CHAPTER 4: THE WOMAN AT THE DOOR

MONDAY — MORNING

Alexander Whitmore hated Mondays , not because he disliked working. In fact, he enjoyed his job more than almost anything else. He hated Mondays because they reminded him that weekends were never long enough, especially when they involved waking up early, he stood in front of his bedroom mirror, adjusting the cuffs of his white shirt. His dark trousers fitted perfectly, and his expensive watch rested against his wrist, his phone vibrated on the dressing table, he glanced at it.

Vanessa: Good morning, handsome. Are you going to ignore me again?

Alexander smiled faintly, picked up his phone, and typed.

Alexander: Good morning to you too, trouble.

Her reply arrived almost immediately.

Vanessa: Dinner tonight?

Alexander: We'll see.

Vanessa: You and that ridiculous answer.

He chuckled and slipped his phone into his pocket, just as he reached for his car keys, he remembered the message from the previous evening.

"We need to talk. It's about your father".

His expression changed, he took out his phone and stared at the unknown number. There was no additional message, after a moment, he locked the screen, whatever it was, he would deal with it later, he had a meeting to attend.

------

The dining room was already occupied when Alexander arrived , Victoria sat at the head of the table, reading something on her tablet. Isabella was eating fruit while scrolling through her phone, while Adrian sat opposite her, looking unusually cheerful.

"Good morning, sleeping beauty," Adrian greeted.

Alexander pulled out a chair.

"Good morning, disappointment."

Adrian laughed.

"Why are you always so welcoming?"

"Because I care."

"Your version of caring is questionable."

Alexander reached for his coffee, Victoria looked up.

"You're going to work?"

"Unfortunately."

"Your father wanted to speak with you before you leave."

Alexander paused.

"About what?"

"I don't know. He didn't tell me."

"Where is he?"

"His study."

Alexander nodded and took a sip of coffee, Adrian glanced at him.

"By the way, when is Vanessa coming over again?"

Alexander slowly lowered his cup.

"Why?"

"Just asking."

"Find a hobby."

Isabella giggled.

"Actually, Adrian has a point. That girl practically lives here."

Alexander looked at his sister.

"Are you both conducting an investigation into my personal life?"

"No," Isabella replied innocently. "We're just curious."

"Be curious about something useful."

Adrian grinned.

"Like when you're finally going to get married?"

Alexander stared at him.

"Before you, perhaps."

Adrian laughed.

"You're welcome to try."

Victoria shook her head.

"Both of you. Please."

Alexander stood, picked up his phone, and adjusted his watch.

"I'll see Father."

As he walked away, Isabella called after him.

"Don't forget to smile today!"

He raised one hand without turning around.

"Not promising anything."

---

Alexander knocked twice before entering his father's study, Sebastian Whitmore sat behind his large mahogany desk, reviewing a collection of documents.

"You're here," he said without looking up.

"You asked to see me."

Sebastian closed the file in front of him and gestured toward the chair.

"Sit down."

Alexander took the seat opposite him.

"What is it?"

Sebastian leaned back.

"I've been reviewing some of the company's financial reports, and I've noticed something unusual."

Alexander raised an eyebrow.

"Unusual how?"

"Several transactions have been made through one of our overseas accounts without my authorization."

Alexander's expression became serious.

"How many transactions?"

"Five, so far."

"And how much money are we talking about?"

Sebastian mentioned the amount, Alexander's eyebrows drew together.

"That's not a small amount."

"No. It isn't."

"Have you spoken to the finance director?"

"Not yet."

Alexander studied him.

"Why not?"

Sebastian tapped his fingers against the desk.

"Because I don't know who I can trust."

"Are you suggesting someone inside the company is stealing from us?"

"I'm suggesting that someone has been moving money without permission. And whoever is responsible knows enough about our internal operations to avoid attracting attention."

Alexander leaned forward.

"Do we know when the transactions started?"

"Approximately three months ago."

"Then we need to examine every transaction made through that account during that period. We should also check who has access to its authorization codes."

"I've already considered that."

