Chapter 3

Alex's mind reeled with the situation he had met the poor woman. It's been two good weeks and his mind wouldn't even try to let go off her.

The way she had trembled. The disorientation shrouding her face and the fear in her emerald eyes.

He just couldn't understand why a beautiful, gorgeous looking woman— who had made payment for her own groceries of over three thousand dollars—would go nuts over a simple ninety dollars error from the cashier.

Alex always love to cook and would always go shopping all by himself sometimes, especially if he wanted to get the cooking done by him rather than his maids or when they are way too busy to do that. He had gone to the grocery in simple wears like his humble self and with black shades on. For a billionaire like himself, he had always loved the notion of 'the reclusive billionaire' title and had always wanted it that way.

But since his encounter with that poor woman that one afternoon, he just couldn't help but dwell in that pool of mystery. There was just something about her and he had been really keen on knowing if she was okay after that incidence.

But if only he knew where to find her!

God. Her eyes, he thought to himself.

A knock came on his Black Sleek Sedan and he immediately lowered the car's silica window.

"Boss, I want to remind you of your appointment with the Ashfords," Erik, his P.A said, "they are waiting to hear from you concerning it."

"Ops! Can you believe I almost forgot about that, Erik. What's the schedule tomorrow, first of all?"

Erik glanced through the To-do list he had had drafted on his phone.

"Nothing much aside..."

"Aside what, Erik?" Alex queried at him, his interest piquing.

"Aside your date with Miss. Eliana."

Alex sighed, aching his brow thoughtfully. "Right. And the day after?" he asked instead.

"Meeting with the Hollens concerning buying their company."

"And the next?"

"Meeting with Aurum rise!"

"Aurum rise again? I thought we already got that sussed."

"Well, Boss. It seems like the company's got some internal vendetta against its own board with the majority of them now wanting nothing but having you as part of their shareholders and not partners instead. They believe with Worthington Towers on their side, they would not only have a stabilized board but also a upper hand in the Gold market."

"I see. Any free day until month end then?"

Erik's eyes swept through his phone screen again as his hand scrolled. "We should have at least a three hours spare time on the twenty eighth."

"Good then. Inform the Ashfords of the fixation."

"Sure, boss."

As soon as Erik left, a call came in on Alex's phone. Knowing what the call would probably be about, he heaved a deep sigh before picking.

"Hey, Mom."

"Where did you put your phone, sweetie? Is everything Okay? I've been calling you since like a hundred years now—"

Aware of his mom's tendency to dramatize, he tactfully interrupted her. "Mum, I'm alright, really. Work's been crazy and I needed some focus. My phone's been on silent, that's why I wasn't reachable."

"Oh, my handsome. I can call back if you want—"

"No, mother. It's fine. You called."

Even as a self made reclusive billionaire who never got the chance to meet his father, Alex still never for once disrespected his mother or say 'no' to any of her request. She has always been his number one priority and she has always been fully aware of that.

"Son. When will you be bringing Eliana home again like you promised? I have missed her so much. I heard she's coming back to town today. I'm really not getting any younger anymore, son. I want to see my grandchildren before my death. I see no reason why you should be delaying the wedding anymore especially now that you are both engaged. She's definitely the perfect girl for you and I see no reason what the delay is all about."

As a renowned supermodel, Eliana was Alex's mother's favorite for her son. Tall, pale skin, blonde hair, night eyes and a slim sexy body to die for. Talking money and Fame, Mrs. Worthington just couldn't think of anyone better for her wealthy son. Infact, she had personally went to Eliana about her son being single one time when they met at an event and Eliana didn't bat an eye before accepting her proposal.

"We definitely would be coming over after the date tomorrow, mother," Alex answered.

The squeal and excitement in his mother's tone gladdened his heart and he let out a satisfactory grin. "I need to go now. See you later, mother."

~~

For the last time, Amelia petted her sleeping daughters on the forehead before taking silent steps towards the wardrobe. She had managed to find a secret job as a bartender in a clubhouse that same day before Hector had burned her palm, since he had refused to let her work, claiming she already had one as his maid even though unpaid. The best he'd usually do is to put her on a monthly payment of just $500 which she would always spend on the twins alone and never enough for their upkeep.

Hector is currently asleep in his room and he hasn't figured her every night plans ever since the last incidence yet.

Besides, the only time he'd ever want her near is when he's only drunk or tipsy enough to want to have sex with her, which he wouldn't ever do on a normal day. Moreover, she has been sleeping in her children's room ever since he had made her his maid, claiming there was no way he'd let a mere maid climb on top his bed.

With utmost care, Amelia slid into her dress of black mini gown.

She packed her black tresses, tying it up in a high bun and scurrying towards the vanity mirror. Her hand rummaged through the drawer and found the red matte lipstick she had always admired. Amelia applied it on her lips and in no time, she was set for her night duty.

Careful not to scratch her bandaged and healing palm, Amelia gently held her heels on her other hand. She tiptoed her way out of the bedroom, locking the door from behind.

Amelia sighed a relief, but as soon as she got to the stairs, she heard some words mumbling from the corner of Hector's bedroom. Amelia took careful strides towards it.

"How do you mean she's filing for a divorce, son? How dare she? ungrateful bitch!" exclaimed a feminine voice from inside the room in a hushed tone.

That voice. It wasn't no stranger to Amelia.

Mrs. Ashford is back?

Fear anchored her at the thought of the devil's mother arriving from her business trip and back into the mansion. She didn't expect her to be home this soon especially when she'd thought she'd be spending at least a month on her trip.

But she guessed the devil's mother was committed to making her life miserable, especially with the news of her filing for a divorce.

But what has her filing for a divorce got to do about her sudden arrival?