“Is she okay?” Was the first question which Alex asked the moment his gaze fell upon the nurse.
The nurse remained silent and kept a straight face as she kept walking towards Alex and Pete. When she was close enough, she halted and looked at the two men. “ Which one of you is closely related to the girl?” She asked. “Me!” Alex replied. “Please come with me.” She said as she turned to leave. “What's going on?” Pete asked trying to follow the duo. “Not you, him only!” The nurse said to Pete as she led Alex away into another room. “Well… at least tell me what's going on!” Pete shouted to deaf ears. When Alex was seated, the nurse stared at him with eyes that seemed as if she could see his soul. “Your sister…” she started, but paused. “Yes, what about my sister?” Alex anxiously asked. “ Well…Your sister is fine… she is now resting. You'll be able to meet her after 60 minutes.” The nurse disclosed. Alex breathe a sigh of relief, “ oh thank God.” He smiled with joy. “But you, however, is what I worry about. The heart disease that infested your sister was something we had never seen before. It seemed like it was part of her family gene. And I am afraid that you might have it too.” The nurse revealed. “ What?” Alex asked in panic. “ No need to panic, we will run some tests on you later on, but for now, just keep your fingers crossed. Your sister was very lucky to have made it.” The nurse reassured him. With that, Alex returned to Pete and relayed the good news, leaving the bad one aside, as it wasn't proven yet. Doctor Vigo had completed the operation successfully, but Pete still had to punish him for making Leah suffer for such a long time. So he made Doctor Vigo, sign away his hospital for a price, and Doctor Patrick, his assistant, was made the new Cheif Doctor. Doctor Vigo left the hospital grinding his teeth in fury. The hospital that took him years to build; all the connections and progress he had made had all gone to waste. He looked back at the building one last time. “ Time will tell who gets the last laugh.” He said, before leaving. …. When Leah's eyelids fluttered open, the bright light of the hospital room blinded her momentarily as she had been asleep for a while. When the haze began to clear, she turned her head slowly and spotted Alex sitting beside her, his head tipped back, mouth slightly open, and he was sound asleep. "Big brother," she whispered, her voice weak. Alex jumped awake and a broad smile spread across his face. "Leah! You’re awake!" He stood up in excitement. Leah felt a warmth spread through her at his reaction. "Am I okay now?" she asked, trying to sit up but shivered as pain shot through her chest. "Shhh, don’t move too fast," Alex urged, his brow furrowing with concern. "Yes, you’re okay. The doctor said you were just resting, but you scared us all." "Can I go home now?" she asked hopefully, glancing around the room which she was unfamiliar with. Alex smiled "Not yet. The doctor said you need to rest for a few days. I know it’s boring, but it’s important that you get some proper rest, okay?." Her shoulders slumped, disappointment washing over her. "But I don't like being here. I can rest at home, can't I?” "I know, I know," Alex replied, sitting on the edge of her bed and reaching for her hand. "Are you hungry? I can get you something to eat." Leah thought for a moment. "I could eat… something good," she admitted, her stomach rumbling softly. "Alright! What do you want? Pizza? Ice cream?" he asked, bouncing a little as he stood. "Pizza sounds amazing," Leah smiled. "Pizza it is! I’ll be right back!" He gave her a thumbs-up before racing toward the door. When Alex stepped out of the hospital, he saw Pete in a Conner, smoking a cigarette. He approached him, “ So you haven't quit smoking, it is bad for your health, you know?” He commented. Pete took one last drag from his cigarette and tossed it away. “ I know. But I can't help it.” He replied. “Is she awake?” He asked. “ Yes, she is awake and recovering well.” Alex replied. Silence followed, then Pete spoke up. “So when will you return to Italy?” “ Never!” Alex wasted no time to reply. “ I see, “ Pete remarked. “ Your old man. He misses you two, you know.” “ I know. But I can't help it. I am not ready.” Alex replied. “I guess you are the stubborn type too.” Pete commented. “I learn from the best.” Alex reciprocated. Pete sighed.” Man, It'll be such a shame to return without you, after the promise I made to him... But make sure you don't suddenly change country without