"Then send me the records. I'll have Daniel review them."

Sebastian nodded.

"That's why I called you."

Alexander picked up one of the documents and examined it briefly.

"Have you noticed any connection between the transactions?"

"Not yet. That's what concerns me."

Alexander looked up.

"Do you think this is an internal problem or something connected to one of our overseas partners?"

"I don't know. But I want you to investigate quietly. Don't alert the finance department until we understand what's happening."

"All right."

Sebastian paused before speaking again.

"And Alexander, there's something else."

Alexander looked at him.

"What?"

"Don't involve your brother."

His eyebrows drew together.

"Adrian?"

"Yes."

"Why wouldn't I involve Adrian?"

"Because I said so."

Alexander gave his father a questioning look.

"Father, if this concerns the company, why shouldn't he know?"

Sebastian's expression hardened.

"Adrian has enough on his plate. I don't want him involved in this matter."

Alexander studied him.

"Does this have anything to do with him?"

"No."

"Then I don't see why—"

"Alexander."

Sebastian's voice was firm.

"I don't want this discussed with your brother. Is that clear?"

Alexander remained silent for a moment, then he nodded.

"Fine. I'll handle it."

He stood and returned the document to the desk.

"Send me everything you have. I'll look into it."

Sebastian nodded.

"And keep me informed."

"I will."

Alexander turned toward the door.

"One more thing," Sebastian called.

Alexander stopped.

"Yes?"

"Whatever you discover, don't make assumptions before you have the facts."

Alexander gave a faint smile.

"That's usually how investigations work, Father."

Sebastian ignored the remark, Alexander left the study, his mind occupied by the suspicious transactions and his father's strange insistence that Adrian remain uninvolved, something about the conversation didn't sit right with him, but he couldn't afford to dwell on it, he had work to do.

----------

Elena was having a perfectly ordinary Monday morning until Adrian sent her a message.

Adrian: What are you doing?

Elena: Working. Why?

Adrian: I miss you.

She smiled at her phone.

Elena: You saw me yesterday.

Adrian: And?

Elena: And nothing, go and work.

Adrian: Come over after work. Please?

Elena shook her head, smiling.

Elena: You're becoming clingy.

Adrian: Only for you.

She put her phone down, still smiling, Adrian was becoming increasingly difficult to resist.

---

Alexander had just returned from a meeting when he settled behind his desk, a folder containing the financial records his father had promised was already waiting for him.

He opened it and began examining the documents, there were several transactions he couldn't immediately account for. He made a few notes before leaning back in his chair, someone knocked.

"Come in."

The door opened, without looking up

" Keep the document on the table"

"That's a terrible way to welcome a lady."

Alexander raised his head, Vanessa stood in the doorway, smiling, he leaned back in his chair.

"Well, look what the wind brought in."

She walked toward him.

"Don't pretend you aren't happy to see me."

"Wouldn't dream of it."

She stopped beside his desk.

"You've been avoiding me."

"I've been working."

"You're always working."

"Someone has to."

Vanessa rolled her eyes.

"Alexander, must everything be a joke with you?"

He smiled.

"Would you prefer a serious conversation?"

She leaned forward, placing both hands on his desk.

"Actually, yes."

Alexander studied her, for a moment, the playful expression disappeared from his face.

"What is it?"

Vanessa hesitated, then straightened.

"Never mind."

He raised an eyebrow.

"Vanessa."

She sighed.

"I wanted to know where we stand."

Alexander looked away briefly, there it was, the conversation he had been hoping to avoid.

"Vanessa..."

"Don't."

She shook her head.

"Don't give me that look. I'm not asking you to marry me. I just want to know whether this is going anywhere."

He remained quiet Vanessa laughed without humor.

"Right. I should have known."

"You're a wonderful woman."

She looked at him.

"That's usually how men begin disappointing speeches."

Alexander rubbed his forehead.

"I don't want to promise you something I can't give."

Vanessa stared at him.

"So that's it?"

"I don't want to mislead you."

She picked up her handbag.

"At least you're honest."

