Alexander's POV"I don't understand, Alexander, is something wrong with you?" she asked, eyes narrowing.“Nothing is wrong with me,” I said. “I don't think it has become a crime to want to take you out.”Her eyebrows sprang. "Really? First you inform me you cannot wait to live with me, and then you show up here asking me if I would like to go out with you. Do you even hear yourself, Alexander?"She stabbed me hard with her words, but rather than anger, I felt a good feeling welling up in me. She hadn't expected me to ask her out, and that gave me a euphoric feeling.I forced a weak smile. "You're my fiancée. Think I can ignore you? It's only a matter of time before your father doubles the punishment I'm getting if he finds out I'm ignoring his daughter."She folded her arms, tilting her head. Her eyes tightened as if she was attempting to analyze my true purpose.The moment hung in the air for a couple of seconds. She sighed and shook her head."Okay. I'll go out with you."I blinked
Alexander's POVI looked at Darla as she readjusted the strap of her bag and stated, "I think I'd better go now. I'll be free for a while, so you just give me a call when it's time to go visit Serena tomorrow."I nodded. "I will. Thank you, Darla."I shook her hand, and I walked her to her car. I waited there until she was out of sight before returning to my vehicle.Sliding into the driver's seat, I sat for a bit in silence, tapping my fingers on the wheel, my thoughts whirling round and round Serena again. Her birthday was tomorrow. Would she even accept seeing me?I exhaled a sigh and pulled out my phone, calling my travel agent."Hello?" he answered."Yeah, it's me. I want a ticket to Sunderland in three days," I spoke brusquely.He did not waste any time. "I'll have that organized and ring you back," he stated."Good." I hung up against the headrest.Two days of hotel living was starting to wear me out, both financially and mentally. My belongings were still at home, and although
Alexander's POV“Soon,” I said. “Maybe tonight, or tomorrow, it depends, but I'll make my first move before I travel in two days.”She nodded quietly, humming. "Good. After you grab the first thread, the whole cloth is undone. Don't believe anyone, and don't let your emotions get the better of you.""I will," I replied resolutely.I moved my head a little to the side, watching Darla as she sipped from her glass. She appeared unmoved, as if whatever we were discussing could not touch her.But I knew better. She loved the precipice, loved watching things go apart and building them anew in her interest."Have you heard from Serena recently?" she asked, her eyes crinkling ever so slightly as though she was looking for an answer in my face.I breathed it out. "A while back," I admitted. And then I leaned in close, curious. "What about you? Heard from her?"Darla shook her head in an instant. "No. I haven't heard from or seen Serena for years now."That surprised me a bit. "Why?" I asked. "
Alexander's POVI leaned back a little and looked at her. “Where exactly is this company situated?” I asked.“Sunderland,” she said without hesitation.My eyes went up instantly. “Sunderland?”She nodded. “Yes. Sunderland is the hub of great industries these days. You’d be surprised. Diamond company is even headquartered there too.”That caught my attention. “Diamond company…” I muttered under my breath before looking at her again. “Vincent has been trying to get a deal with the Diamond company. According to him, they’re about to give it to him.” I narrowed my eyes. “Tell me, this deal you’re talking about, is it also with Diamond?”She shook her head quickly. “No. Diamond is powerful, no doubt. But it’s not the only powerful company in Sunderland. The deal I’m talking about is with Novatech.”“Novatech?” I repeated.“Yes,” she said, leaning forward a little. “Another powerful company. In fact, sometimes it’s hard to tell if Diamond is stronger than Novatech because of the competition
Alexander's POVThe place was quiet, just the way I wanted. A small, private area tucked away from prying eyes.Across from me sat Darla. Mid-forties, sharp eyes, the kind of woman who always seemed to know more than she said. She has been like an elder sister to me ever since I was little, but she's a friend. One of the few friends my dad never knew I had. She leaned forward. “So,” she said, her voice calm but direct, “what’s your next move now? Are you going to keep playing your father’s games and hide under his shadow, or, are you finally going to do something else entirely?”I didn’t even need to think about it. “I’d rather forfeit every bit of wealth I have with him and be free than keep being his puppet.”Darla’s lips curved into a knowing smile. Then she laughed softly, shaking her head. “I knew this day would come. Sooner or later, Alexander Calloway would step out of his father’s shadow.”I smirked faintly. “I’m glad I took your advice seven years ago. The secret investment,
Serena's POVElla stepped fully into the room, her hair still damp from where the wine had soaked it earlier. She looked calmer now. No fire, just a heavy exhale as her shoulders slumped.“I’m sorry for my unruly attitude,” she said, her voice low but steady. “It wasn’t… ladylike of me.”I tilted my head and gave a small smile. “It’s alright. Honestly, I’ve seen worse. And between you and me, you had every reason to react the way you did.”Sam stepped forward, glancing at all three of us in turn. “Well, ladies, I’ll leave you to your, whatever this is. I have to attend to my throat.”I frowned. “Your throat?”Before I could raise an objection, he walked out of the living room, hitting the heavy door.Sophia and I looked at each other, the unasked questions painting our faces."What is wrong with his throat?" I asked sincerely.Ella's lips trembled as if she was about to laugh. "Nothing. He's going out to smoke.""Oh," Sophia said in disbelief. "And how do you endure that?"Ella shrug