When Lola heard these words from her husband, she stared at him with incredulity before she broke out into laughter. “You? Help me? You’re joking, right?”Alexander shook his head with a soft smile still on his face. He was aware that Lola was openly mocking him but he played the fool still. “Of course, I believe I can help you with any problem that you have at work.” He stood in front of the woman, which made them pause their walk. “Lola, I’ve been meaning to have this conversation with you for a while now. I wonder why you barely let me in on all your struggles at work. You might be surprised by how much help I can provide.”Lola covered her mouth as she let out a ‘pfft’. “How am I supposed to believe you, Alexander? You didn’t even make the cut when you applied for an office job at the company. Your performance must have been so bad that they could only offer you the post of a gatekeeper. Plus, you only got that job because you are married to me.”Alexander sighed as he gently patt
Everyone watched as every single piece of clothes on the aisle was packed up by the boutique’s staff members. Once everything was settled, all the pairs of eyes turned to Alexander.“Well, the clothes have been packed for you.” The middle-aged man raised a skeptical eyebrow at Alexander. “It’s time for you to pay.”Alexander sneered before digging into his jacket pocket only for his hand to touch a space. His smile dropped in place of a confused expression as he turned to his jeans pocket only to find that his card was missing. That was when he recalled that he had left his premium black card at home. He had been so excited to spoil Kelsey for the day that he had actually forgotten to take the one thing he needed."What's the matter, you low-life scum?!" The middle-aged woman glared hatefully at Alexander. "The staff is waiting for you to pay." There was a moment of silence as everyone waited for Alexander to say something. On getting nothing but silence from him, the middle-aged woma
Alexander wanted Theo Good to hear him as he was making the call. This retired archeologist had decided to cheat him out of the goods he had bought fair and square. He didn’t care that the classy-dressed customer wanted to pay $100,000 for it. The fact still remained that it was now rightfully his.Theo Good scoffed. “What exactly is this? Do you think you can call over your pals to come cosplay as some big shot to scare me? Fine, bring it on, young man! I’ll wait and see what show you can afford to entertain me with today. Just know that you are still going to end up in prison; I promise to make that your reality.”Alexander simply smiled at this old man. This was the reason why he wanted his wife and daughter out of the shop. The person he had called just now was Alan Butch – one of the three big bosses of the underground world in this city.There were three underground kings who ruled together, maintaining and controlling the channels that had been established to do all sorts of bu
The three big bosses of the underground world were currently bowing before Alexander, and the few customers in the antique shop couldn’t believe it.Alexander took a good look at the three big bosses before nodding his head in approval. “You weren’t late, so don’t worry about it. Get up.”“Yes, Sir Alexander!” The three men chorused before rising to their feet. Alan took a step forward. “Boss Alexander, please, tell us why you’ve called us here.”Theo Good was still shaken by the fact that he had just witnessed the three most fearsome men he knew bowing down to the man he had threatened. Fear gripped him to the point where he was sweating profusely as Alexander informed the big bosses what had happened between him and Theo Good.The classy-looking customer had slowly taken a few steps back, making sure that he wasn’t mistaken as an affiliate of the antique shop owner.Once Alexander had explained everything to the big bosses, the three men turned around to glare heatedly at the older
Lesley’s eyes suddenly widened and she grabbed Lucas’s arm lovingly. “It has to be Alexander and his father’s doing! There’s no one else as capable as them! After all, he did help my mom to bag her contract with Eckre Empire Headquarters as well!”Alexander Cross could only shake his head in astonishment as he waited to hear Lucas’s reply to this.Lucas Jerald was a little bit nervous as he glanced down at his girlfriend before shifting his gaze to the people around him. He knew very well that the contract that Eckre Empire Headquarters had granted Bygone Corporation through Fiona Blaine was not his father’s doing, and yet, he had swiftly claimed a glory that was not his on purpose.Now that his girlfriend and her family were asking him once again, he wouldn’t dare come clean now; it would be far too humiliating.Therefore, Lucas smiled as he stood up straight and nodded at the small audience. “It wasn’t really a big deal. My father’s influence in the business world is quite profound.
