LOGIN---Rykard Industries HQ — CEO’s OfficeThe CEO had just wrapped up a meeting. Everyone stood and bowed as he leisurely rose, preparing to leave the conference room.But midway through, his steps paused.A hush fell over the room. Hearts pounded. Did the president see something? Was there more to discuss?Then the CEO spoke: “Lift your heads and look at me.”Everyone swallowed nervously but obeyed.“The suit I’m wearing… what do you all think?”‘Huh?’‘Suit?’The subordinates exchanged glances, careful not to stare directly at him as they briefly checked his outfit.Wasn’t this the same suit the Big Boss had worn on his birthday? Recognition flickered in every eye.They quickly began murmuring compliments.“The suit fits you perfectly, sir.”“It was tailored just for you!”“You look very handsome in it.”“The best suit I’ve ever seen, Boss.”“Perfect.”Their eagerness seemed to please him. “Gerald, have their bonuses processed today.” With that, he strode out of the room.“Thank you,
Lovett glanced around the massive bedroom slowly. It was only the second time she had been in here, and now that it was daytime, she could finally see everything clearly.The room was spacious and refined, decorated in shades of grey. The walls were a soft ash tone, complemented by darker charcoal drapes that framed the tall windows. A king-sized bed—which she was currently sitting on—sat at the center, dressed in smooth grey silk sheets and plush pillows arranged neatly against the headboard. The furniture was minimal but expensive, each piece sleek and masculine. The air carried a faint woody scent, subtle and calming.A short while later, Alex returned with a tray in hand. He gently set it on the bedside drawer before picking up the bowl of chicken soup. Sitting beside her, he carefully began feeding her.Lovett’s heart warmed at the attention he was giving her. He dabbed the corner of her mouth with a napkin and blew softly on each spoonful before bringing it to her lips. And thos
He stubbed out the cigarette, got into his car and sped off—away from the city.Soon, the vehicle veered off the busy highway and onto a secluded road far beyond the city limits, one that was rarely frequented.Not long after, he arrived at a mansion. The black iron gates closed behind him with a dull thud, swallowing the distant hum of the city. A long driveway stretched ahead, flanked by perfectly trimmed hedges. Marble statues stood at intervals, catching the moonlight in eerie silence.“Big Boss!” The men greeted One the moment he stepped out of the vehicle.He gave a curt nod and proceeded inside.The hall was vast—towering ceilings, polished dark-wood floors, and walls lined with floor-to-ceiling windows that framed the sprawling grounds outside. A massive crystal chandelier hung overhead, its light scattering across glossy surfaces in sharp, precise patterns. The faint scent of old leather and polished oak lingered in the air, carrying both wealth and authority.The Family had
Upon reaching the parking garage, the CEO carefully helped his wife into the backseat. She was barely conscious, her head lolling weakly against his shoulder. His movements were steady, careful, almost reverent, as he buckled her in. Then he got behind the wheel and drove home without letting anyone else take over.Doctor Edward arrived not long after. Earlier, he had been puzzled when Alex’s assistant abruptly pulled him away from the birthday celebration. Now, the reason lay pale and unconscious on the bed.An IV was set up at once.Edward worked quickly and efficiently, his expression darkening as he checked her vitals and injected her. Alexander stood nearby, silent and still, but the air around him was suffocating.“The toxins will be flushed out of her system,” Edward finally said, removing his gloves. “Let her rest. She’ll be fine by morning. I’ll come back to check on her.”Alexander gave a single nod.Clinton knew better than to make light of the situation. He squeezed his fr
Gerald froze, his eyes widening. He leaned in and whispered urgently into Big Boss’s ear.Alex straightened at once and strode out of the hall, his long steps brisk and purposeful. His assistant hurried after him. The CEO’s expression was glacial, utterly unwelcoming. If looks could kill, everyone in the hall would already be six feet under.Someone else rushed after President Hudson, desperately trying to stop him.“President Hudson!” Mr. Coleman called out, but Assistant Gerald stepped in front of him, blocking his path.Not right now. You’re courting death.The CEO never slowed. He continued down the hallway without so much as a glance back.Gerald had already handed him an earbud, which Alex fixed into his ear as he walked. His voice was sharp and commanding. “Check the hotel’s surveillance. Now.”“President Hudson, I’ve prepared a gift for you!” Mr. Coleman shouted.Alex’s steps faltered.He turned slowly, fixing the man with a deathly stare. Mr. Coleman swallowed hard, unease cr
---The event progressed smoothly. The master of ceremonies handled his duties with ease, while Gerald stepped in occasionally as the assistant. Regardless of all that, the attention of the entire hall remained fixed on one person—President Hudson.Even those seated at the very back strained their necks, desperate to catch even a glimpse of the suit he wore, despite having screens close to them.While all this unfolded, Alex himself was focused on something—or rather, someone—else. He had been searching the crowd for her, yet she seemed to be nowhere in sight.With a lazy flick of his index finger, Gerald appeared at his side at once, head lowered respectfully.“Where’s my wife?” the CEO asked calmly.Gerald swallowed uneasily. “She’s—”Before he could finish, an approaching figure interrupted him.Alex rose to his feet to greet Minister Andrew, and from that moment on, he was swiftly surrounded. Everyone had been waiting for a chance—for someone to lead, so when the minister did, the







