Beats of the Heart - Chapter 42: Chapter 42

"How did you get in here?" Miles snarled at Larry and Will. He hated seeing these two in his sanctuary, ruining his good mood. The door was always locked, and there was no way Shawn would forget that.
However, something was different about them. Usually, Larry would never go in public looking less than his best—sharp suits and the best luxury accessories. Everything would be polished and pressed to perfection. Will would also emulate this, choosing the brands the top stars would wear.
However, Miles noticed this wasn't the case for the night. There was more grey in Larry's mussed hair, and stubble was growing on his chin. He still wore a suit, but it was rumpled, and his tie was crooked. His usual platinum watch and tie clip were missing, as were his cufflinks and rings. It was subtle but glaring to Miles.
Will was in worse shape than Larry. He looked nearly slovenly. His slacks were stained, and his wrinkled dress shirt was missing buttons and untucked. His eyes were red, with a bruise forming around one, and he had a swollen lip as if he had gotten into a fight.
As Miles observed him, Larry was frowning. Despite his appearance, he was judging the outfit Miles wore. But Will was more surprised than anything. His eyes would not leave the mask in Miles' hand.
"I asked you two a question," Miles urged.
"You've put on quite the spectacle," Larry huffed, ignoring his question. "To think you would sabotage your own blood."
Miles laughed and tossed the mask on the couch. He went to the sink and splashed cold water on his face. He ran his wet fingers through his hair, pushing his curls back. To antagonize them further, he took his time drying off.
He took a deep breath, readying himself for their nonsense, before he turned back around. Although Larry continued to glare, Will's eyes were still glued to the discarded mask.
"I'm tired of the redundant rendition. How long will we play this game, Larry?" Miles asked with a smirk. "We have established that we are not family multiple times, blood be damned."
Larry made a hissing noise out of disgust. "I don't know your grievances against us, but you've gone too far."
Miles would have gone ballistic if Larry had said something like this six months ago or even a few weeks ago. He would be in his right to scream his outrage. But now, Miles was numb to this provocation.
"Grievances?" He questioned in an even tone. "I don't have the time or patience to list my grievances."
"Don't play the victim with me. I know you're still hurt that I wouldn't step in to pay for Nina's hospital bills," Larry sneered.
The calm demeanor Miles had evaporated the moment he heard his mother's name on Larry's lip. "You have no right to bring her up," Miles said darkly.
"She's the one who called me before she died, begging for help."
Miles' hands clenched into fists. "Never once did she beg, Larry. She only asked that you look out for me. Nothing more. And you couldn't even honor that request."
"You showed dangerous tendencies."
Miles closed his eyes, hoping to seal away the anger seeping through. "I was 18 and just lost the only support I had. I was angry and volatile." He slowly opened his eyes, locking Larry down with a glare. "But god knows hitting you was justified."
"Don't pin your violence on me," Larry scoffed. "The truth behind your actions is simple. You covet all I have. Family. Money. Success."
"You must be blind, old man." Miles laughed. "Your money and success are temporary at best. That is the result of dirty money and bottomless greed.  On top of that, your family is broken. You have a gold-digging wife who will probably leave you when you lose everything. Then, you have an illegitimate son you discarded and another son who desires all you own without making an effort. Out of all of us, your youngest son deserves attention and affection, yet you turned your back on him."
"Danny will come back to us," Larry replied.
Miles shook his head. "No. He won't. He will live the life that will make him happiest. That life doesn't include you."
Larry shook. "Enough! I know you had a hand in this. Are you really that petty? Or just that malicious."
"What do you mean?" Miles feigned innocence.
"My business! This was the livelihood I built from my own hands! And you stole it!"
Miles shook his head. "Aren't I just some bastard with dangerous tendencies? According to you, I'm a thug whose business earns a fleeting profit, so how could I have the resources to take your livelihood?"
Larry's face was red with anger. "Don't try to talk your way out of it. I know you schemed against us."
"You have the money to do it, too!" Will finally chimed in. "I know who you are now. You're fucking Requiem. You have enough cash flow to put up a fight."
Larry's confusion was palpable. He didn't know much about the entertainment world, so he didn't understand Will's statement.
Miles tensed a little. Although Will knowing his identity wouldn't harm him, it could be bothersome. He wondered if he should continue defending himself but realized it would waste time. It would be best to leave.
