That One Night Stand

Chapter.3

The Grandview Hotel stood tall, a glass-and-steel tower that lit up Opebe City’s skyline. All twenty-seven floors showed how far the Adams family name had gone. On the twenty-fifth floor, Jackson Adams stood by the wide windows, hands behind his back, staring down at the city that had made him one of the youngest, richest men around.

From up here, everything looked calm. It felt like nothing was beyond his control. Unlike his personal life, which was slipping through his fingers.

He could see the Adams Company headquarters just six blocks away, the shiny blue glass catching the sun. Surrounding it were all the businesses, hotels, and developments carrying his name. His empire.

“Daddy, why can’t I come with you tonight?”

Jackson turned. His nine-year-old daughter Harley was in the doorway. Her school uniform looked crumpled from the day. Her dark hair, just like his, fell in waves. But her eyes, her green eyes, were just like her mother’s. They brightened up beautifully when she was happy. But they could turn really cold when not.

“It’s a business meeting, princess,” Jackson said, crouching to her height and brushing her hair back. “Just boring talk about money and numbers. You’d be asleep in five minutes.”

Harley wrinkled her nose, and Jackson’s chest tightened. She still looked so small, so innocent. And he felt that heavy, burning need to protect her.

“But I don’t want to stay with Mommy,” she whispered. “She’s always mad.”

Jackson’s jaw clenched. He’d noticed it too. The way Savannah treated Harley, constantly throwing sharp words and giving her cold stares with no warmth, he couldn't understand. He couldn't understand why she hated her own child. Like Harley was a mistake.

“Your mom loves you,” Jackson said, even though the words felt fake. “She’s just stressed. Hotel work, you know.”

But Harley wasn’t one to be fooled. Neither was he.

“Can I stay with Uncle Kai instead?” she asked, hopeful.

Jackson’s face darkened. Kai Adams was his cousin. He was too charming, too nosy, too interested in things that weren’t his business. Jackson didn't really like him but had no reason to hate him either. Kai’s smile always felt like a mask.

“Uncle Kai’s busy too,” Jackson said softly. “But I promise… when this meeting’s done, we’ll spend the whole weekend together. Just you and me. Aquarium, ice cream, anything you want.”

Harley’s face lit up. That joy reminded Jackson why he worked so hard. The motivation he had to build all this. It wasn't entirely for just the money or the power that came with it. It was for her. To give her the life she deserves.

“Really? Ice cream too?”

“All the ice cream in the world,” he said, pulling her close.

“Jackson?” Savannah called, her sharp tone cutting the moment in half.

Jackson looked up. His wife stood in the doorway. She was clad in a black suit, adorned with expensive jewelry with her blonde hair perfectly styled. Savannah could literally pass for the most beautiful woman he had come across. But she has he coldest heart. And he wondered how he was so blinded by her beauty to see that, until they had gotten married.

“I’m ready,” Jackson said, straightening up.

“Good,” Savannah said. Her green eyes flicked to Harley with irritation. “Harley, get your things. We’re leaving.”

“But Daddy said—”

“Now!” The sharpness in Savannah’s voice made Harley flinch.

“Hey,” Jackson said, calm but firm. “She’s nine. Don’t snap at her.”

For a split second, something ugly flashed in Savannah’s eyes. Jackson could swear he had see something murderous in her eyes in that split second. Then it was gone.

“I’m not snapping,” she said coolly. “Someone has to keep this family in line.”

The jab landed. Jackson ran his company with order, but his home life? He didn't know who was actually in control. He didn't even understand what was going on there anymore. He knew he only simply played along.

“Come on, princess. One more hug.”

Harley clung to him, whispering, “I love you, Daddy. More than all the stars in the sky.”

That was their thing. Their words. It hit him hard.

“I love you too, baby girl. More than all the stars in the sky.”

Savannah led Harley away. And in the hallway, Jackson spotted Kai leaning against the wall, smiling that too-white smile.

“Good luck tonight, cuz,” Kai called. “Hope it all goes exactly as planned.”

Harley had smiled and waved at him as she went with Savannah. And maybe that was a cute wish she heard. But Jackson couldn't help but feel extremely uncomfortable. Something about the way he said it just felt wrong.

But before Jackson could think, Kai spoke up. “The investors are early. They’re waiting in the Platinum Room.”

Jackson grabbed his folder, straightened his tie. Tonight mattered. Fifty million dollars for international expansion. No distractions.

The Platinum Room was stunning, city lights stretching in every direction. Inside, one man waited. He was a good-looking older man with silver hair. Jackson thought to introduce himself to his potential investor.

“Hi, I apologize for keeping you waiting. I am Jackson Adams.” He began even when he knew the investor obviously knew him.

“Mr. Humphrey,” the older man replied, shaking his hand.

“ Alright Mr. Humphrey. I thought your partners would be here?”

“Traffic,” Mr. Humphrey said with a polite smile. “They’ll join soon. In the meantime, let us enjoy a drink.”

He motioned to a tray with two glasses of whiskey. Expensive, amber-colored, smelling smooth and rich.

Jackson hesitated. He never drank during meetings. But refusing felt wrong.

“To new beginnings,” Mr. Humphrey said.

They clinked glasses. Afterwhich, Jackson decided to take a sip.

But as he was about to pitch to Mr. Humphrey, something felt off. He began to feel heat creep up his neck. The room spun and his head twirled in response.

“You look unwell, Mr. Adams,” Humphrey said, too calm. Too calm for someone who was concerned about a person's sudden illness.

Jackson tried to clear his head. “I’m fine. Just… too hot.” But his heart raced. His arms felt heavy. His vision blurred.

“I don’t… understand. I feel—”

“Drugged,” a voice cut in.

Jackson’s eyes shifted toward the doorway. Kai stood there, smiling. And behind him was the evil Jackson let in. Savannah.

And neither of them looked surprised.