+Wheels Up

The glass stretched wide across the terminal, offering a full view of the runway where international flights drifted in and out of sight like clockwork. Lex stood by the window, arms crossed loosely over his chest, watching as his mother, Lian Mei Latham, handed her passport to the gate attendant.

Her silk scarf trailed behind her—a soft green that caught the afternoon light just right. One of his father's gifts. Lex recognized it instantly. She adjusted it absently, fingers brushing along the edge with that same quiet grace she carried everywhere.

As she stepped forward, she glanced back over her shoulder, her gaze finding Lex's through the sea of travelers.

"You're sure you don't want to come?" she asked, her voice calm but laced with knowing.

Lex smirked faintly, shifting his weight. "I don't think I'd survive a week of spa retreats and temple tours. Plus tomorrow is my firstday again, wouldn't want to miss that event."

Her lips curved, but the warmth in her eyes softened the tease. "That's because you don't know how to relax."

Lex shrugged lightly, turning his gaze toward the tarmac. "I'm working on it."

She didn't answer right away. Lian Mei wasn't one for unnecessary words, but Lex knew she saw more than he ever let on.

She lingered near the gate, smoothing the edge of her scarf with delicate precision. "First class is enough?" she asked, her tone playful but light. "Your father always thought it was too ordinary."

Lex's smirk deepened. "Private jets fall out of the sky too easily. First class is practical."

Her brow lifted, the softest glimmer of amusement flickering behind her eyes. "Practical. Just like your father."

And just like you, Lex thought but kept to himself.

His smirk thinned slightly at the mention of his father. The shadow of Roger Latham was never heavy in the room, but it was always present in the corners—felt in silk scarves and passing memories.

Lian Mei stepped closer, her voice lowering just enough to cut beneath the hum of the terminal.

"You know, Lex… your father spent too much time worrying about the future. Don't make the same mistake."

Lex met her gaze. There was something unspoken lingering there—concern carefully wrapped in gentleness.

She didn't say it, but Lex knew what she meant.

Lex forced a soft smile, brushing the weight of it aside. He felt like a child again—the boy who had lost everything overnight.

The night of the crash, he had gone to bed expecting his father to be home by morning. The next day, he woke up an orphan. His mother had lost a husband, but Lex had lost a map of what life was supposed to be.

She had given up everything to keep him together.

Lex swallowed, pushing the memory away.

"I'm not worried, Mom," he said finally, forcing a soft smile. "I'm just planning ahead."

She exhaled lightly through her nose, the kind of sigh that carried more understanding than frustration.

"Fine." Her gaze softened further. "But take care of yourself while I'm gone. And make sure Rose doesn't overwork herself."

Lex arched a brow, a glint of amusement cutting through the weight. "You're managing Rose now?"

Lian Mei smiled knowingly, adjusting her bracelet—the same jade that circled Rose's wrist. Quiet, matching symbols of a connection Lex had foolishly overlook before but now it got him questioning his second shot.

"Someone has to. She's practically family."

Lex's gaze flicked to the bracelet briefly, but he said nothing.He didn't need to.

"I'll keep an eye on her," Lex said softly, the weight behind his words heavier than they appeared.

Lian Mei stepped closer and kissed his cheek lightly. Her hand lingered on his arm for just a second longer than usual.

"I'll be back in three weeks." Her eyes glinted faintly. "Try not to buy another company while I'm gone."

Lex smirked, stepping back as she moved toward the gate.

"No promises."

She laughed softly, a rare, genuine sound, before disappearing into the crowd.

Lex stayed by the window, watching as she walked down the boarding tunnel.

Three weeks.Plenty of time.

By the time she landed in Thailand, everything would already be in motion.

Lex exhaled slowly and pulled his phone from his pocket as he turned for the exit.

A new message flashed across the screen.

Benny C: Lock in Ryan. Transfer C.

Jason W: Buy Catalog 5 contract 120K CHEAP!

Lex's smirk returned, colder this time.

The game had officially started.

He made his way through the airport, thoughts shifting away from family and back to business. Barnie thought he had all the pieces where he wanted them.

He was wrong.

Lex had spent months positioning himself, waiting for this exact moment—waiting for Barnie to overextend, to underestimate him, to believe Lex was still the reckless, grieving teenager he had once been.

That teenager was long gone.

Lex wasn't just planning to push Barnie out. He was planning to checkmate.