My Billionaire Ex Beg For A Second Chance-Chapter 92: Dash of Pressure

"Smells as good as ever, Mom," Felix said as he stepped into the warm kitchen, inhaling the mouthwatering aroma of roasted garlic, herbed chicken, and something buttery and sinful baking in the oven.

Victoria turned from the stove, beaming at him. She still wore her pearl earrings—always the pearls—and a soft cashmere cardigan over a pressed blouse. "Of course it does. I don’t disappoint," she replied, lifting an arched brow.

Felix chuckled, stepping forward to press a kiss to her cheek. "You never do."

He could still hear her voice from earlier that afternoon, light and charming yet unyielding—the way it always was when she was serious about something. "Come home for dinner tonight. Your father misses you." She didn’t even wait for a full response before walking away. But Felix didn’t mind. He was more than happy to make the time. There was a comfort in this house that he’d never quite outgrown.

"Where’s Dad?" he asked as he unbuttoned his coat and slung it over the back of one of the kitchen stools.

"In the study," Victoria answered, waving a wooden spoon in the direction of the hallway. "Probably still glued to his stock reports, pretending he’s retired."

"Classic," Felix muttered with a grin.

Wilson Crawford, Felix’s father, had taken over the family business—an old but powerful trading fir — from Felix’s grandfather decades ago. But instead of just maintaining it, Wilson had transformed the company into a multinational empire. He was sharp, intense, and immaculately composed—a man who wore success like it was tailored to him. Felix looked up to him more than he ever admitted.

And yet, Wilson wasn’t the only one who built something. Victoria had launched her own luxury skincare line from scratch while managing social events and charities. She never let herself be just "Mrs. Crawford." She was Victoria Crawford—composed, elegant, and frighteningly persuasive when she wanted to be. Felix admired them both deeply. But he had no illusions about their expectations.

By the time Wilson emerged from the hallway and clapped a firm hand on his son’s shoulder, dinner was ready.

"Still punctual, I see," Wilson said with a chuckle, leading him to the long mahogany dining table that had seen more formal dinners than Felix could count.

"Wouldn’t dare show up late to your table," Felix said with a smirk.

Dinner began smoothly. Plates were passed, wine was poured, and Felix found himself enjoying the rhythm of it.

"So," Wilson started, reaching for the roasted carrots. "How’s the firm? Still closing that merger you mentioned last time?"

Felix wiped his mouth with a linen napkin and nodded. "The negotiation went smoother than we thought. We’ll be announcing it officially next week."

"That’s my boy." Wilson nodded in approval, his voice tinged with pride. "I told you that strategy would work."

"You did," Felix agreed, lifting his glass slightly in acknowledgment.

"And the investments in—"

"Oh, for heaven’s sake," Victoria cut in, rolling her eyes. "Can we stop talking about work for one minute? You two turn every dinner into a board meeting."

Wilson blinked, then gave her a sheepish look. "Just catching up. You caught up with him at lunch. This is my turn."

Victoria set down her fork delicately. "Actually, I have something else I want to talk about."

Wilson glanced at her, curious. "What’s that?"

"Marriage."

Felix choked.

He reached for his water, coughing as Victoria sat perfectly still, expression as smooth as silk.

"Mom," he groaned once he could breathe again.

"What?" she asked innocently. "It’s an important topic. Far more important than mergers and acquisitions."

Wilson chuckled beside him. "She’s right, you know. You don’t plan to stay single forever, do you?"

Felix frowned, leaning back in his chair. "Can we not talk about this while I’m trying to digest?"

"I’m just saying," his father continued with a shrug, "it’d be nice to see my only son with a little family of his own one day. You know I’d never push you to marry someone you didn’t choose... but I wouldn’t mind seeing it happen."

Victoria raised a finger. "Exactly. It’s not pressure. Just a gentle suggestion with a heavy emotional subtext."

"Wow," Felix muttered. "You two have this down to a science."

They moved on to dessert—a decadent chocolate tart —but the shift in topic never really arrived. As they migrated to the living room, coffee in hand, the "gentle suggestions" returned with full force.

Felix settled into the leather armchair while his parents claimed the couch, like a pair of matchmaking strategists waiting to corner their target.

"I understand," Wilson said, crossing one ankle over his knee, "that finding a woman like your mother is no easy task."

Victoria’s face softened, clearly pleased by the compliment. "Oh, stop it, Wils."

"I mean it," he said with a grin. "Smart, elegant, fierce— what a combination. But Felix takes after both of us. He won’t settle for anything less."

"That’s true," Victoria agreed.

Felix sipped his coffee cautiously. "Are you two done flattering each other?" 𝐟𝐫𝕖𝗲𝘄𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝕧𝐞𝚕.𝕔𝕠𝐦

"Almost," Wilson replied with a wink. "Anyway, I know you’re too proud to ask for help, but I took the liberty of calling an old friend. He has a daughter—single, educated, charming—and she’d be happy to meet you."

Felix lowered his cup slowly, staring at his father. "You what?"

"Just a meeting," Wilson said with a shrug. "Not a wedding proposal. Yet."

"This isn’t some damn romance novel where I need to be betrothed to someone," Felix snapped, wide-eyed. He turned to his mother. "Was this your idea?"

Victoria lifted both hands in mock innocence. "Please. Don’t break your poor mother’s heart with accusations."

"And for your information, Wils," she added with a sly smile, "Felix has already set his sights on someone."

Wilson perked up. "Really?"

Victoria nodded. "Quite sure of it."

Wilson leaned forward eagerly. "Who is it? Do I know her?"

"Oh, you know her well," she said with a meaningful glance at her son. "The secretary."

Wilson furrowed his brow. "Kaitlyn, right?"

Felix sighed, dragging a hand over his face. "It’s Katherine, Dad."

"Oh, yes, right. Katherine," Wilson said, snapping his fingers. "Sharp girl. Very organized. Good handwriting."

Victoria laughed. "Really? Handwriting is the bar now?"

"Details matter," Wilson said with a shrug. "So? Is it serious?"

Felix shifted uncomfortably in his seat. "It’s... complicated."

Victoria tilted her head. "Everything worthwhile is."

Wilson grinned. "Well, if things don’t work out with her, don’t worry. We can still try my friend’s daughter. She plays piano and clarinet."

Felix groaned. "I’m leaving."

"You haven’t finished your drink," Victoria said sweetly.

"I’ll take it to go," he muttered.

As the teasing laughter of his parents filled the room, Felix stood and paced toward the front hall, rubbing the back of his neck.

One thing became painfully clear for him.

If he didn’t act fast, someone else might.

He needed to move. Before he lost Katherine—for good.