“What’s going on, sir? You don’t look Okay.” Martins asked for the umpteenth time. Alex was about to smash his phone against the wall when it buzzed with another incoming message. Impatient, he swiped through the phone until the words popped up on his screen.“Alexander Stephan. I warned you. I told you not to step on my toes, but you know your problem? You’re stubborn. Too stubborn. In the business world, the stubborn ones get killed easily. Only the obedient men live. I’m not asking for a ransom. I don’t want anything from you — just your tears and pain are okay for me.You’ll get your little fiancée back when I’m done using her to my satisfaction. I’ll give her back when I see that the stress of searching for her has taken its toll on you and your entire family.I’ll give her back when you’re ready to bend the knee and acknowledge who your master really is. Finally, I’ll give her back to you when I’m certain that I’ve broken your pride and your honour. Until then, maybe we migh

“You go, Alex. I’ll go back to the mansion and look after Ora and Jayden.” Abuela Zeya said when they arrived at the parking lot. Alex did not wait to argue. He wrapped his arms around her in a grateful hug and hurried towards the car, saying over his shoulder;“Thank you so much, Abuela. I’m grateful for your help.”She smiled.“Don’t mention it.”Martins and the driver fully expected him to go straight to the back seat. However, they were surprised when Alex stopped at the front seat and pulled the door open.“Sir, is there a problem?” The driver asked.“No. Come down. I want to drive today.” Alex deadpanned.The driver stared at him like he’d grown horns.“S-sir?”“I asked you to come down, Dimitri. I’ll drive to the commissioner myself. Trust me, I want to.”“Are you sure there’s no problem, young master?” Martins asked and Alex shook his head, trying hard to rein in his temper. The truth was that he felt restless. His nerves were on the very edge of exploding into tiny frustr

FOUR DAYS LATERAlex leaned against the headrest and took a deep, cleansing breath. He’d been awake for the past ten hours and the hospital air was already choking him. Being in a coma for three days made him feel lethargic.“…make sure he does not stress himself too much over the next couple of days. His body needs to heal…”He tuned out the nurse’s voice and concentrated on counting the invisible threads on his Egyptian silk blanket. Finally, she left with her clip board and Alex sat up.“Young master, your brother and Ora have both been asking after you. Ora has been looking for her mother, too.”At the mention of Blakely, his heart constricted until he could barely breathe.“What’s Blakely’s status? Have the police been able to find anything?”Martins instantly looked uneasy.“Master, the nurse advised you to rest. You’re not supposed to…”Alex was instantly annoyed.“I’ve been resting for the past three days.” He said harshly. “What progress have you made on this matter? Obey my

The entire atmosphere was a disarray of running bodies and loud shouts. Alex was asked to stay put while his crew ran around, looking for a means to put out the fire. “Is there a parachute on the jet, Martins?” He asked urgently. “We need to get the cabin crew to safety.”“Don’t worry, sir. The pilot has promised to look for a safe landing spot. We’ll be landing soon.”As if to confirm his statement, the hostess’ voice sounded over the speakers.“We’re currently experiencing some technical issues. I beg everyone to remain calm and make sure you have their seatbelts on. We’ll commence landing protocols in the next twenty seconds.”“You heard her!” Aled yelled at his crew. “Take your seats. Put on your seatbelts!”“Yes, sir.” They all chorused.Seconds later, Alex sat back in his seat and shut his eyes, murmuring desperate words of prayer as the jet lurched and bounced on air. Warning pings and signals added to the tenseness of the atmosphere. Fear and panic was evident on the faces o

“All his would’ve been avoided if you’d just told the truth.” Graham said, his voice devoid of remorse. “Not that I’d spared their lives. I would still shoot them but with a little less drama, don’t you think?”Alex was trembling with shock as he stared at the bloodied body of his men.“No…” he muttered over and over again. “No…”Graham rolled his eyes.“Bring in the rest of them.”Alex watched helplessly as the rest of his men were marched into the room like slaves. All eight of them. He’d sent ten men to Vegas. Two of them were already dead.“Matthias, shoot them all.” Graham deadpanned.“No!” Alex bellowed as Matthias cocked his gun. “Please, wait.” He turned to Graham. “This matter is between me and you. Let my men go.”Graham rubbed his chin for long seconds.“Aren’t you even the least bit curious as to how I found out you penetrated my territory?”Alex paused. He was right. Their plan had been completely fool proof… or so he’d thought. The truth is, he and his men had actually