The Enigmatic Alexander Chase

Chapter 2: The Blue Diamond 2

 

The entire hall fell into a stunned silence, every eye fixed on the glittering fragments of the Azura Star Diamond scattered across the floor. No one dared to move or speak, as if the shattered gemstone had cast a spell over the room.

Daniel’s face contorted in fury, breaking the silence with a furious shout. “How dare you! Do you have any idea how much that diamond was worth?!!”

Alexander shrugged, unfazed by the rage radiating from Daniel.

 “Considering how easily it shattered, not much,” he replied calmly.

 “A real diamond wouldn’t have broken from that height. And certainly not the Azura Star Diamond, which is supposed to be one of the strongest diamonds in the world.”

Murmurs erupted across the room. Guests exchanged glances, whispering among themselves as they processed Alexander’s words. A wave of disbelief rippled through the hall—how could such an expensive prized gemstone shatter so easily?

Daniel’s anger intensified. His carefully constructed lie was unraveling in front of everyone. His credibility was slipping away with each word Alexander spoke. 

Desperate to regain control, he forced a mocking smile, attempting to redirect attention.

“You’re just a live-in son-in-law, penniless and insignificant,” Daniel sneered.

 “It’s not surprising that you wouldn’t know the value of the Azura Star Diamond. But I’m curious—what gift did you bring for Grandma? Surely you’re not empty-handed, right?” His voice dripped with sarcasm as he gestured toward Alexander.

“Come on, show us. Don’t hold out on us now”

Alexander remained silent, returning to his seat. His head was slightly bowed, but his expression remained impassive, refusing to be baited by Daniel’s taunts.

Seraphina’s gaze burned into him as she leaned close, her voice a harsh whisper. “Are you happy now? Was that really necessary?”

Across the room, Seraphina’s cousin, Ariana, seized the opportunity to add her ridicule.

“Look at the man your father dragged into this family, Seraphina,” she sneered.

“This is the husband he wanted for you? A disgrace who not only comes without a gift but has the audacity to destroy someone else’s. Truly pathetic.” another member of the Lockwood family chimed in. 

The insults poured in from every corner of the hall.

“Honestly, he’s nothing but an embarrassment to the Lockwood family,” One said.

“Did he show up tonight just to ruin Grandma’s birthday?” another asked rhetorically.

Alexander clenched his fists, the muscles in his jaw tightening. He forced himself to remain silent, enduring the barrage of humiliation from family members who despised him.

 In Lockwood's world, his voice held no power. He was an outsider, a man of no wealth or status.

Seraphina, desperate to defuse the tension, hurried to her grandmother’s side.

“Grandma, please forgive him. Alexander didn’t mean any harm,” she pleaded softly.

Lady Lockwood’s expression remained cold and unforgiving as she glared at Alexander.

 “You want me to forgive him?” she said slowly, her tone dripping with disdain.

Her gaze shifted to Seraphina, hardening.

“Then perhaps we can make a deal. I remember asking you to secure us a partnership with Monroe Logistics, didn’t I?”

“Yes, Grandma. I’m working on it,” Seraphina replied cautiously, sensing a trap in her grandmother’s words.

“Good. Then I’ll offer you this—if you agree to divorce Alexander and marry Julian Monroe, I’ll forgive him. Not only that, I’ll even give him a million dollars to start a new life somewhere far away from here.”

A tense silence followed Lady Lockwood’s proposition.

Julian Monroe was the heir to Monroe Logistics, a powerful family controlling a vast shipping empire, and years ago, Julian had sought Seraphina’s hand in marriage, but she had declined.

That was three years ago.

 At that time, Seraphina had honored her father’s dying wish to marry Alexander Chase, the man who had once saved her father’s life. Despite the family’s disapproval, she had trusted her father’s judgment.

Lady Lockwood’s gaze sharpened. “Well, my dear, do you need more time to think it over?”

Seraphina met her grandmother’s eyes, her voice steady. “No, Grandma. I will never divorce Alexander.”

Lady Lockwood’s expression darkened with fury.

 “You ungrateful girl! How dare you throw away your future for that worthless man? Your father would roll in his grave if he saw you now.!” she said. 

The words hit Seraphina like a blow, but she stood her ground. “No, Grandma. My father would be proud.”

Lady Lockwood’s aura turned icy.

She turned to the guards stationed by the door. “Get him out of here. I don’t want to see his face at any of my events ever again.”

Alexander took a deep breath, his voice calm but firm. “Grandma, please—”

“I said, get out!” Lady Lockwood’s voice left no room for argument.

Seraphina moved as if to follow him, but Lady Lockwood’s sharp glare froze her in place. “You wouldn’t dare.”

Alexander touched her arm gently, giving her a reassuring nod. “It’s alright, Seraphina. Stay. You don’t need to come with me.”

Without another word, he turned and walked away, escorted by the guards as disdainful whispers filled the air.

..    

.....

Meanwhile, in the gallery above, Jacob Harrington observed the drama unfold, his expression unreadable. He wasn’t surprised by the cruelty of Lockwood's, but one question lingered: How had Alexander recognized the fake Azura Star Diamond? Identifying such a counterfeit requires expertise—or firsthand familiarity with the real thing.

“Silvia, keep an eye on Alexander Chase. I want to know more about him.” he said thoughtfully to his assistant.

 

.....

Outside, the night was cold and silent as Alexander walked down the empty road, his mind heavy with thoughts. The humiliation stung, but he focused on the journey ahead, his head held high.

Suddenly, the roar of engines shattered the quiet. Five sleek black SUVs swerved onto the road, forming a half-circle around him. The doors opened, and ten men in black suits stepped out, moving in perfect unison before dropping to one knee. At the front stood an older man with a neatly trimmed white beard.

He looked at Alexander with reverence. “Young Master Caspian, we have finally found you. It’s time for you to come home.”