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 threw me out, Alex. They said they needed the bed for someone who could pay," she whispered. Alex's blood boiled with rage as he stood up and stormed into the hospital, his fists clenched at his sides. He demanded to see the Chief Doctor, his voice loud and filled with fury. "How could you do this? How could you throw my sister out like she's nothing?" Alex yelled, his eyes blazing with anger. The Chief Doctor, a tall and imposing figure, looked down at Alex with a cold expression. "We have limited resources, We must prioritize those who can pay for their treatment," he said arrogantly. Alex felt a surge of frustration and despair as he pleaded with the Chief Doctor for more time to come up with the money for Leah's operation. He explained how he had been attacked by robbers and had lost the money he had saved for her treatment, but his words fell on deaf ears. "We can't make exceptions. I'm sorry, but your sister will have to wait," the Chief Doctor said as he turned to leave. Tears welled up in Alex's eyes as he furiously pointed at the doctor. “ You are a very heartless man. Don't you have a daughter? No, I don't think you are capable of raising a child, because you don't have any compassion.” He yelled out. “I think it's time for you to leave before I ask my security to throw you out.” The doctor said in a threatening tone. He clearly looked pissed by Alex's words. Alex went out of the hospital, his heart filled with sorrow. He sat beside Leah, holding his head in frustration as he wondered what he would do next. He could only hope for a miracle. All of a sudden, the moment was changed by the distant rumble of engines, growing louder as they approached. a long convoy of black SUVs parked in front of the hospital, and the doors swung open in unison. A man in a crisp suit stepped out, his movements precise and practiced. He scanned the area until his gaze landed on Alex. The gentleman, around his late forties, took slow and majestic steps towards Alex, before stopping in front of him. He bowed his head and said, “Young Master, we have finally found you…” Alex recognized the man instantly. “Pete?” He stood up, a mix of disbelief and irritation flickering across his face. “What are you doing here?” Pete straightened, a faint smile breaking the tension. “It’s good to see you, Alex. I've been searching for you since you and Leah disappeared from Italy years ago.” Leah shot Alex a curious glance, feeling the tension in the air shift. “What’s going on big brother?” “Your father,” Pete said, his tone grave, “still wants you back.” “Why now?” Alex crossed his arms, defensiveness mixing with his voice. “I left all that behind.” “We saw the video, Alex,” Pete said, his eyes narrowing slightly. “The one of your fight with Blake. It went viral. Your father had concerns—” “Concerns?” Alex scoffed. “About what? That I was actually happy?” “About your safety,” Pete corrected, his voice firm. “He doesn’t understand why you left, but he hasn’t stopped looking for you. He’s worried.” “Worried? After everything?” Alex’s voice raised in anger. “I’m not some lost puppy for him to come looking for. I’m not going back.” “Please listen,” Pete continued, stepping closer. “It’s not just your safety. Your father has transferred everything in the Hawthorne empire to your name. All you need to do is sign the papers.” Alex blinked, the weight of those words settling on his shoulders like a lead blanket. “What? Why would he do that?” “Because he believes you’re the only one capable of turning things around,” Pete explained, his eyes earnest. “He wants to ensure the legacy continues, and he believes you can do it.” Leah’s brow furrowed, glancing between the two men in confusion, but she was too weak to act. As Alex was thinking about everything, Pete noticed Leah's condition. “What about your sister, Alex? Is she okay?” The mention of his sister brought a sharp pang to Alex’s heart. “Her condition… it’s getting worse,” he admitted quietly, his courage slipping away. “But I can’t just go back and take over something I despise.” “Sometimes, we do things we don’t want for the people we love,” Pete said gently. “If signing means you can secure her future or get her the help she needs, wouldn’t that matter more?” Alex turned away, running a hand through his hair in frustration. “But it’s his empire! I hate that world. The politics, the backstabbing and the death… it’s everything I wanted to escape!” “And yet,” Pete pressed, “you might be able to change it from the inside. You can decide how you want to run things. You have the power now.” “That’s if I even want the power,” Alex shot back, pacing like a caged animal. “What if I ruin everything? What if I become like him?” “Then you learn, and change.” Pete countered. “But you can’t do it out here. You have to go back to face it.” “Why did you even come after me?” Alex demanded, stopping in front of Pete, frustration etched on his face. “Why not just let me be?” “Because I promised your father I’d bring you back. I