Patrick’s POVAlexander was euphoric. Yesterday at the end of the day, Rick and I convinced him to get rid of Liz before talking to Cat. Liz had been calling him persistently, and we thought it would be a problem. Rick told him to resolve it before causing Catherine any more suffering. In the end, he agreed.Rick's sisters said they would have the answer he wanted by the end of today, as it was the day Liz's mother would be at the salon. So we had to wait. Today I had a lot of work piled up, so the day would pass quickly.When I saw Cat sitting at her desk, I was very happy; she seemed much better. I exchanged a few quick words with her and went to my office. Soon the phone rang. Samantha told me it was Dr. Flavian Moreno, and asked to put the call through."Flavian, my friend, how are you?""Hi, Patrick. I'm a bit embarrassed, man, the job you asked for took longer than I expected. The lady is very discreet.""Man, I had completely forgotten about that. In the end, we discovered she w
Alexander’s POVPatrick was acting very strange. He seemed distressed. When we arrived at his house, besides us and Alan, Henry and Fred were also there. How weird."What's going on?" I said, starting to get nervous."Sit down," Patrick said, and I sat. "Remember when we fired Cat, I asked my friend from the police department to investigate her?""Yes. But that doesn't matter anymore," I said, shrugging."No, it wouldn't," Patrick was very nervous. "She really is an incredible person, very correct and honest. But he discovered something." He looked at Fred. "He found out who Peter's father is.""No way? Seriously?" Fred was surprised. "Man, I never spoke to Cat or Mel, but I tried to find this guy when Cat got pregnant and couldn't. Who is it?""Hold on," Patrick said. "Almost at the same time, Alan came to my office with the report about the investigation of the woman you've been looking for all this time, Alexander. He found her."I looked at Patrick, unable to decide if I was happy
Sam rushed into my office and said:"Cat, we need to go. Patrick called and told us to hurry to his house. Something's going on, everyone's there.""This is all so strange! I thought Patrick and Alan were acting weird," I commented."I noticed that too. But let's go, he said it's urgent and the driver is waiting for us in the garage."I grabbed my purse and left with Sam. Dennis was behind us and seemed even tenser than usual. He put us in the car and got in the front seat, which was unusual.When we left the building's parking lot, I looked out the window and saw that woman, Liz, at the building entrance. A chill ran through my entire body. What was happening?When we arrived at Patrick's house, I was shocked. Even the girls were there. Even Mari via video conference. And it seemed like everyone was crying. My head was spinning; in just a few seconds, I thought of the most terrible things, felt my knees weaken, and passed out.When I came to, I was lying on the couch, and Alexander wa
Alexander’s POVAfter everything that happened today, all I wanted is to go home and see my son. “My son! Peter is my son!” But because of the medication, Catherine passed out on Patrick's couch. She didn't want to go to one of the bedrooms, said she wanted to stay close to everyone, so I sat down and put her head in my lap. She fell asleep with my fingers in her hair.Dr. Molina told us to wait until she wakes up before leaving, gave me lots of information about her pregnancy and many details about Peter's pregnancy, which he also monitored. After talking for a long time, he said goodbye and left. Alan took the cue and left too, and Mari ended the video call."So, father of the year, how are you feeling?" Patrick asked excitedly. "Because I'm going to end Melissa and Fred's reign and become the most doting uncle in the world.""Keep dreaming, Patrick! You might outdo Fred, but me, darling? Impossible!" Melissa said, making everyone laugh."Patrick, I don't even have the right words to
Alexander’s POV"What's going on?" I heard Catherine's voice and went to her. She had woken up because of all the commotion."My angel, I'll tell you later. Fred, please take Cat to the library," I asked Fred, knowing he would protect her."No, I want to know what's happening," Catherine insisted."Oh, so this is the beggar you fell in love with?" Liz started saying. "I heard you got involved with some nobody. But honey, don't fool yourself, because he loves me!""Are you crazy, Liz? Whatever we had ended a long time ago.""I don't think so, Alex. You had me every way possible in New York last week!" Liz taunted."You street trash, I'm going to mess up that cynical face of yours so bad that no surgeon will be able to fix it this time." Melissa went crazy, grabbing Liz by the hair again. The chaos was set."ENOUGH!" We heard Catherine's shout. "Mel, let go of that bitch."Melissa released her and looked at her friend. Catherine stood up, adjusted her dress and hair, and walked toward Li
It didn't take long for Lygia to enter, pulling Peter by his little hand. When he saw Alexander, he let go and ran towards him."Alexandaaa!" Peter stretched out his little arms, and Alexander crouched down, picking him up."Peter. My boy." Alexander was crying, overwhelmed with emotion from having his son in his arms. I looked around, and everyone was crying, including me."Alexanda, I missed you. You didn't come to play with me anymore," Peter complained."Oh, my boy, I'm dying of missing you too." Alexander spoke as they hugged each other tightly."Hi, Mommy." Peter turned to me. "Uncle Patrick sent for us.""That's right. And aren't you going to say hi to everyone?" I asked him."Ah, Mommy, I missed Alexanda so much!" He said, resting his little head on Alexander's shoulder, who couldn't stop crying. "Hi, everyone!" Peter waved and looked around, greeting everyone at once. "Why are you crying, Alexanda?""Because I'm so happy to see you," Alexander could barely speak. "Sorry, every
