22

MATT’S POV

I was working late one evening when I received a call from Adeline's secretary.

I'd asked her to contact me whenever Adeline needed anything because Adeline never asked anyone for help; she did everything herself.

"Hello?" I answered, already sensing something was wrong.

"Mr. Matt, it's Clarissa. Adeline needs help. She's at the private lounge and I think she’s drunk. I just sent you the location." She said.

"I'll be there soon," I said, hanging up and grabbing my coat.

I arrived at the private lounge and found her passed out on a couch, empty glasses around her. It had been years since I’d seen her like this.

She was always composed, always in control. She had built her empire from scratch, refusing my help every step of the way. And now, here she was, a mess.

Seeing her like this annoyed me.

"Adeline," I said softly, shaking her shoulder. "Adeline, wake up."

She mumbled something incoherent, eyes fluttering open briefly before closing again.

"Xander?" she slurred, rea