letting me know this time, okay?” “Alright, I'll try my best.” Alex replied. “And remember that your seat at the Hawthorne Empire will always be waiting for you. Your father, however, predicted that you might refuse to return. So while you are here, you should go take your rightful place as the CEO of an enterprise which your father bought for you in this city, when he heard that you were in the USA.” Pete revealed, catching Alex's kin attention. “And which enterprise is that?” He asked. “The Emrand Enterprise.” Pete replied with a smile. “All you need to do is just to go show the dragon ring to lady Catherine, the acting CEO of Emrand Enterprise. This will prove that you are the heir of the Hawthorne Empire, then you will be granted the full rights over this company.” Pete explained. When Alex heard the name of the company, he realized that it was the same company which he had been working as a part time worker. And his boss, Mr Rogers, who was the manager, was actually under Alex all these while. Alex remembered that his boss had taken the Ring as collateral, for the loan he took from him, then he sent people to steal back the money. He knew this because he recognized the face in the national ID which was dropped by one of the thieves. It was the face of one of his boss’s bodyguards. He couldn't help but grind his teeth in anger. Pete noticed Alex's change of mood and asked “ what's the matter, something wrong?” Alex turned and looked at Pete with a determined look. “ We have work to do.” He said in a deep cold voice.After a brief drive, Alex and Pete reached the Emrand Enterprise. Alex had explained everything that happened, and Pete was looking really pissed.As they entered the giant building, they stepped into the lobby, where the reception desk was empty apart from an anxious intern who glanced up nervously. “Where’s your manager?” Pete asked her.“Uh, he’s in his office… I think?” she stuttered.They both strode towards the office, where the manager, Mr Rogers, sat behind his desk, a smug smile plastered across his face.“Well, well. If it isn’t my little part-timer. What do you want, Alex? I’m a little busy.” “Oh, I’m sure you are. Busy plotting another heist, I assume?” Rogers couldn't help but laugh out loudly. “Plotting a heist? Have you lost your brain?” “Oh, don't play dumb with me, I know what you did. You gave me a loan, and collected My ring as collateral, then you went ahead to send your men to steal back the money despite the fact that I told you about my sister's condition.
“I thought I was being paranoid when I noticed them flirting, but—” Alex shook his head in grief.“ Hmm… I can’t believe you got kicked out for such a reason, I sense foul play here.” Pete said, while adjusting his glasses.His brow furrowed. “So what about Blake? He’s the one who instigated everything!”“I know!” Alex sighed. “But his dad is a third class rich man. His family has money and connections. I believe all these aspects helped the dean to make such a biased decision.” “Well, that’s absurd!” Pete exclaimed. “You can’t let them get away with this. You are a Hawthorne, and you deserve some respect. I’ll take care of it.” he reassured Alex.Alex looked at him, appreciation in his eyes. “You don’t have to do anything too rash Pete. I am just tired of fighting. That is the reason I left Italy. All I've ever wanted was a simple and peaceful life for Leah and I.”“As you say, Young Master. I will try my best not to make any rash decision, but rest assured, you will be reinstated i
Alexander raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes."Who's the thief between us, Blake?" he countered. "A thief is someone who takes something that doesn't belong to him."Blake's expression darkened. "What are you talking about?""You know exactly what I'm talking about," Alexander replied, his voice low and even. "You took Bianca from me.”“ Or should I say, she left you for me?" Blake asked mockingly.Alexander stood there unaffected.Blake snorted. "She made her decision to leave trash like you for someone better."Alexander's eyes narrowed, but he kept his cool."You think Bianca won't leave you for someone richer, more powerful?" Alexander asked, his tone laced with sarcasm. "You're not exactly the catch of the century, Blake."Blake's face reddened. "I'll marry Bianca, no matter what. And as for you, you're no longer welcome here. You're expelled. I'll make sure the administration knows you're trespassing."Alexander chuckled. "Go ahead, call them. I dare you.
