ALEXANDER THE GREAT: The Unlikeliest Boss

4: The Fatal Betrayal.

The clock was ticking as Alex struggled on the final day of the challenge. He had lost his job and was barely making ends meet with menial work. After his friend Matt's promotion, Alex felt alone in the empty house they once shared.

Matt had been more than a friend, he was like a brother to Alex. He didn't want to burden him any further. Memories of his late mother flooded his mind, and he wished she was still there to help. The thought of losing Vivian and her cold-hearted father made his heart ache.

Suddenly, his encounter with his mother's best friend, Edmundo in the hospital kept replaying in his mind. He remembered his words of comfort: "I'll be there for you."

With nowhere else to turn, Alex searched for Edmundo's business card and dialed the number written on it. He hesitated, but Edmundo's words of comfort gave him the courage to press "call."

After two rings, Edmundo answered.

"Hey, Alex, it's been a while. Do you have any problems?" The man's calm voice asked over the phone.

Alex's heart was heavy with worry and sadness, and he hesitated before clearing his throat and answering. "S-sorry to bother you, sir. I'm in need," he said, his voice shaking with emotion.

But before Alex could say anything else, he received a message on his phone that made him gasp in shock.

It was an alert of $1,000,000!

Alex froze as he read the words on his phone screen over and over again, not believing his own eyes. "$1,000,000!" The message said. It had to be some kind of mistake.

But no, the details looked official - the money had truly been transferred to his account.

"Wait, what?!" Alex exclaimed out loud. "A million dollars?!" His voice came out choked with emotion and disbelief. He jumped to his feet, feeling a surge of adrenaline.

This money could change everything!

He began to pace frantically, running his hands through his hair. After the hard times he had been through, this felt nothing short of miraculous.

Edmundo smiled. "You can manage that, Alexander. Don't worry, my doors are always open for you!"

Tears filled Alex's eyes as he whispered, "I don't know how to thank you."

"No thanks are needed," Edmundo said. "Just promise me you'll use the money wisely."

Alex vowed he would and he hung up.

"Oh my God!" Alex yelled, breaking into hysterical laughter. Still clutching the phone in his shaking hand, he had never felt so thankful, so filled with hope and possibility.

But hold on, the question he never got the answer to. How wealthy was Edmundo?

He took out his phone to search his name, but realized he didn't know Edmundo's surname. Then he remembered the card Edmundo had given him.

He took it and saw the name: "Edmundo Dobrovoski" imprinted on it.

The name immediately rung a bell and the pieces began to come together. When he searched the name, the results shocked him.

Edmundo Dobrovoski was the CEO and owner of Hypernova Corporation, a multinational conglomerate with a vast global reach. Hypernova Corporation had over 1 million employees, subsidiaries and partnerships in every major industry across 100+ countries.

The corporation's subsidiaries included Hypernova Real Estate - with high-end luxury hotels and estates on every continent - and Hypernova Entertainment, where many of the world's top celebrities and talent were signed.

Hypernova Corporation consistently ranked among the top 5 companies on the Fortune Global 500 list, with annual revenues exceeding $500 billion. The corporation's power and influence spanned politics, culture and markets worldwide.

So was Edmundo really Edmundo Dobrovoski? Was he the man who owned such a titanic enterprise?

Alex looked down and noticed the subtle Hypernova logo etched on the business card.

He could hardly believe that the generous stranger who spoke of higher virtues was the CEO of one the world's most powerful multinational corporations.

How did he manage to cross such a wealthy man?!

But above all, he couldn't believe that he was finally going to have his love back. It was the happiest moment of his life. He had even received hundred times more than what he had been challenged for. He wished his mother were alive to see this.

As he wiped his tears, he tried calling Vivian to share the news with her, but her number wasn't going through. Maybe she was still working to earn the money for him. Work no more Vivian, I'm coming with the money!

He smiled through his tears, dressed up immediately, and zoomed off to her house.

He couldn't wait to see the look on Argent's face when he gives him thrice the amount he asked for.

It was a moment of pure joy and relief, a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope.

However, as he got closer to the house, he noticed that the house was decorated with flowers and ribbons. Different brands and types of cars were also lined up at the parking lot. He wondered if there was a party or something else he was unaware of, but something felt off.

He suddenly saw a lady on black and white, pushing a trolley as she walked around the compound. He lifted his feet and nervously approached her, ready to question her. “Hello miss, where is everyone? And first, can you take me to see Vivian?”

The female janitor's bright face dulled instantly. Without a word, she nodded and led Alex to another corner of the large compound, where the large hall was situated.

Alex frowned at her behavior. He shoved it aside, and knocked on the door, but there was no answer. Instead, the loud noise of cheers and claps deflected back. His heart began to pound. What was actually going on inside? He tried the handle and to his surprise, the door was unlocked.

He cautiously stepped inside and was greeted by the sight of a beautifully decorated large hall filled with guests smiling and chatting.

But what caught his attention most was the sight of Vivian dressed in a white wedding gown, walking down the aisle, with a bright smile on her face.

Alex's heart sank, and he felt like he couldn't breathe. He couldn't believe what he was seeing.

Vivian in a wedding dress????

The presumed groom stood at the end of the aisle, beaming as he waited for Vivian. The atmosphere was joyful and celebratory as soft music played from the background and Vivian's steps grew closer. Finally, she reached the groom and he took her hand with a loving smile, so full of happiness.

What the hell was the meaning of this?!

He couldn't stand by and watch this happen. Never! In a moment of impulse, he ran towards the altar in an attempt to stop the wedding.

“Vivian!” he roared, grabbing her by her arm and turning her to face him. “What are you doing? Who is he and why are you getting married to him!?”

Vivian turned to face him, eyes widened in shock. "What do you think you're doing, Alex? You have no right to barge in here and ruin my wedding day!" she spat at him, her face twisted in anger.

"I don't understand... W-what's the m-meaning of this?" he stammered, taken aback by her sudden anger. Was this the Vivian he knew?

"You're always so clueless," she sneered at him. "I can't believe I wasted so much time with you. I'm glad I'm finally marrying someone who is capable of taking care of me!”

Alex was extremely dumbfounded as he listened to her harsh words. He couldn't believe that the woman he loved was talking to him like this. He had always thought that they had a strong connection, but now it seemed like everything he knew was a lie.

“I don't understand, what did I do wrong? He asked her, his voice barely above a whisper. “I also brought the money...”

The groom, Daniel who had been standing silently through the whole exchange, suddenly stepped forward, a smug look on his face.

"Alex, isn't it?" he said, his voice oozing with disdain. “I've heard about you. The poor guy who thinks he's in love with my bride. How cute,” he said, wrapping a possessive arm around Vivian's shoulders.

He paused, letting his words sink in before continuing. "But let's face it, Alex. You're nothing compared to me. I come from a wealthy family, I have a successful career, and most importantly, I can give Vivian everything she wants and deserves. Can you say the same?"