"Alexander, I didn't mean to hurt Grandma," Aria said softly, her hand still holding his. Her voice was shaky, the guilt and fear clear in her eyes as she gazed up at him. Alexander's eyes flickered to where her fingers were wrapped around his hand, and for a moment, there was something unreadable in his expression. Clearing his throat, he looked back at her, causing Aria to realize what she was doing. She quickly pulled her hand away, her face flushing with embarrassment."Please, can you give me another chance?" she asked, her voice wavering. Her fingers fidgeted nervously in her lap as she awaited his response. "Let me continue to take care of Grandma."Alexander regarded her for a moment before speaking, his tone steady but distant. "Just rest and focus on your recovery. Someone else is taking care of Grandma for now." He paused, his gaze softening slightly. "Let the chefs handle her meals. You don't have to do everything yourself."Aria's heart lifted with hope. ‘Does that mean I
What am I going to do? Aria’s thoughts spiraled as she hurriedly texted Ethan the location for their meeting. Anxiety gnawed at her, but she felt she had no choice. Her pulse quickened with each step as she sneaked out of the hospital. She knew it was dangerous to confront Ethan alone, but the fear of those compromising photos being leaked was even greater.Meanwhile, Alexander was in the car, heading back to the hospital with his assistant, Lucas. The atmosphere was calm until Lucas suddenly pointed out of the window."Look, isn’t that young madam?" Lucas said, squinting to see through the dimly lit street.Alexander, who had been scrolling through his phone, glanced up. His face darkened when he spotted Aria, heading towards a figure he recognized all too well."Pull over," Alexander commanded coldly.Lucas quickly obeyed, stopping the car and rushing to open the door for his boss. They both stepped out, moving cautiously toward the shadows."Mr. Alexander... that guy looks like Eth
Aria walked briskly towards Ethan, clutching a package tightly in her hands. She knew she couldn’t give him the $5 million he had demanded, but she had to offer something to keep him from releasing those incriminating photos. Her heart raced as she neared him, her mind calculating the risks of this encounter. She had no other choice.Ethan, standing in the shadows, glared at her as she approached. His expression darkened further when he snatched the package from her hands and quickly opened it.“What is this?” he barked, his face contorted with anger. “I asked for $5 million, and you’re bringing this?” His voice was full of disdain.Aria remained calm, determined not to show weakness. “These were given to me by my grandmother,” she retorted. “Every piece in that package is priceless and costs several millions on the market.”Ethan sneered. “Several millions? I don’t need artifacts, Aria. How do you expect me to spend these?” His anger boiled over, but there was also a hint of greed in
"Mr. Sinclair, we've tracked down Ethan's location," Lucas reported after ending a call with one of Alexander's operatives. "He's with a woman. Hopefully, it's young madam." From the rearview mirror, Lucas could see Alexander's cold, unblinking gaze. The intensity sent a chill down Lucas's spine, and he swallowed hard, knowing the urgency of the situation. "What are you waiting for? Go after them," Alexander commanded, his voice like ice. "Yes, sir." Lucas immediately navigated the car toward the coordinates, heading to a secluded hotel on the outskirts of town. He pushed the car to its limits, the speedometer climbing as Alexander’s eyes remained fixed on the road ahead, his brow furrowed in concentration and worry. Soon, they pulled up to the hotel. Alexander stepped out of the car and strode toward the room number they’d been given. Lucas followed closely, ready to back him up. Without hesitatio
Lucas drove Alexander straight to the hospital, urgently calling out for Dr. Hensley as he supported Alexander into the doctor’s office. Dr. Hensley stood up abruptly, his face tensing at Alexander's condition. He quickly approached them. “How could it be this serious?”“I don’t know,” Lucas replied, worry etched across his face. “He’s not responding to any medication. We’ve tried everything, but nothing is working.”Dr. Hensley grabbed an assortment of medicines and injections from his counter, swiftly administering them. After several minutes, though, Alexander’s condition remained unchanged. The doctor’s expression darkened as he assessed him. “This isn’t right… he should have shown some response by now.”Lucas looked at Alexander with growing anxiety. “How could this happen? Mr. Alexander, please hang on,” he urged desperation creeping into his voice. He turned to Dr. Hensley, pleading, “Doc, do something—anything.”“Give me a moment,” Dr
Alexander’s piercing gaze locked onto Aria as he crossed his arms, his tone demanding, “Won't you explain it to me? Why are you here?” His eyes narrowed, searching her face for a hint of truth.Aria shifted uneasily on the hospital bed, casting her eyes downward as her fingers fidgeted with the blanket. “Alexander…” She hesitated, her voice wavering as though each word was weighed down with hidden guilt. “A friend of mine… He came to visit me at the hospital. We had an argument, and he… drugged me with a handkerchief.” She swallowed, taking a shaky breath before continuing. “I woke up in a moving vehicle, and when he wasn’t watching, I managed to jump out and run. After that, I don’t remember anything. The next thing I knew, I woke up here.”Alexander’s expression darkened, disappointment and anger blending into his features. His jaw tightened as he let her words settle. She’s still protecting that bastard. His anger simmered just below the surface, frustration filling his chest. How