She turned toward the door.

"Vanessa."

She stopped but didn't turn around.

"Take care of yourself."

Alexander said quietly, she gave a small, bitter laugh.

"That's all I ever get from you, Alexander."

Then she walked out, Alexander remained seated for a moment, for once, he had no clever response, he stared at the doorway, then let out a frustrated breath.

"Damn it."

He pushed his chair back and hurried after her.

"Vanessa!"

She was already walking toward the reception area, he caught up with her before she reached the elevator.

"Wait."

She stopped but kept her eyes on the elevator doors.

"What?"

Alexander stood in front of her.

"Don't leave like that."

She looked at him.

"How exactly do you expect me to leave?"

He exhaled.

"Vanessa, I wasn't trying to hurt you."

"But you did."

He fell silent, she looked at him, disappointment written all over her face.

"You know what, Alexander? I'm tired of pretending that I don't want more from you."

He lowered his voice.

"I never asked you to pretend."

"No, you didn't, you just made it very easy for me to keep hoping."

Alexander looked away, Vanessa shook her head.

"I don't want another explanation. I think I've finally understood."

"Vanessa—"

"Goodbye, Alexander."

She stepped into the elevator, he stood there, watching the doors close, for a few seconds, he remained motionless, then he slowly ran a hand through his hair, he had never promised Vanessa forever.

But watching her walk away made him realize that he had probably taken her patience for granted, he returned to his office without saying another word.

---

Elena stepped out of Adrian's car, adjusting the strap of her handbag.

"Are you sure your mother won't mind?"

Adrian laughed.

"Elena, she practically adopted you last weekend."

"Don't exaggerate."

"I'm serious."

He took her hand as they approached the entrance, the front door opened before they could knock, Isabella stood there.

"Elena!"

She hugged her.

"You're here!"

Elena laughed.

"Hello to you too."

"Come in. I've been bored all afternoon."

Adrian frowned.

"What am I? Furniture?"

Isabella looked at him.

"Expensive furniture."

Elena burst into laughter, Adrian shook his head.

"I don't know why I tolerate you."

"Because I'm your favorite sister."

"You're my only sister."

"Exactly."

They entered the mansion, Victoria was in the sitting room, and she welcomed Elena warmly before asking Adrian to help her with something upstairs, Adrian looked at Elena.

"I'll be back."

She nodded.

"Take your time."

Isabella immediately grabbed Elena's hand.

"Come on. Let's go outside."

---

GIRL TALK

Elena and Isabella were sitting in the garden, a bowl of fruit sat between them, and the afternoon breeze moved gently through the trees, Elena took a strawberry.

"Can I ask you something?"

"Of course."

"Your brother..."

Isabella looked at her.

"What about him?"

Elena hesitated.

"Does he always behave like that?"

Isabella laughed.

"Like what?"

"Like he doesn't care about anything."

Isabella leaned back in her chair.

"Alexander has always been like that."

Elena shook her head.

"He's quite something."

"Trust me, I know, I've lived with him for years."

They both laughed, Elena picked another strawberry.

"Does he have a girlfriend?"

Isabella raised an eyebrow.

"Why are you asking?"

Elena immediately shook her head.

"Nothing, I'm just curious."

Isabella smiled mischievously.

"Well, there is Vanessa."

"Vanessa?"

"Yes. They've been seeing each other for a while."

Elena looked at her.

"Are they serious?"

Isabella laughed softly.

"That's the problem. I wouldn't exactly call it a relationship."

"Why?"

"Because my brother doesn't do relationships."

Elena glanced toward the mansion.

"That's unfortunate."

"Very. Vanessa wants more than Alexander is willing to give."

Elena considered that.

"Then why does he keep seeing her?"

Isabella shrugged.

"That's Alexander. He enjoys people's company, but the moment someone expects something serious from him, he starts looking for the nearest exit."

Elena laughed.

"That sounds terrible."

"Tell me about it."

Isabella leaned closer.

"Don't get me wrong. Alexander can be charming when he wants to be. But he's not exactly the romantic type."

