CHAPTER FOUR: ARE THEY REALLY TWINS?

“Have you carried out the investigation properly?” asked a woman whose face was hidden beneath a veil as she sat across from the spy in a nearly empty restaurant.

“Yes, ma’am,” the spy replied. “They’re planning to build another hotel in Los Angeles, and their companies are expanding rapidly. Every organization they own is flourishing. Honestly, ma’am, I’m astonished. The woman among them—especially—she’s remarkable.”

“So... what do you suggest we do? I must finish what my father started,” the veiled woman said quietly.

“We need someone who can help us hijack all their businesses and properties,” the spy answered.

“How?”

“In time, the right person will be revealed to us,” he said, an evil grin spreading across his face, exposing discolored teeth.

Without another word, the veiled woman slid an envelope across the table toward him.

“Thanks,” he muttered, picking it up.

“And make more findings too.”

“No problem, ma’am.”

JASON’S POV

Should I text her first? She hasn’t made any attempt to reach out or communicate with me.

I paced around my room, debating with myself before finally giving in. Picking up my phone, I sent her a message.

To my surprise, she replied almost immediately.

Encouraged, I asked her out on a date—and she agreed. I couldn’t help but smile at that small victory. I wasn’t even sure why, because deep down, I knew I didn’t have feelings for her... at least not yet.

Just then, I noticed Sydney’s missed calls again—dozens of them. I sighed, frustrated. I was already tired of her constant calls. I refused to let her ruin my day.

SYDNEY’S POV

I walked down the stairs, dressed for work, when my elder sister, Olivia, called out to me.

I turned to her with an irritated expression.

“What’s wrong with you?” she demanded sharply.

“And what’s your business?” I shot back.

“You’re my sister. I deserve to know,” she replied firmly.

I hissed and snapped, “It’s none of your business. Just focus on yourself. Get married and leave me alone!” I stormed out before she could respond.

A moment later, my mom walked up to Olivia.

“What’s wrong, Olivia?” she asked.

“Mom, when did Sydney start acting like this?”

“Ever since Jason broke up with her…” Mrs. Stones sighed, unable to finish her sentence.

“Wow. Jason—the charming guy all over the internet? Can’t she just forget about him?” Olivia muttered.

“I don’t understand her, Olivia,” her mother replied.

“Maybe you should find another charming guy to replace Jason,” Olivia suggested.

“You think that would work?”

“It’s worth trying,” Olivia said with a shrug.

“Well, you know how hot-tempered she’s always been,” Mrs. Stones murmured.

ALEXA’S POV

I couldn’t explain it, but I was thrilled when his message came in. The excitement was undeniable. I decided I would look absolutely stunning for our date.

When I got to the office, I had just settled down with my laptop when my P.A. called to inform me that I had a visitor.

The moment he stepped into my office, I froze. That face—those features—he looked exactly like Jason, but his eyes were brown instead of blue. And when he smiled, dimples appeared. Jason didn’t have dimples.

This was Jace Anderson.

“Hi, Miss Alexa,” he greeted with a wide smile.

I stared blankly at him.

“Uhm… Miss Alexa?” he called again, still smiling.

“Oh… hi, Mr. Jace Anderson,” I replied, forcing a polite smile.

“Oh, you don’t need to be formal with me. Just Jace,” he said lightly. “I guess this is our first time meeting?”

“Not exactly.”

“Oh? Then where have we met before?”

“At a club,” I said flatly.

“Did we talk? What happened exactly?”

“Well… you insulted me.”

“Me?” He looked genuinely shocked. “I’d never insult such a gorgeous lady. Never.”

“I could tell you were drunk that night. I was on my way to the restroom when you bumped into me and spilled alcohol on my dress. Instead of apologizing, you insulted me for your own mistake.”

“Are you sure? Maybe you didn’t see clearly—it couldn’t have been me.”

“I’m very sure of who I saw, Jace. Unless it was Jason. But I recall him saying he doesn’t go to clubs.”

He chuckled awkwardly. “Well, that’s true. Okay then… let’s assume it was me. I’m sorry for meeting you that way. Forgive me.”

“I’ll try to,” I said with a one-sided smirk.

“Thanks.”

“So, Jace, what brings you to my office? Is there anything you need help with?”

“No, I just came to check on my brother’s soon-to-be wife,” he said with a teasing grin.

“You wish,” I muttered under my breath.

“Did you say something?”

“Oh—no, nothing. Have a seat,” I said, turning to pour him a cup of coffee.

He smiled. “Thanks, Alexa.”

We chatted for a while about nothing in particular before he finally left. I sighed in relief.

Mrs. Leonard sat in her living room, making calls with her business associates. Her other phone kept ringing nonstop.

“Uhmm—Mrs. Darrymple, I’ll call you later,” she said, ending the first call and answering the second.

“Hello?”

“Well, well, well… if it isn’t Jessica Hale,” came a voice—cold and cunning.

“Who’s this? And how do you know my name?”

“I don’t need to introduce myself. You know me more than you can imagine,” the caller replied with a devilish chuckle.

“Who the hell are you?”

“I just wanted to clarify a few things. I’ll finish what my father started. Gresham Buildings and Properties will soon be mine. Your daughter is meddling with the past, and she’s going to be the next victim. She knows nothing of what happened—but you do, Jessica. Don’t play smart with me. Once I get my hands on those documents…” The caller snapped her fingers dramatically. “It’ll all be mine.”

The line went dead.

“Katey!” Mrs. Leonard screamed, clutching her chest in pain. The maid, Cici, rushed in and tried to call Alexa.

I was devastated when Steve called to tell me Mom had been rushed to the hospital. I grabbed my keys and drove there immediately.

The moment I entered her ward, I hugged her tightly, tears streaming down my face.

“Are you okay, Mom?” I sobbed.

“I’m alright, Alexa,” she said with a faint smile.

“What happened?” I asked, pulling back.

“I can’t talk about it now. We’ll discuss it when I’m out of here.”

The door opened—Steve and Austin walked in.

“Oh, Mom!” Steve exclaimed dramatically, taking her hand.

“Where’s Tina?” Mom asked.

“She’s at work. Really busy,” Steve replied.

“Alright. I’ve missed you, Steve. It’s lovely having you around,” she said warmly.

“I know, I know. Alexa and Austin are boring,” he teased.

I rolled my eyes. He hadn’t even asked about her health.

Austin stepped closer. “Mom, are you okay?”

“I’m getting better, son.”

“What exactly happened?” Steve asked.

“You just remembered to ask,” I muttered.

“It’s nothing, guys—just a sudden chest pain,” she assured.

“Are you sure?” Austin pressed.

“Yes, I’m sure,” she said, smiling.

The doctor entered shortly after, and we began making arrangements for her discharge.

But even as we left the hospital, one question echoed in my mind—

What happened exactly?