“Put away that phone. Do not call the police, got it?” Fisher McCall spoke sternly to the head of security. “As for these two, I’ll resolve the issue. They’re coming with me.”The head of security could only give in with a nod of approval. This was his superior after all. Fisher led Alexander and the finance personnel out of the security sector and they took the elevator up to the floor where the company manager’s office is located. Once they were gone, the head of security suddenly had a look of anger on his face. “Damn it! We almost got him.” He then retrieved his phone and dialed a number. “Sir, I’m calling to give you feedback on that operation.”The person at the end of the call was Edmund Porsche. “Talk to me, Head Security. Have you arrested that bastard, Alexander?” He laughed with a dark tone in his voice. He was alone in his office, sitting behind his desk with a sinister expression on his face. “I can’t wait to see him in jail.”The head of security couldn’t help but scra
The tall and muscular man turned to see who had just called me. “Alexander?! Alexander Cross is that you?!” His confused face morphed into a bright smile before he rushed over.Alexander laughed out as he also rushed to meet the man with a solid hug. He tapped the man’s back. “It’s been a while bro! I didn’t expect to see you here at all. What are you doing here?!”They ended the hug and they looked at each other to make sure they were physically alright. Both men are about the same height, but Eden Raven is a bit more muscular than Alexander.“Look at you, Alexander! You’re looking sharp! Damn, this suit looks expensive!” Eden Raven smiled brightly as he recalled his friend’s earlier question. “I came here to deliver a signed contract with another company.”“Nah, don’t bother about this.” Alexander waved off the compliment about his suit. “Are you leaving right now?” He got a nod from his friend. “Awesome! I was on my way out as well. Let’s catch up.”The two then walked out of the g
Alexander led Eden to the restaurant and Eden was shocked when he saw that the establishment was a very expensive one.“Dude, are you sure about this place?” Eden looked at Alexander with slight worry. “I’m not sure if I can afford it.”Alexander smirked at his old friend. “That’s okay; just leave it to me.”It was then that a man approached them. “Oh my goodness! It looks like neither of you guys have aged a day;”Eden and Alexander turned their gazes to find a slightly shorter and pudgy man heading toward them. “Guys, it’s me, Bruce Daniels!”“We know!” Eden and Alexander chuckled as they shook their heads.The three men came together and exchanged hugs and pleasantries.Bruce looked at the restaurant. “Woah, Alexander! This is where you want us to have dinner? I’m sorry, my guy, but I’m not sure I can afford even the cheapest meal here.Alexander clapped each hand on Bruce and Eden’s backs. “You guys shouldn’t worry about this. Let’s just go in and have an amazing night already.”E
Final Act: Present Day The gala gleamed with luxury. Chandeliers emit a warm golden glow throughout the room, reflecting off the crystal goblets and shiny marble floors. It was a festivity of victory, not only for Ashlyn Bennett but for a legacy revived. The tables were filled with the elite of the business world. Conversations hummed with curiosity, admiration, and whispers of awe over the events of the International Business Summit. The Ashlyn Bennett Foundation’s launch was the talk of the night, and at the center of it all stood Ashlyn herself, poised but undeniably powerful.Richard Knight rested against the bar's edge, swirling his drink. His gaze remained fixed on Ashlyn, who was engaged in a conversation with a distinguished man dressed in a pinstriped suit. “She’s something, isn’t she?” Steven White remarked, sidling up beside him. His voice carried a mix of pride and regret. Richard smirked. “Something? She’s everything. Hard to believe she pulled all of this off in one l
Veronica sat opposite Isabella, a serious expression on her face. "So," she began, her voice low. "Tell me everything."Isabella hesitated, her fingers nervously tracing the outline of the Gemini Heart pendant resting against her chest. "It's... complicated," she began, her voice hesitant."I've dealt with complicated things before," Veronica replied, her eyes steady. "Try me."Isabella took a deep breath. "My name isn't Isabella," she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper. "It's Jennifer. Jennifer Clarke."Veronica raised an eyebrow, a flicker of surprise crossing her face. "Jennifer?" she echoed. "But... you look exactly like Isabella.""That's because... we switched bodies," Jennifer explained, her voice trembling slightly. "Our souls... they swapped."Veronica stared at her, a mixture of disbelief and curiosity in her eyes. "Switched bodies?" she repeated. "How is that even possible?""It's the necklace," Jennifer said, touching the Gemini Heart. "It happened wh
"I missed you, Alexander," Sophia cried. "Ever since Isabella came into your life, you've been... different. Distant. I felt like I was losing you.""So you decided to sabotage my relationship?" Alexander asked, his voice filled with hurt and anger. "To lie and manipulate me into turning against the woman I love?""Sophia cried as she expressed, "I didn't mean to cause you any pain, Alexander." I simply... I desired for everything to return to normal. Prior to her arrival and I was scared of losing another family member like we lost dad.""Nothing will ever return to how it used to be, Sophia," Alexander said firmly, his voice unwavering. "You've completely changed everything. You have shattered my trust and my belief in you." Sophia's cries grew stronger, her body trembling with sadness. She had nothing left - her brother's faith, connections with her family, and the man she had fought hard to win back were all gone. Alexander observed her, feeling a weight of sorrow and disill