gave him my word,” Pete replied. “And because I know who you are beneath all this anger. You care about your sister. You care about what’s right.” “I care about not being suffocated by a legacy I don’t want! I don't want to end up like my father!” Alex shouted, his voice breaking slightly. “Alex, this is not the time to think about yourself, if signing those papers will help get your sister the best medical care, wouldn’t it be worth it? You could still be… you, even in that world.” Alex turned and looked at Leah, his heart sinking at the thought. There was silence for a while, filled with unspoken thoughts, as the reality of the situation washed over Alex, and he felt the suffocating weight of responsibility stir within him. “Look,” Pete continued, breaking the silence. “The decision is yours at the end of the day. I’m just here to help facilitate, to ensure you have what you need and understand the implications.” “I don’t want to make this choice,” Alex said finally, his voice nearly a whisper. “I want to live my own life.” “I understand,” Pete nodded slowly, his expression softening. “But life sometimes thrusts these choices upon us. If you decide to sign, it’s your way of taking control of a situation rather than letting it control you.” Alex closed his eyes for a moment, battling the storm of emotions within him. At last, he exhaled deeply. “Let me see the papers.” “Are you sure big brother?” Leah asked softly, her voice filled with concern. “I’m doing this for you, Leah,” Alex replied, a fierce look in his eye. “For your future. I’ll always fight for you.” As Pete produced the documents, Alex felt heavy yet determined. He was stepping into a world that threatened to consume him, but with Leah’s future hanging in the balance, he knew he had to face whatever came next. “Let’s get this over with and go treat my sister,” Alex said, his voice steadier now. little did he know what the doctor would do.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
“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,
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, cal
Avery pulled up to the meeting spot, his eyes scanning the area until they landed on Serah. She smiled as he stepped out of the car, looking stunning in her simple yet elegant dress—one that definitely screamed “I’m too classy for ex-boyfriend drama!”"Hey!" Alex said, dramatically opening the door like a gentleman in a cheesy rom-com."Hi!" Serah replied, sliding into the passenger seat with a grace that made it look effortless, unlike Alex, who nearly tripped over his own feet.The drive to the restaurant was quiet, with only occasional small talk. “So,” Serah said, glancing at Alex, “what’s the weirdest food combo you’ve ever tried?”“Uh, pineapple on pizza?” he joked, feigning shock. “Or maybe it was that time I tried to add hot sauce to chocolate ice cream.”“Wow, brave choice! Or just insane,” Serah laughed, shaking her head.Upon arrival, Alex ushered Serah into the cozy Italian restaurant, where the aroma of freshly baked bread and pasta sauce enveloped them like a warm hug. H
It was finally Serah's birthday, the day she had been waiting for all year. The air was filled with laughter and excitement as friends and family gathered to celebrate at her favorite park. Colorful balloons floated in the gentle breeze, and a large banner hung above the picnic area that read “Happy Birthday, Serah!”As everyone mingled, Alex was setting up a surprise of his own. He had promised her something special for this birthday, and the anticipation made his heart race. After weeks of planning, it was finally time to unveil his surprise.“Hey, everyone!” Alex called to the group, trying to gather everyone’s attention. “We need an important guest outside!”Serah, who had been chatting with her friends, looked up, curiosity dancing in her eyes. “What’s going on babe?” she asked, tilting her head slightly.“Just come outside!” Alex insisted with a mischievous grin.“What could you possibly be up to?” Serah laughed, her excitement palpable. She exchanged glances with her friends as
Because Bianca insisted that Blake buy her a car, he was forced to reluctantly agree. However, because he had a limited budget at the moment, the car he ended up buying was far from luxurious. It was a low-budget vehicle, five times less extravagant than Serah's Rolls-Royce Phantom. Bianca was furious when she saw the car. She had been expecting something sleek and expensive, not some cheap, rundown vehicle. "What is this?" she spat, her voice venomous. "You call this a car? It's a piece of junk!" Blake looked taken aback by Bianca's outburst. "Hey, I did the best I could with the budget I had," he protested. Bianca's face twisted in disgust. "The best you could? You're pathetic, Blake. You can't even afford a decent car. What kind of boyfriend are you?" Blake's face reddened with anger, but he tried to remain calm. "Bianca, that's not fair. I'm doing my best to make you happy." But Bianca was beyond reason. She continued to insult and belittle Blake, her words cutting deep.