When we got home, Peter took a box of building blocks from his room and spread them on the living room carpet. Alexander sat down with him, and they spent the afternoon playing and watching cartoons.After dinner, Peter was exhausted. He fell asleep in his father's arms, who insisted on putting him to bed. Coming back to the living room, Alexander hugged me on the couch."Angel, we need to talk." Alexander sighed. "There's so much I want to know. But I also have some things to tell you. I don't know where to start.""Start by telling me about New York," I asked, sitting facing him."It was Friday, the day we arrived there. We went to a bar at night, and Liz showed up. I was upset and losing hope that you'd come back to me. You were dating Levy. So I went to Liz's apartment. It was stupid, but it was just that one time." Alexander closed his eyes. "And like you said, I was with her, but I could only think of you.""I won't say I didn't care, because I cared a lot. But I won't fight with
I woke up alone and heard noise coming from the kitchen. I got up and found my two men having an animated conversation about the "new house." Alexander and Peter were sitting having breakfast. Alexander had prepared hot chocolate and a grilled cheese sandwich for Peter, who was smiling and chewing while listening to his dad talk. The table was beautifully set with fruits, juice, yogurt, bread, cold cuts, eggs, and cookies. I leaned against the doorframe and watched them - they were already dressed and showered. Had I slept that long? I didn't even know what time it was."Mommy!" Peter was the first to spot me and sound the alarm."Good morning, sweetie!" I walked towards my little boy and gave him a kiss on the forehead. "Good morning to you too." I turned and gave Alexander a quick kiss."Good morning, angel! Come, we made breakfast, right Peter?""Yes, daddy!" Peter was in his morning happiness mode that I never understood where it came from."I didn't want to wake you, you were tire
Caroline’s POVOh my God, what kind of backwater is this! I went to the salon I found in town today, it turned out okay-ish, but they're all such hicks. I needed to get out of this podunk town soon."Celeste, make that snotty brat shut up. You can hear him crying all the way at the entrance," I said while walking into this dump my father had scrounged up for us. "So, what do you think?" I showed off my new look."Yeah, it looks just like Liz's," Celeste agreed. "But you shouldn't have gone!""Ughhhh. That's exactly what I wanted. If my hottie hooked up with that skank in New York, he'll go crazy when he sees me." I was dying to run into Alexander. "Besides, nobody knows me here.""This kid never stops crying. When I first met him, he was much quieter," Celeste said."Oh, just give him some medicine. I've got Xanax in my purse, want some?" I offered."Are you crazy? We can't kill the brat before Alexander does everything we want. Better let him cry, he'll tire himself out eventually.""
Alexander’s POVWe entered my office and it was chaotic, with people talking and working on computers while Melissa organized all the incoming information. Fred, who I discovered was also a notable hacker, had joined Marcus."Alexander, we managed to access Cat's phone," Marcus informed me. "And we got footage from other buildings on the street and now have the license plate of the car that took her.""Finally, some good news." Some of the tension I was feeling dissipated."Not that good - the plate is fake, but at least we have a car and we've issued an alert for models of the same color," one of the police officers warned me."And what about the phone?" I asked, leaning between Fred and Marcus's chairs.Fred grabbed his phone and opened a message, quickly looking at it before tossing it on the desk with a huff. Rick was standing next to me and glanced at the screen."Fred, why did you receive a photo of Celeste?" Rick asked with a puzzled look."Photo of who?" Fred didn't understand
Alan looked worried, as if the news was bad. He introduced the man accompanying him before sitting down."This is Detective Novaes from Internal Affairs. He's in charge of investigating your parents' accident," Alan introduced."Mr. Miller, I regret to inform you that the helicopter accident that claimed your parents' lives was deliberately caused. We found that the disconnection of the tail rotor pedals in the pilot's cabin caused the accident. The connections were intentionally cut. The helicopter had undergone maintenance at the manufacturer and had been cleared for flight just two days before. It was sabotage. I know this is a difficult time, but whoever is orchestrating this kidnapping might also be connected to the helicopter sabotage.""My parents were murdered? My parents were coldly and cruelly murdered?" I could no longer contain my tears and despair."Detective Novaes, we want everyone involved to rot in jail. Whatever you need, we can help," Patrick took over the conversati
