Alex's first destination was where Isabella lived. Emily's eyes widened as she opened the door. "Well, who do we have here?" she said, a smirk playing on her lips. He rolled his eyes and thrust his hands deep into his pockets. "Don't flatter yourself, Emily." She straightened her posture, adopting an air of indifference. "What brings you here?" "We need to talk," he stated firmly. She remained in the doorway, neither inviting him in nor stepping aside. He shifted his weight, realising he needed them both seated for the serious conversation ahead. "Aren't you going to invite me in?" he asked, eyebrow raised. She crossed her arms. "I thought you wanted to have your urgent discussion and leave." He held her gaze, not budging from his spot. After a moment of tense silence, she sighed and reluctantly stepped aside, allowing him to enter. As he strode into the room, he glanced around before turning back to her. "Don't you suppose you would offer me a drink?" he sa
"I couldn't believe it when my secretary told me that you were here to see me." Santiago scoffed as Akex entered his office. The visit was the last one he planned for the day before the press conference, followed by the grand finale. "I bet you won't believe the reason I'm here if I tell you." Alex spoke with confidence as he made his way to one of the chairs in front of Santiago. "What is it, Mr. Thornton?" Santiago inquired, curling his lips in derision. Alex crossed his legs against each other. "I believe Mr. Collins relayed my message to you." He looked directly into Santiago's eyes as he spoke. Santiago chuckled. "Where is this confidence of yours coming from, Alex? Have you forgotten what happened the last time that you were confident, thinking you would defeat me in court?" He leaned closer as his voice dropped a little. "Or is it because of the fear of losing your precious Emily..." He paused as he smirked before adding, "To me this time?" Alex clenched his
"Since your company had dropped to the third spot ranking, falling behind your rival's that now occupies what used to be your spot, people have been expecting your company to have reclaimed what was considered its birthright at some point. What do you have to say concerning this, Mr. Thornton." A journalist asked Alex after he had answered some questions thrown at him by some of them. The purpose of the press conference was to announce a contract deal that his company had secured, something he had never done before. Previously, when the company won its biggest contract since its establishment, he had only celebrated with staff members. However, the main reasons for the press conference were to subtly inform the public of his impending move to reclaim his position and to intensify the pressure on Santiago. "As you mentioned, holding the top position and being the leading company in the entertainment industry have been my company's legacy for a very long time, and we intend to maint
The grand ballroom of the Meridian Hotel buzzed with excitement as Santiago's company celebrated its fourth anniversary. Among the audience, Alex stood motionless, his eyes fixed on Santiago holding court near the stage. Days of careful planning had led to this moment. Every detail had been considered, and every contingency had been accounted for. As he watched Santiago laugh and shake hands with people, a cold smile escaped his lips. This lavish celebration—a testament to Santiago's success and influence—would mark the beginning of Santiago's downfall. The time had finally come for Alex to unravel his plan."It's done, sir. They should be there anytime soon." A smile plastered his face as he read the secretary's message. His trust in her had grown steadily, nurtured by her previous assistance. Otherwise, he would not have entrusted her with such a crucial task—the one she was now reporting back on."The moment has arrived," he murmured, his eyes fixed on Santiago, who had just
Alex's thoughts drifted to the upcoming evening with Emily, anticipating the moment when their re-ignited feelings would resume the journey that had abruptly ended in the past.However, before he could focus on that, he needed to address matters with his secretary. This prompted his immediate return to the office after leaving the event that had marked the end of Santiago. As he passed her desk, he instructed her to follow him into his office."Please, sit down," he said, gesturing to one of the empty chairs across from him. She complied, taking a seat.He met her gaze directly, causing her to feel uneasy. Then he began, "Elizabeth, I want to thank you for your help today. I truly appreciate your assistance."Her eyes widened momentarily, surprised by both his words of gratitude and his use of her name—something he had never done before.He chuckled, understanding the reason behind her expression. "I understand." He nodded with a faint smile."I've been getting that a lot from you
Emily frowned as Alex appeared at her door. "Isn't it too early?" she asked.He grinned, stepping inside as she closed the door behind him. "Too early to visit the woman who holds my heart? I think not," he quipped."And who might that be?" She challenged, her tone demanding. "Do I need to remind you what you mean to me?" He moved closer, leaving just a sliver of space between them. His voice dropped to a whisper that made her knees weak. "Or perhaps you'd like to tell me what you think you are to me?"As he leaned in, his lips nearing hers, she caught herself. She stepped back, determined not to give in to her feelings so easily.His silent chuckle and knowing smirk showed he was not deterred. He placed two bags on the nearby table, containing gifts he had brought for her."What are those?" She inquisitively asked him."Feel free to take a look," he said, his smile radiant as he made himself comfortable on the bed.She pulled out a red gown from one of the bags. It was clear he
When Santiago was told that he had a visitor, he thought it was his lawyer because he had called for him. But when he saw that it was Alex, he was shocked."It's so crazy how being stuck in a place could take a toll on someone." Alex scoffed as their eyes met. "Come on. Have your seat. I have places to be unlike you." Alex's voice was laced with mockery as he gestured at the chair in front of him.Santiago knew Alex was there to mock him, but he decided to mask his fear of being finally defeated by Alex."I can see that you think you've won. But one thing I will tell you is what you used to tell me: enjoy the moment while it lasts because you are making a mistake thinking that I will go down with what you've planned. I will show you why I'll always be ahead of you, just like last time. I remember how you thought you had won the last time." Santiago chuckled. Alex scoffed. "I know what you mean, but what you don't know is that I knew what you did back then, and trust me, I've done th
The marble-floored courtroom fell silent as Judge Evelyn Hawthorne delivered the verdict, her stern voice echoing off the wood-panelled walls."In the case of Alex Thornton vs. Santiago Hernandez, this court finds the defendant guilty on all charges, including bribery, corruption, obstruction of justice, and numerous other charges. Mr. Hernandez, you are hereby sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole."As the judge delivered the judgement, Alex beamed with a smile of victory, which widened as his gaze met Santiago's. Santiago's face was etched with shock and disbelief as he stood in the dock.A wave of murmurs and whispers swept through the courthouse.Alex's lawyer patted him on the back, whispering, "We did it."The judge continued, "Furthermore, given that these crimes were perpetrated against Mr. Alex Thornton, the court orders that half of Mr. Hernandez' assets and properties be transferred to Mr. Thornton as restitution. The remainder will be seized by