At the hospital reception, a group of nurses huddled together, their voices low as they exchanged shocked glances over the trending photos online. The images on their screens were unmistakably scandalous, and a mixture of disbelief and judgment colored their expressions.“I heard she married Mr. Sinclair for his money,” one nurse whispered, her eyes glued to the images. “I didn’t believe it at first, but it’s true, isn’t it? She even sleeps around with older men!”The second nurse shook her head, disgust painting her features. “I thought she was actually from a wealthy family, but it turns out she just married him to get a respectable, fake identity. Honestly, I feel bad for Mr. Sinclair—having a shameless wife like that.”As their hushed gossip filled the reception area, Jessica lingered nearby, a sly smile playing on her lips. This was the exact reaction she had hoped for when she leaked those photos. Perfect, she thought, savoring every whispered insult directed at Aria. Her plan w
"Aria, what's going on with these photos?" Alexander questioned.Oh no, despite everything, those photos are out, Aria thought sadly, fidgeting with her fingers.This foolish woman, Alexander's thoughts darkened as he watched her reaction. She clearly knows what I'm talking about without even needing to look at the pictures. This might be exactly what that bastard was threatening her with. You were clearly in trouble, yet you couldn’t tell me. You still dare to try and solve it alone? Fine, let’s see how you handle this.He hardened his gaze. "I ask again, are these photos real?”Aria’s heart raced as Alexander continued to look at her, his eyes unyielding, as though waiting for her to either confirm or deny what the photos implied. She felt trapped, every word she thought of swallowed by fear. But she knew she had to speak, to tell the truth, to explain. But faced with his demanding eyes, she fumbled for words. “Alexander… they’re not real,” she managed to say, shaking her head.“She
“So do you have the full story for the job? Remember if anything goes south, just let me know…” Ethan stated. “Yeah. I think I’ve got everything. I’m ready for the job.” Frieda mentioned. Dr. Hensley walked into the room where Ethan was seriously last minute prepping Frieda. “Let’s pray that’s true because you’re the missing piece in our puzzle. Our ultimate weapon and the one in whom the entirety of my work rests on.” He shuffled around the lab and brought out five tiny spray bottles, they could fit in small purses. He handed them over to Frieda. “Hopefully, you don’t get to use them all. Spray once behind each ear, the nape of your neck and your wrists. That should cover it.” Frieda nodded. She kept the bottles in her purse. “So, we’re sorry we need to go through such measures but it is all for the success of the project.” Ethan said to Frieda.Frieda and Ethan left the lab, leaving Dr. Hensley alone. As they drove to the bus station, Ethan and Frieda talked about the plan som
Mandy stepped off the plane in the bustling airport, moving out with purpose. Her fancy heels clicking against the floor of the airport, her presence commanded attention and her features and face gave her an air of authority. She grabbed her luggage and headed outside, she flagged down a cab. “Take me to Regius Hospital please and quickly. I’m in a bit of a hurry.” She said, her face expressionless. The cab driver looked at her through the mirror, their eyes meeting for barely a couple of seconds before he looked away. “You look like some of those old surgeons who come here for some consultation or the other. I wish I could…” “I’ll stop you there, I don’t appreciate the chit chat. Just get me to my destination, quickly and quietly. No talk about the weather, your family, my family or anything apart from instructions. This is not a therapy session.” She adjusted her dress suit as the cab driver nodded. The cab man weaved through the city, after a brief ride, the cab pulled up to t
Mandy stepped off the plane in the bustling airport, moving out with purpose. Her fancy heels clicking against the floor of the airport, her presence commanded attention and her features and face gave her an air of authority. She grabbed her luggage and headed outside, she flagged down a cab. “Take me to Regius Hospital please and quickly. I’m in a bit of a hurry.” She said, her face expressionless. The cab driver looked at her through the mirror, their eyes meeting for barely a couple of seconds before he looked away. “You look like some of those old surgeons who come here for some consultation or the other. I wish I could…” “I’ll stop you there, I don’t appreciate the chit chat. Just get me to my destination, quickly and quietly. No talk about the weather, your family, my family or anything apart from instructions. This is not a therapy session.” She adjusted her dress suit as the cab driver nodded. The cab man weaved through the city, after a brief ride, the cab pulled up to t
