You believe Catherine is leaving something out.”

“I believe there are two sides to every story.”

The silence between us grew heavier. Neither of us intended to yield. Beneath the talk of teenage emotions, we were really discussing our families-and men like us never confused the two.

Eventually the meeting ended with a firm handshake.

“So long as this is handled appropriately, Landon, I see no reason our families cannot move past it.”

“It will be addressed.”

Nearly an hour later, my driver pulled through the wrought-iron gates of the Ashton estate. The mansion glowed warmly against the night sky. As the sedan stopped beneath the front portico, the chauffeur hurried around to open my door.

I stepped out, straightening my suit jacket. “Thank you, Michael.”

“Welcome home, sir,” Nadine said as the front doors opened. She stepped forward gracefully, the soft lighting catching on her delicate features. One of the newer members of the household staff-early twenties, long dark hair pinned neatly, her uniform hugging her slim waist and full breasts in a tasteful way. Pretty in that quiet, unassuming manner that made men look twice.

She reached for my briefcase with both hands. “I’ll take this for you.”

I let her, deliberately brushing my fingers against hers. She shivered slightly, a small involuntary reaction that always pleased me.

Chapter 117

“You’ve had a long day,” she murmured.

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