The sun was setting over the Hawthorne mansion, casting a warm orange glow over the lush gardens. Serah and Leah strolled hand in hand, admiring the vibrant flowers and tranquil fountains."Isn't it beautiful here?" Leah asked, her eyes sparkling with delight.Serah nodded, smiling. "It's breathtaking. I can see why you love it here."Just then, Alex appeared, his eyes fixed on Serah. "Ladies, may I steal Serah away for a moment?" he asked, his voice low and husky.Leah raised an eyebrow. "What's so urgent, Alex?"Alex hesitated, his gaze darting between the two women. "I just need to... discuss something with Serah. Privately."Leah's eyes narrowed, but she nodded. "Fine, but don't keep her too long. We were having a lovely time."Alex smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I promise I'll return her to you soon."With that, he took Serah's hand and led her to a secluded corner of the garden, surrounded by tall hedges and overhanging trees. The air was thick with the scent of blo
Alex's mind was restless, so he had to meet his father personally to talk to him.Alex walked into the study, his father sitting behind the large wooden desk. He looked up as Alex entered, a hint of a smile on his face."Ah, Alex, I'm glad you came to see me," he said, his voice warm.Alex walked over to the desk, his eyes fixed on his father. "I need to talk to you about something," he said, his voice firm.His father nodded, his expression serious. "Of course, son. What's on your mind?"Alex took a deep breath before speaking. "I want to know if you've moved on from mom just like that," he said, his voice laced with emotion.His father's expression softened, and he leaned forward in his chair. "Alex, I know it may seem sudden, but I've been alone for a long time. I'm supposed to move on at some point," he said, his voice gentle.Alex's eyes narrowed, his mind racing with thoughts. "And what about the Flares?" he asked, his voice cold. "Are you aware that it's possible they were resp
In the deserted streets, Bianca sat on the curb, her head in her hands, weeping uncontrollably. She had just watched Fred storm off in anger, leaving her behind.Just as she thought things couldn't get any worse, she heard a voice behind her."How does it feel to be left behind?" the voice asked, dripping with sarcasm.Bianca's head snapped up, and she saw Blake standing over her, a wide grin spreading across his face. She felt a surge of anger and resentment towards him."Blake," she spat, her voice venomous. "I should have known you'd be here to celebrate your victory."Blake chuckled, his eyes glinting with amusement. "You're right, Bianca. And I have to say, it's been a long time coming."Bianca's anger boiled over, and she stood up, her eyes blazing with fury. "You think you've won, don't you?" she spat. "But you haven't. This isn't over yet. I'll be coming for you, Blake. And next time, you won't be smiling."Blake chuckled, his grin growing even wider. "I'm shaking in my boots,
As Alex and Serah arrived at the coursemate reunion, they were immediately swept up in a sea of familiar faces. Everyone was busy drinking and chatting with their old buddies, and the atmosphere was lively and festive.Josh and Allan spotted Alex and Serah and approached them, grinning from ear to ear. "Long time no see!" Josh exclaimed, clapping Alex on the back.Allan nodded in agreement. "You both look great! Alex, you're looking particularly sharp. What's your secret?"Alex chuckled and shook his head. "Just good genes, I guess."While the conversation carried on, Serah's eyes scanned the crowd, hoping to catch a glimpse of her ex-best friend, Bianca. And then, she saw her - sitting with her boyfriend, Fred.Serah's heart skipped a beat as she wondered whether Bianca had changed since the past time. But as she watched Bianca laughing and chatting with Fred, she realized that some people never changed.Just then, Bianca spotted Serah and Alex, and her face lit up with a smug smile.