“Mom, you can open your eyes now.” Jessica whispered. “Where’s your father? Is he gone?” Janet asked as she pulled away the oxygen mask once again. “Yes. He said he would get some help to come here with some food and all.” Jessica replied. Janet knew there was only so much she could tell her daughter, the less she knew the better for her future. There was only one other person in her life who knew exactly what to do in situations like this and it was her sister. “Call home and make sure the help gets me my phone. I need to call your aunt.” Janet instructed. “Okay. But you haven’t told me the plan yet. How do we win Alexander back when Aria is strongly in the way?.” Jessica questioned. “Just do what I asked. The plan isn’t set in stone yet and the less you know the better for you. Just concentrate on what we tell you and try not to do anything else.” Janet responded. Jessica left the room to call the house staff to tell them what to bring to the hospital. *** Ethan walked into
“What are you doing?” Aria whispered, her voice trembling as her palms rested against Alexander’s firm chest, their proximity sending a ripple of heat through her body.“You know exactly what I’m doing,” Alexander replied, his tone low, teasing yet filled with undeniable intent.Aria froze, her breath catching as Alexander reached up, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. His fingers grazed her cheek, lingering for a second longer than necessary, and the warmth of his touch ignited a storm of emotions within her.“I like your body massages, maybe we'll schedule some more in the future,” he said quietly. He took a deep breath so he could soak up her scent. “You do seem rather… relaxed.” Her voice trembled a bit. “I kind of get that feeling every time I’m around you whether you’re giving massages or just sitting there.” He whispered. Aria realized his face was getting closer to hers, he chuckled softly when he saw her close her eyes in expectation of the kiss to come. Alexa
On the drive back to the house, Lucas tried hard not to discuss his feelings with Alexander about Jessica and her mother. He got a call. “Hello.”“Sir, Ethan won the case. He’s been set free.” The voice on the other end of the call said. “How did that happen? That case was pretty straightforward. He should be in jail by now.” Lucas replied. Alexander listened in trying to pick off exactly what they were discussing. “Yes sir. He had a damned good lawyer. I was a bit surprised when the lawyer came in saying she was representing Ethan. You may know her, it’s Gabriella Cornell, the big leagues.” “He couldn’t have gotten someone like that without help. Try to figure out exactly why she would represent him.” Lucas said. “Okay, sir. I’ll get back to you with any information I find sir.” “Yeah. Thank you” Lucas said before dropping the call. “Who was that?” Alexander asked. “Sir, that was Carlton, our guy at the D.A.’s office. He says that Ethan got an exceptional and expensive lawye
Anderson and Jessica rushed Janet to the hospital, Anderson, frantic as he called nurses, doctors and interns to the aid of his wife. “Mom, what’s wrong? Are you having a heart attack?” Jessica asked, even as the nurses got her in a bed and rushed her into a hospital room. “I want my daughter with me..” Janet said, with a fake pain in her voice. Jessica went into the room with her. Watching as they placed an oxygen mask on her face to help her breathe better, she gripped her mother’s hands genuinely scared about what may be happening. “Mom, you’re gonna be okay… the doctors will make sure everything’s fine. They’ll do their jobs.” Janet squeezed her hand tightly but Jessica didn’t understand what was happening. As soon as the doctors plugged her into the machine, they realized that her vitals were stable. Medically, there was nothing wrong with her. They asked to take blood to run some tests. As soon as the last nurse was out the door, Janet took off the oxygen mask from her face
On the drive to Jessica’s family home, Lucas knew he would have to make sure that nothing like that happened again. He was going to put a stationed guard with Alexander at all times to keep Jessica and any females away. He couldn’t believe they were back to this time, when people were always triggering Alexander’s phobia. He also wondered what exactly Alexander had in mind for Jessica. “Young Master, if I may ask, why exactly are we going to Miss Jessica’s residence? I could just call the police and she’ll be arrested.” Lucas said. “No. Jessica is foolish, impulsive and everything wrong but they aren’t like the average family. Her father is also wealthy and they probably have their own assets to protect. I do not wish to cause any damage to her family’s image, at least for old times sake. We will use this to our advantage.” Alexander said. “If you say so, Young Master.” Lucas replied. ***Aria went back into the house to find Grandma, she found her at her reading spot. “Grandma,
Grandma couldn’t help herself, she had to ask. “What exactly happened? Who did this to my grandson?” Grandma panicked. Lucas knew that Grandma’s state would only add more worry to Alexander so he decided to take her out of the room leaving Aria and Alexander together on the couch. “Grandma Sinclair, I think we should let them have some space. Young Master Alexander will get better soon and then you can have a conversation with him.” Lucas said as he guided a visibly worried Grandma out of the living room. “Alex, what happened to you?” Aria asked, slowly rubbing his back.Alexander wasn’t yet himself, the allergy was one thing but also he was still feeling the effects of the drugs that had been in the juice he had drank. He couldn’t explain it yet but he knew as soon as he felt better. He would make sure to get to the bottom of this whole thing. ***Jessica immediately got home and called her mother, she almost dragged her into her room. She needed to explain what she had done and