Alex was running against time as he rushed towards the boys’s dormitory. The doctor made it clear that his lil sister's condition had gotten critical, and at least a million was needed to begin with the operation. Alex couldn't come up with such an amount of money, on such a notice. Even the salary from his part-time job couldn't pay that amount, even if he worked for two years. He believed that the only person that could assist him with some funds was his best friend, Blake,who was from a third class rich family. He had been trying to reach Blake through the phone, but Blake wasn't picking up his calls, nor replying to his messages, so Alex had no choice but to run as fast as he could, to school, and then to Blake's personal dorm apartment. He quickly passed by the first dorm building which was made up of large single rooms which contained at least two students with poor backgrounds, per room. Then he headed to the second building which was more fancier, and made up of several a
The two followed Mr Ambrose to his office. As they entered nervously, Mr. Ambrose motioned for them to take a seat.Mr Ambrose stared at both of them for a while, “ Okay, Alexander and Blake. I've brought you here to listen to both sides of the story. Blake, would you like to start and explain what happened?" He said, Breaking the silence.Blake, with a look of determination, launched into his version of events, detailing how Alex had allegedly caused harm to him for a minor issue.After Blake was done, Mr. Ambrose, with a thoughtful expression, nodded and turned towards Alex. “ Alex, it's your turn now. Please share your side of the story."Alex, with a mixture of nervousness and sincerity, recounted the events from his perspective, emphasizing that it was a moment of misunderstanding and unintended consequences. "Mr. Ambrose, I deeply regret my actions and I am willing to accept any consequences." He said sincerely.“Hmm I see,” Mr Ambrose nodded thoughtfully, he noticed that Alex
Out of all the options, Alex could only think of one place to go, and that was his boss, Mr Rogers, who was the general manager of Emrand Enterprise. He couldn't go to the bank because he didn't possess any property that was valuable enough to serve as loan collateral. He had been working hard as a part time worker, under the supervision of Mr Rogers, so he was hoping that Mr Rogers would be kind enough to lend him the money.As he arrived at the enormous building of the Emrand Enterprise, he headed straight to Mr Roger's office.The closer he got to the office, the more nervous he became. He finally stopped in front of the closed door, and paused.He glanced at his watch, anxiety taking over his insides as he realized how every passing second was crucial. Finally mustering up the courage, Alex knocked on the door and entered as soon as he heard Mr. Rogers' commanding voice granting him permission.As soon as he got inside, he laid out his plea. "Mr. Rogers, I need to talk to you a
If Alex wasn't mistaken, the face in the ID card was that of his boss’s assistant. Immediately, he was filled with rage when he realized the betrayal that his boss had organized. However, he couldn't go back to the Emrand Enterprise at the moment, because he was out of time. Instead he rushed to the hospital to plead with the doctors not to discharge his sister and give some more time. But when he arrived at the hospital, Leah was lying weakly on a bench outside of the hospital, her face pale. She had been discharged and abandoned there. Alex's heart ached at the sight of his beloved sister, abandoned and vulnerable. He knelt beside her, gently shaking her shoulder to wake her up. "Leah, Leah, wake up," he whispered urgently. Leah stirred, opening her eyes slowly and looking up at her brother with a weak smile. "Alex, you're back," she mumbled. "Leah, why are you out here? You should be inside, resting," Alex asked. Leah looked down, her eyes filled with tears. "The doctors t
After Alex had signed the papers, he asked Peter to get the Chief Doctor of the hospital, and instruct him to start the operation on Leah immediately.“Excuse me! Where’s the Chief Doctor?” Pete called out to a passing nurse, who gave him a bewildered look before pointing him toward the doctor's office.Pete rushed to the Chief Doctor's office, one of his men following behind him with a suitcase filled with three million dollars for the operation, and Alex followed closely with Leah on his back.They stepped into the Chief doctor’s office, where the man himself was poring over charts with his assistant. He glanced up, his brow furrowing as he noticed the tension in the room.“Greetings Mr Chief Doctor. I understand that three million is needed to begin the operation for Leah here. We have the money here in cash. Pete said, nodding to his man to open the case filled with the money.“I will appreciate it if you commence with the operation immediately.” Pete added.The Chief doctor leane