Elena smiled.

"That much is obvious."

Isabella laughed.

"Sometimes I wonder if he even knows how to love someone."

Elena shook her head.

"Maybe he just hasn't met someone who makes him want to."

Isabella turned toward her.

"That sounds like something from a romantic movie."

Elena laughed.

"Well, excuse me for being hopeful."

Isabella grinned.

"You're too romantic."

"And you're too nosy."

"That's why we're getting along."

They burst into laughter.

---

Alexander stood in his father's study later that afternoon, Sebastian was seated behind his desk, reading through a file.

"You wanted to see me?" Alexander asked.

Sebastian closed the file.

"Did you review the financial records?"

"I'm still examining them."

"And?"

"Several transactions appear to have been made through the same authorization channel. I need Daniel to trace the access records before I can identify who's responsible."

Sebastian nodded.

"Do that."

Alexander placed a document on the desk.

"There's something else. Some of the transactions were approved using senior-level access."

Sebastian looked at him sharply.

"Are you certain?"

"That's what the records suggest."

Sebastian's expression tightened.

"Then I want you to be careful."

Alexander studied his father.

"Is there something you're not telling me?"

Sebastian looked up.

"Why would you ask that?"

"Because you seem more concerned about who I might involve than about finding out who's moving the company's money."

Sebastian closed the file.

"I've already told you what I expect."

Alexander stared at him for a moment.

"All right."

He picked up the documents, but as he left the study, his suspicions only grew.

---

The family gathered for dinner, Elena sat beside Adrian, laughing at something Isabella had said, Alexander arrived a little later, pulled out his chair, and placed his phone beside his plate.

"You're late," Sebastian observed.

"Traffic."

Alexander's father gave him a look, Alexander smiled.

"All right. I was on a call."

Victoria sighed.

"At least you're honest."

Dinner began peacefully, for approximately seven minutes, then Isabella decided to cause trouble.

"So, Elena, how is your relationship with Adrian?"

Elena smiled.

"Good."

"Does he treat you well?"

"Very well."

Adrian grinned.

"Thank you."

Isabella ignored him.

"And is he romantic?"

Elena considered the question.

"Sometimes."

"Sometimes?"

Adrian looked offended.

"Excuse me?"

She laughed.

"I'm joking."

Alexander looked up from his plate.

"Poor Adrian. His girlfriend is already losing enthusiasm."

Elena turned toward him.

"Nobody asked for your opinion."

Alexander smiled.

"Yet you keep responding to me."

"Because you keep talking."

Adrian dropped his fork.

"Can we please establish a rule? No arguing during dinner."

Isabella raised her hand.

"I support that."

Victoria nodded.

"Excellent."

Alexander looked at Elena.

"Shall we make peace, then?"

Elena smiled.

"Gladly."

He extended his hand across the table.

She shook it.

"Friends?"

"Never."

He laughed, and just like that, the argument was over, at least for now.

---

The mansion had finally become quiet, Alexander sat alone in his bedroom, staring at his laptop, the financial records his father had sent were open on the screen, he had spent the last hour examining the transactions, something wasn't right, he picked up his phone and found the unknown number from the previous evening, he typed.

Alexander: Who is this?

A few seconds passed, then his phone vibrated.

Unknown Number: Someone who knows what happened twenty years ago.

Alexander sat upright, another message arrived.

Unknown Number: Your father isn't telling you the whole story.

His jaw tightened , he typed quickly.

Alexander: Stop playing games. Identify yourself.

The reply came almost immediately.

Unknown Number: Ask your mother what happened before your parents' wedding.

Alexander stared at the screen, his mother?, he read the message again, then he slowly placed his phone on the desk, for the first time in years, Alexander felt something he couldn't laugh away, Fear, not for himself, but for his family, he stood and walked toward the window, outside, the garden lights illuminated the empty driveway, he thought about his father's warning.

"Don't involve your brother".

Then he thought about Adrian, what exactly was his father hiding?, and why had someone suddenly decided to bring it all back?, Alexander closed his eyes.

"Not again."