Alex and Serah walked hand-in-hand through the bustling streets of their honeymoon destination, taking in the sights and sounds of the vibrant city. They had spent the day exploring the local markets and trying new foods, and were now enjoying a romantic evening stroll.“Can let's take a selfie,” Alex suggested, putting on his camera.As they clutched together to take the picture, a woman's cry for help pierced the air. “Someone please stop him, he just grabbed my purse.”Alex turned around and noticed that the thief was making a run for it. Without hesitation, he charged after the thief. “Serah, wait here,” Alex said, already a few meters away."Alex, be careful!" Serah called out, but he was already gone, weaving between the buildings.Serah rushed after him, her heart pounding in her chest. Alex followed the thief into an alley between two buildings, then he saw a whole gang of them.Some held bats and others held guns with wide grins on their faces.“Guys, you don't wanna do th
Serah's eyes widened slightly, and she started to look worried. Alex's father noticed and apologized."I'm sorry, I didn't mean to be so direct," he said. "But I want you to understand the challenges that come with being part of our family."Serah nodded, trying to process everything. "I understand," she said. "I'll do my best to support Alex."Alex's father smiled and nodded. "I appreciate that, Serah. And I must say, I'm glad Alex has found someone like you. But...there's something coming, something that will require all of Alex's strength and cunning. And I need you to be there for him, to support him every step of the way."Serah's eyes widened again, and she felt a surge of worry. What could be coming that would require Alex's strength and cunning?Meanwhile, Alex was having a conversation with his sister, Leah."I'm so happy you brought me a companion," Leah said, smiling up at Alex. Alex laughed and hugged his sister. " I'm glad I could bring someone into your life, Leah, I am
It was the wedding day, and the atmosphere was filled with excitement and joy. Pamela and Morgan were to get married this very day alongside Serah and Alex. But Serah was nowhere near happy. She was so sad that Alex was nowhere to be found. She had been waiting for him for days, but there was no sign of him.She had tried calling him a thousand times, but no results.She started believing that Alex had left her. Tears streamed down her face as she thought about the possibility of spending the rest of her life without him.Grandma, who was busy making sure everything was perfect for Pamela's wedding, noticed Serah's tears and quickly made her way to her side."What's wrong, dear?" Grandma asked, trying to console Serah."He's not here," Serah sobbed. "I think he's left me."Grandma put on a fake act, trying to console Serah that maybe it was for the best that Alex left. But Serah suspected that Grandma might have done something to Alex. She had always been suspicious of Grandma's int
Even though the evening sun cast a warm glow over the Perkins' estate, the atmosphere was tense. Tonight was the eve of the wedding, and Alex was nowhere to be found.Serah paced back and forth in the living room, her phone clutched in her hand. She had tried calling Alex multiple times, but it kept going straight to voicemail.Pamela and her fiancé, Morgan, sat on the couch, watching Serah with smug expressions."I told you, Serah, Alex was never serious about marrying you," Pamela said, her voice dripping with condescension. "He's probably run off with his tail between his legs because he couldn't throw a grander wedding party than us."Morgan chuckled, putting his arm around Pamela. "Yeah, Alex was always trying to one-up us, but he finally realized he was in over his head."Serah's face burned with anger, but she kept her cool. "You don't know what you're talking about, Pamela. Alex would never do that. He's just... delayed, that's all."But as the minutes ticked by, Serah's confi
Two days before the wedding, Grandma Perkins sat in her plush living room, sipping tea and staring out the window. She couldn't shake off the feeling that she would be making a huge mistake if she allowed Serah to marry Alex."Alex is a nobody," she muttered to herself. "A poor, insignificant man who can't even provide for Serah's future."Just then, her personal assistant, Jenkins, walked in. "Yes, ma'am?""Jenkins, I need you to take care of something for me," Grandma Perkins said, her voice dripping with malice. "I want you to hire some... associates to take care of Alex. Permanently."Jenkins's eyes widened slightly, but he nodded. "Yes, ma'am. I'll take care of it."Few hours later, Alex drove down the highway, his junior sister Leah sitting in the passenger seat. They were on their way home from a shopping trip, and the sun was beginning to set.As they stopped at a red light, a group of masked men suddenly appeared out of nowhere. They surrounded the car, their guns drawn."Get