Sophia's confident expression wavered, shifting to a glimmer of astonishment. "I have no idea what you're referring to," she replied, pretending to be innocent. Isabella snapped at Sophia, "Don't act shy with me. I listened to it all. The picture, the falsehoods, the scheme to tear us apart. It all originated from you."Sophia's calm facade finally shattered. "Who cares if it did?" she snapped, her eyes filled with rage. "He is too good for you. You are just an opportunistic Bennet."Isabella stated angrily that it was untrue, her voice filled with emotion. "You are only jealous. Jealous of our joy, jealous of the love we have for each other.""Feeling jealous?" Sophia laughed with contempt. "Don't be dumb. I am simply trying to defend my brother from a deceptive witch such as yourself.""Protect him?" Isabella echoed, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "By framing my father? By feeding Alexander lies?""Your father was a criminal," Sophia insisted, her voice rising. "He deserves ev
As night descended, they snuggled on the couch, watching a movie, their bodies wrapped around each other. A feeling of routine came back, a pleasant break from the disorder in their daily lives. Isabella whispered softly, leaning her head on Alexander's chest, "This is nice.It just the two of us." "Yeah," Alexander agreed, tightening his arms around her. "Just us."While they enjoyed their renewed bond, they couldn't shake a persistent feeling of unease. The sensation of being observed, of something feeling off. While carrying Isabella to bed, Alexander noticed a sudden movement outside the window. He looked quickly, but noticed no one. He brushed it off as just his imagination, yet the sense of unease lingered. Later that evening, while Isabella was fast asleep in his embrace, Alexander couldn't rid himself of the sense that something was wrong. He rose from the bed and approached the window, gazing out at the darkness. The road underneath was empty, with only the soft buzz of t
Veronica's eyes grew wider. "Monica?" Do you really think that's a wise decision? Isabella was adamant about needing to hear it directly from her. "I need to find out the truth." Veronica nodded. "Okay. I'll go with you."They found Monica at the same luxury hotel, lounging by the pool, a smug smile playing on her lips."Ah, I see," Monica sarcastically uttered. "If it's not the betrayed wife. What reason do you have for this visit that caught me by surprise?"Isabella advanced, her fiery gaze fixed ahead. She expressed a desire to discover the truth, her voice vibrating with rage. "Tell me the truth about you and Alex's alleged child." Monica arched one eyebrow. "And why do you believe I will share any information with you?" "I know for sure that you are not telling the truth," Isabella stated, her voice getting louder. "I am sure that this is all planned. I am going to find out one way or the other."Monica chuckled, emitting a rough, scraping noise. "You are out of touch wit
Alexander paused, his face briefly showing a hint of uncertainty. He said with a strained voice, "I... I can't bring myself to believe it. The way he behaved... the gleam in his eyes while revealing the safe code... it seemed like he was aware of something we weren't."Isabella suggested that, "perhaps he was simply concerned," although a hint of doubt had been instilled in her thoughts."Perhaps," answered Alexander, though uncertainty still lingered in his tone. The upcoming days were a flurry of inquiries, questioning, and allegations. The intense media hype about Monica and Daniel kept going strong, further escalating the situation. Every discussion, every exchange was tainted with a sense of doubt. "David, have you found anything else about James and Uncle's whereabouts?" Alexander asked over the phone, his voice sharp with impatience."Nothing concrete yet," David replied. "Sterling has vanished. Cleaned out his accounts, disappeared without a trace. And James is in Europe.
Three days laterThe opulent office, once a symbol of Romano power and success, now felt like a prison. The silence hung heavy, broken only by the occasional muffled sob from Mr. Romano."I... I can't believe this," Alexander said, his voice hoarse. "How could Sterling do this? We are family."Isabella sat beside him, her hand resting on his. "I know," she whispered. "It doesn't make sense."Alexander looked up, his eyes red-rimmed. "He was always... different. Ambitious, yes, but this..." He trailed off, shaking his head."We need to figure out why," Alexander said, his voice firm. "There has to be a reason beyond simple greed.""What about Monica?" Isabella asked. "And the child? How does that fit into all of this?"Alexander ran a hand through his hair, his face etched with frustration. "I don't know. But I intend to find out."He stood up and began pacing the room, his mind racing. "James said he manipulated the marriage agreement. We need to see the original document.
Monica ended the call before Alexander could answer. His thoughts were racing as he gazed at his phone. He had never encountered a woman named Monica, much less had a child with her. This must have been some sort of error. The following day, the news spread like wildfire through the press. Headlines blared, "Secret Love Child of Romano Heir!" Photos of Monica and a young boy, prominently displayed in newspapers and websites, sparked the controversy. The media frenzy escalated dramatically, with reporters constantly following and harassing Alexander and Isabella. "Mr. Romano, is that accurate? "Do you possess a hidden son?" "Isabella, what are your thoughts on your husband being unfaithful?" "Are things turbulent in your marriage?" They were overwhelmed by the incessant barrage of questions, leading to a tornado of disorder and bewilderment. "This is absurd!" Alexander shouted as he made his way through the crowd of journalists. "I have no idea who this woman is