CHAPTER SIX: THE BOARD MEETING.

(Elena’s POV)

Alaric didn’t finish the sentence.

The silence that followed his words were worse than anything he could have said.

I waited—my heart pounding faster than drumroll, breath shallow just for Alaric to continue. For a name, an identity, a truth that would finally rip the wound open instead of letting it fester.

But, he didn’t.

He simply moved back like a man who had said enough.

“That’s more than enough for today.” He said calmly.

The words hit me like a sharp slap.

Enough. Is he being serious right now?

I stared at him, disbelief rushing like water in my eyes. “You can’t stop there.”

“I think I can,” he replied evenly. “And I am.”

My hands curled into a fist. “I didn’t ask you anything you were the one that brought up my sister and now…”

“ I stated it clearly that I wasn’t offering comfort ,” he said. “Only leverage.”

His statement hurt more than anything I have experienced today.

He turned away, signaling his housekeeper to attend to me.

And just like whatever thread that has been holding me uptight snapped.

I didn’t cry. I couldn’t scream. I just followed the housekeeper.

The room he reserved for him was beyond my expectations. It wasn’t cold or bland. It was overly luxurious, quiet, and soft lighting. Neutral colors, in the bed lay a bed that looked like it had never known discomfort. Floor to ceiling window overlooking the city like something that belongs to me now.

I stood at the window watching the city, my shoes still intact, my coat still clutched in my hand.

This was real.

The contract.

The promises sitting heavy on my heart.

The man next door who now owned my name on paper.

I unpacked and showered mechanically, the event of the day replaying in my head like a disco record. When I finally finished and ready to lay down, sleep didn’t come easily.

Everytime I closed my eyes, I heard my sister’s voice.

I eventually slept—but it was shallow and restless, filled with half dreams and unanswered questions.

Morning came rather abruptly and I forgiving.

By the time u stepped out of shower my outfit fir the day was already arranged perfectly on my mind. I guess the housekeeper did so but on a second thought—Alaric.

I got dressed and headed out to meet Alaric waiting for me. Perfectly dressed. Calm. Unbothered.

“You slept.” He observed.

“Barely.” I replied.

“That will change soon.” He said.

I didn’t ask how, I had learned from last night not to.

The drive to office was quiet. No tension in the air but just…deliberate. As if everything between us has been filtered away.

When we arrived at the company building, the reaction was immediate.

People stopped walking but stood to stare.

Whispers rippled through the lobby like electricity.

Eyes followed our every movement.

Not pity this time.

Shock… Surprised.

“Is that…?”

“Wasn’t she fired yesterday?”

“Why is she with—?”

“Who’s that with her?”

We kept walking.

Alaric wasn’t holding my hand, there was no need for that, his presence filled the void.

The boardroom door was already open when we entered.

Every seat occupied.

Sabrina froze amid sentence.

Xavier’s head snapped up.

The room went dead quiet. Everyone’s eyes moved to face me.

Alaric didn’t waste time as I sat beside him.

“Let’s begin.” He said coolly, taking the seat at the head of the table.

Sabrina’s smile faltered. “Excuse me, this is a board meeting,”

“Yes,” Alaric answered. “That’s why we are here.” He said as he looked in my direction.

“You weren’t scheduled —.”

“I own the schedule.” He interrupted Xavier

The air shifted.

Introduction were swift and brutal.

Names. Title. Authority.

By the time it reached me Sabrina looked like she was about to puke.

“And this,” Alaric said, placing a hand over mine.

“Is Elena Hart.”

A pause. Everyone waited to hear what he was about to say.

“My financeé.”

The room erupted.

Gasps. Murmurs. Shocked laughter quickly swallowed.

Sabrina stood to her feet. “ How’s that possible?”

“Sit down.” Alaric said calmly.

She did.

Alaric continued, unfazed. “ Effective immediately, Elena will be reinstated and promoted. Her termination was unauthorized and based on falsified evidence.”

Xavier shifted uncomfortably. “ you cannot prove that.”

“ I already did.” Alaric fired back.

The meeting didn’t last long after that.

Decisions were made, orders given. Control reclaimed.

As the meeting wrapped up. Alaric stood up.

“ The engagement will be announced within 24 hours. Preparations should commence immediately.

No objection followed.

No one dared.

I excused myself to use the restroom. It was quiet when I stepped inside. My hand trembled as I gripped the sink, finally letting myself to breathe.

“ You move fast.” A family voice said behind me.

I froze.

Sabrina stood behind me in the mirror. Arms crossed, eyes sharp.

“ You think it’s going to end well?” She continued softly.

“ You think he’s your saviour?”

I straightened. “ Neither is Xavier.”

Her smile turned venomous. “ Careful.”

Xavier appeared behind her. “ you don’t know what you’re getting yourself into.”

I laughed once. “ Neither did you.”

Xavier leaned closer. “ you disappear as quickly as your sister did.”

My heart froze. My blood went cold.

Before I could said anything the door came open.

Alaric. His face flicked to Xavier then to Sabrina.

And then back to me.

“ That’s enough,” he said quietly.

Something in his tone made then step back immediately.

“Alaric you don’t know this woman—“ Xavier said.

“Ohh, I know her well enough.” Alaric fired back.

“She’s just after your money…she’s a gold digger—“

“I believe the next thing you will say is that she’s shameless?” Alaric cut him off.

“ You’re dove here. The both of you.” He said calmly.

“ Alaric—“

“ Do you want me to take the falsified evidence to grand father?” Alaric shot him a dead stare.

“No…i..”

“Good. You’re done here. Both of you.” He said calmly.

They left without another word.

Alaric turned to me. “ you okay?”

I nodded, though my heart was racing.

He studied me for a while and offered his hand.

“Come we have the whole city to shake.”

As we walked out I realized something chilling.

Whatever truth Alaric was hiding about my sister—

It wasn’t buried.

And, I’m waiting patiently for it to surface.