Alexander’s POVWhen I left the terrace, I was much more composed. I spent about forty minutes up there thinking and praying to God to watch over my son. When I entered my office, I asked if there was any news, and they said no. Then I decided to spend some time with Catherine and see how she was doing. I went into Patrick's office but didn't see her."Where's Catherine?" I asked loudly."What do you mean? She said she was going to stay with you for a while," Melissa said, frowning."She's not with me, she's not in my office, and she's not at reception. Where is she?" I growled."Calm down, Alexander, she might have gone to the break room," Tess said, and immediately everyone went looking for Cat."Sam, have you seen Cat?" I asked when I returned to reception."Sorry, Alexander, but I haven't. The reception's been crazy," Samantha replied worriedly. "What's wrong?""I can't find her." After I spoke, I saw Tess coming back toward me."The emergency exit door is unlocked.""No, no, no. I
I was sitting next to my mother when Patrick came in. He told us everything that had happened, about the call from that crazy woman, and the more he spoke, the more I cried. After he left, Mrs. Agnes, Mel's mother, told my mother who Anna Caroline was, and Virginia informed them both about what was going on. It was too much information to process.My phone rang and I quickly answered it. I recognized Dennis's voice on the other end saying:"Don't say anything. If there's anyone near you, leave and only let me know when you're alone."I lowered the phone and started moving away from the room. When I reached the door, Melissa called out to me."Cat, what's wrong?""I'm going to see Alexander, Mel. I want to spend some time with him," I said and left the room.When I reached the corridor between the elevators and the meeting room, I started speaking again."Where's my son? Why did you do this?""Easy, kitten. Your son is still fine, but let's make things easier, because your lover won't a
Alexander’s POVI went back to Catherine and hugged her. When the elevator opened, I turned her toward it. She ran out to hug her parents, just as Melissa rushed toward hers. Catherine's father approached me."Son, thank you for sending for us," Mr. Anthony said, his expression showing the weariness of someone who hadn't slept and was very worried."No need to thank me, father-in-law!" I said, accepting his hug.Mrs. Selina came closer with red eyes. I hugged her and felt that maternal warmth. I greeted Melissa's parents and briefly explained the situation. Dr. Molina had taken Cat to her room and was examining her.I called Catherine's parents and said we needed to talk. I had to bring them up to speed on everything. We went to Cat's room, and Dr. Molina said she was doing better before leaving."You sent for my parents?" Catherine asked with teary eyes."Yes. I called Larson and explained the situation. I sent the company jet so they could get here quickly," I explained. "Cat, I can
Alexander’s POVMy son had been kidnapped for over twelve hours now. Since the moment Lygia called, I had had to keep myself under control. I wouldn't lose it because I had to find my son. And I needed to take care of Cat.I had already activated all my possible contacts. Many people were looking for my son, but I was still thinking if there was anything else I could do. Patrick and Rick arranged for beds, food, and clothes. The executive floor had been transformed into a search command center, and none of us wanted to leave. Rick had set up a large conference table with chairs around it in the middle of my office, so many people were working there."Alexander." I heard Mari's voice and went to hug her. "Son, stay calm and have faith. Peter will be found safe.""I'm so glad you came, Mari. I feel like I'm about to lose it." She was like a mother to me, and all I needed was her here to support me."You won't lose control!" she said. "You're a strong and intelligent man. Being nervous an
The next thing I remember is jolting awake on Alexander's office couch. Looking around, I saw Samantha holding my hand, Margaret coming in with a tea tray, Patrick speaking nervously on the phone, Rick also on his cell phone, and Alexander desperately yelling at Daniel, the head of security."Alexander, she's awake," Samantha called, and he rushed over."My angel, I've already called the police. Lygia and the girls are on their way. It seems Dennis and Daniel were the traitors. They've both disappeared," Alexander explained through tears. "I've also asked Dr. Molina to come check on you.""Alexander, my son, he's just a little boy..." I was panicking."We'll find him safe and sound, my angel. We will," Alexander said, looking into my eyes. "I need you to stay calm for our baby in your belly, but I don't want to take my eyes off you. Let me handle finding Peter.""This won't knock you out, dear, but it will calm you down," Margaret offered me the tea.It wasn't long before Alexander's o
On Monday, we dropped Peter off at daycare, and I took the opportunity to inform them that Alexander was Peter's father and could pick him up too. When we arrived at the office, Alexander kept pulling me toward his office."Alexander, my office is on the other side," I reminded him.He groaned and closed his eyes, saying he'd forgotten. I saw Rick leaving my office with a smile on his face."Good morning, power couple!" Rick was excited. "Hope you two don't mind, but I went back to working with my old boss. I'm not in the mood to sit in the front office listening to you two moaning.""Rick..." I said, shocked."Oh, come on, pretty woman, I know exactly what goes down in the president's office.""He's not wrong, my angel." Alexander had a mischievous smile plastered on his face."Relax, friend, I've already moved everything back," Samantha informed without leaving her desk.When I entered my office, everything was indeed in order, and as every Monday, there was a tulip arrangement on th