Before he could make a move, the door opened with a bang. Shawn stormed in, looking mussed and his suit jacket in his tightly clenched hand. He shot a fierce glare toward Larry and Will, making them flinch.
However, he only bothered with them briefly before he rushed to Miles' side. "Are you alright?"
Miles smiled warmly. "I'm inconvenienced, but nothing more."
Shawn nodded and ran his hands down Miles' arms affectionately. He then turned back to the Andersons standing on the other side of the room.
"What's the meaning of this?" He asked darkly.
Miles crossed his arms over his chest. His demeanor had changed drastically as he had calmed down because of Shawn's presence. "I'm not sure. Something to do with their company."
Larry smiled toward Shawn, but it was masking his unease. "I know you're with my son—"
"I'm not your fucking son," Miles interrupted.
Larry gave a frantic look between Miles and Shawn. "Um... I know you two are dating, but he has done some unethical things. My business was thriving, but I suspect he has done something underhanded to steal from me."
Will nodded. "That's right. And not only did he spread lies in his interview, he somehow started unsavory rumors about us. He's tarnished the Anderson reputation!"
Shawn paused for a moment and then released a humorless laugh. "You think Miles stole your business?" He had ignored Will's comment, not deeming them worthy of his attention.
"He knows about running a business. He has his own company," Larry attempted to explain.
Miles was astounded by their gall. They had done nothing but insult him before. However, when they had lost everything, they suddenly believed he had the capability to take down their entire enterprise. While Miles was stunned by their hypocrisy, Shawn laughed harder.
"You lost your company because you were careless. You made bad deals and attempted to salvage the damage by liquidating your shares. You should blame yourself for giving your company away."
"But Miles—"
Shawn silenced him by holding up his hand. "The only thing Miles has done is endure your insults. If you want to point fingers at someone, point them to the person who snatched up the majority of your shares. Point them at me."
"What?" Larry paled and stumbled back. "Why?"
"It was just business," Shawn said with a shrug. "Something that could earn me a meager revenue given time."
Larry trembled. "But... you left us with nothing."
"I left you with a means to survive. After what I've heard from your shareholders, you should be grateful even to have that."
Larry blanched. "How can I survive off that miserable amount?"
"That's not my concern," Shawn replied. "If you have any questions regarding the acquisition of your company, I recommend you connect with your lawyers—that is, if you can still afford them."
Will had a frantic look on his face. "But it was supposed to be mine. It was my inheritance. You can't just take it."
"Do you not understand how businesses work?" Shawn asked with a laugh of disbelief. "You're inheritance was your father's company. However, he lost it, so there is nothing to inherit."
"Perhaps we can work something out that will let me have some ownership," Will pleaded.
Shawn shook his head. "In my hands, this company has the potential to generate millions in annual revenue. Although this is not much for the Pierces' collective profit, I am not foolish enough to give away pieces of it freely. I earned ownership through careful planning and tedious work."
Larry floundered as he listened to their interaction. "But Will is still a shareholder! He has a say in how the business is run and who should be the CEO."
Shawn smirked. "Are you sure about that?"
Will was pale and staring at his feet. Larry's face fell as he observed his appearance, and it dawned on him that Will no longer held the shares. The momentary hope he felt crashed immediately.
A range of emotions flickered in his eyes, from disbelief to despair, finally settling on rage. He stomped toward the cowering Will and roughly grabbed his arm. "What is he talking about?"
"I... I was planning on getting it back... but I couldn't." Will stammered.
"The shares you gambled away are safe," Shawn said facetiously. "But there will be no option to get them back."
"Gambled?!" Larry shook with anger. "When were you going to tell me about that?"
Will shrunk back with watering eyes. "It was a temporary measure."
"You ungrateful idiot!"
Miles lightly chuckled at the scene; however, this drew Will's attention toward him.
Will pointed a shaking finger toward him. "You can get them back for us."
Miles faltered at the presumptuous words. "Why would I ever do something like that?"
"Shawn is your boyfriend—"
Miles interjected immediately. "I will never ask him to hand over something he has earned to anyone, especially you."
"You can buy them back," Will tried again, causing Larry to look hopeful.
Miles laughed. "Why would I waste my money?"
"We'll give you a cut of the business," Larry said, joining Will's plight. "Make you a shareholder."
Miles shook his head, a smile still tugging at his lips. "You're presuming I would want a partnership with you. Why would I want that?"
"Even Shawn said the company is worth millions. You can earn even more money." Larry was teetering on desperation.
"Shawn said it has the potential to be worth millions. However, this is only because it would be in his hands," Miles corrected. "You do not have the skills to compete with Shawn's competence. You will only squander the profits you might gain."
"We'll give you 15%—no 20% of the shares!" Larry tried again.
"You don't get it, do you?" Shawn interjected and gave Miles an affectionate look before he continued. "Your little company is nothing compared to what I would give him. If Miles asked me, I would even give him Aura. No stipulations or strings. Everything I own is his."
"Miles, please," Will begged.
Miles sighed. "No, Will. I won't help you."
"What am I supposed to do?" Will cried out as he slumped to the floor.
Miles shrugged. "Get a job?"
He grabbed his phone and sent a quick message to Eve before he stripped off his mesh shirt. He took his dress shirt off the hanger and pulled it on.
He turned back to the father and son pair. "Security is on its way."
"You're kicking us out?" Larry asked in disbelief.
"At least I'm not having you arrested," he said as he finished changing back to his formal clothes, not caring that the other two were in the room. "After tonight, don't contact me again."
"What?" Larry whispered.
Miles rolled his sleeves slowly. "When my mother was on her deathbed, I promised her I would give you a chance. I have given you 12 years' worth of chances with nothing to show. I have fulfilled my promise and no longer have a reason to see you again."
Larry realized that Miles would not budge for them. He was a dead end to them, so he spat out a frustrated curse. "Fuck you, then. Ungrateful bastard."
Miles acted as if he didn't hear him. "You are also not allowed to approach Danny. If I hear that you have, I will file a restraining order."
"You can't do that!"
"Your actions have proved that you no longer deserve to be a part of his life," Miles said in an even tone.
At that time, security had rushed through the doors and spotted the Andersons. They grabbed their arms despite their protests.
"I apologize, Mr. Mendez," the head of security said. "They tricked one of the new floor managers to unlock the door for them. Eve is currently handling that mishap."
"That's fine. I appreciate you coming so quickly," Miles said with a nod.
"You can't do this," Will yelled as he struggled against the security guards. "I'll tell everyone about who you are!"
The threat of exposing him as Requiem had once frightened him, but it no longer fazed him. He was going to reveal himself soon anyway. Before he could say anything, Shawn spoke up.
"You can if you would like," Shawn said with a smile. "Of course, it would have the opposite effect of your expectations. Not only will it garner more fame for Miles, but it will turn the spotlight on you and your failures."
"You can't guarantee that!" Will cried out.
"Who do you think changed the tides of the negative rumors surrounding Miles recently?" Shawn asked, his smile growing as Will paled. "Requiem is now shielded under Aura's umbrella, so think carefully if you wish to defy us."
"Aura?" Will asked weakly.
Shawn then pulled Miles to his chest. "More importantly, Miles' happiness is my responsibility. If you are tempted to tarnish that, understand you will pay a heavy price. I will ensure you will suffer more than losing a company. I will protect Miles—even if it is from you."
He waited for an answer, but the two men were silent. They couldn't even protest when they were dragged out of the room.
Miles knew his mom would never have wanted him to suffer them as he did, but something had him clinging to it. Perhaps it was an obligation or an irrational hope for familial bonds.
Miles had technically cut ties with the Andersons on Christmas Eve, but it seemed so final as they were being led out. He felt the weight of his promise lifted.
"Do you think they will come back to bother you again?" Shawn asked.
"They've proved me wrong once. Who knows if it will happen again." Miles sighed. "But it doesn't matter."
"Are you sure?"
Miles chuckled. "I have you to rely on if they do."
"You're right. I won't let them near you again." Shawn hugged him tightly. "You were amazing tonight."
"You really think so?" Miles grinned. "I felt like everything was smooth, but I never really know."
"You were perfect. The crowd adored you."
Miles sighed happily. "Thank you."
He only uttered two words, but they were heavy with meaning. His gratitude covered years—of struggles, hopelessness, and a sense of loss. However, Shawn, even in unintentional ways, had always helped him pull through.
Something had weaved their destinies together—deities, fate, or magic—it didn't matter. Miles was simply grateful that his present and future had Shawn.