2024-03-18 09:13:21The crowd at the Diamond Banquet stood frozen, their collective breath caught in disbelief. Every gaze was locked on the scene unfolding at the bar.
Jacob Harrington, the King of Diamonds himself, was shaking hands with Alexander Chase, the live-in son-in-law of the Lockwood family. Whispers rippled through the banquet like wildfire. "Why would Jacob Harrington know him?" "Is he someone important we don’t know about?" "Impossible. That man is just a leech living off the Lockwoods. There’s no way Jacob Harrington would associate with someone like that." Julian Monroe, still sitting at the bar, watched with a mix of shock and fury as Jacob Harrington ignored him entirely. For a man like Julian, used to being the center of attention, it was nothing short of humiliating. “Alexander Chase, I wasn’t sure you’d make it,” Jacob greeted him warmly, shaking Alexander’s hand firmly. His voice carried across the room, silencing the whispers for a brief moment. Alexander returned the handshake with a small bow, an act of respect, though his expression remained unreadable. “Jacob Harrington,” he said calmly, the weight of the moment not lost on him. Julian couldn’t hold back anymore. “Sir Harrington, do you..... know this man?” he stammered, his tone betraying his confusion. Jacob turned to him with a mild smile, the kind that was polite but dismissive. “Not as much as I’d like to,” he replied smoothly. “Did you come with him, Julian?” “N-no, sir. I didn’t,” Julian admitted, shrinking under Jacob’s gaze. “That’s a shame,” Jacob said, his attention already shifting back to Alexander. “Oh and Julian, about the business contract with your family—please tell your father it’s as good as done. We’ll finalize the paperwork soon.” Julian’s face lit up with forced gratitude, though his hands clenched into fists at his sides. “Of course, Sir Harrington. I’ll be sure to let him know.” “Now then,” Jacob said, turning back to Alexander, “shall we talk here, or would you prefer somewhere more private?” Alexander glanced around the banquet hall. The weight of countless eyes boring into him made the decision easy. “Anywhere but here,” he replied. “Perfect. Follow me,” Jacob said, leading Alexander toward a side staircase. The murmurs in the crowd grew louder as they disappeared up the steps, leaving Julian stewing in his embarrassment. --- The rooftop balcony of the mansion was breathtaking. The city lights stretched out endlessly in the distance, twinkling like scattered diamonds under the night sky. A gentle breeze carried the faint scent of flowers from the gardens below, mingling with the crisp, cool air. “Nice view, isn’t it?” Jacob remarked as they stepped out onto the balcony. Alexander nodded, but his mind was elsewhere. The sheer opulence of the banquet and Jacob’s warm demeanor felt like a world away from his daily life. "It is,” he admitted, leaning on the balcony rail. Then he turned to Jacob, his voice steady. “But it doesn’t answer my question. Why exactly am I here? Why did you invite me?” Jacob took a sip of his champagne, his expression contemplative. “The Azura Star Diamond” he said simply. Alexander stiffened slightly. “What about it?” Jacob turned to face him fully. “How were you able to tell it was a fake?” For a moment, Alexander’s mind drifted. He remembered his mother, the original Azura Star Diamond gleaming on the necklace she wore as she laughed and danced in the courtyard of the Chase family mansion. That diamond had been her favorite—a gift from his father during better times. “I happen to know a thing or two about the Azura Star Diamond,” Alexander replied vaguely, not wanting to reveal too much. Jacob nodded, a satisfied smile on his face. “Well, your sharp eyes saved me a lot of trouble. I was planning to buy the diamond from Lady Lockwood after the banquet. I was willing to pay a hefty sum, too. But you—” he gestured with his glass— “you figured out in seconds what my team of diamond experts might have taken weeks to determine. So, you have my thanks.” “There’s no need to thank me,” Alexander said, brushing off the compliment. “Nonsense,” Jacob insisted. “You accomplished in mere seconds what would have cost my team and I time and resources.” Alexander smirked slightly. “Then maybe you should consider hiring a new team of experts.” Jacob laughed, a deep, genuine sound that caught Alexander off guard. “You’re funny, too. I like that.” Alexander raised an eyebrow. “I wasn’t trying to be.” “Even better,” Jacob said, setting down his glass. “You’ve got brains, instincts, and apparently, a good sense of humor. You’re a diamond in the rough, Alexander. And I don’t let diamonds slip through my fingers.” Alexander frowned, unsure where the conversation was heading. “What are you getting at?” Jacob’s tone grew serious, his gaze steady. “I want you to work for me. Be my assistant.” Alexander blinked, caught off guard. “Your… assistant?” “Yes,” Jacob said, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. “I could use someone like you on my team. Quick thinking, sharp wits, and, from what I hear, someone who doesn’t shy away from confrontation.” Alexander gestured toward Jacob’s current assistant, Silvia, who had been standing a respectful distance away. “You already have an assistant.” Jacob waved a hand dismissively. “Who says I can’t have two? Besides, it wouldn’t hurt to have one who can spot a fake diamond and probably throw a decent punch. No offense, Silvia.” “None taken, sir,” Silvia replied, her expression neutral though her curiosity was clearly piqued. Jacob turned back to Alexander, his smile widening. “So, what do you say?” Alexander hesitated, weighing his response. Finally, he spoke. “Jacob, I appreciate the offer, but I’m afraid I have to decline.” The words seemed to echo in the silence that followed. Jacob stared at him, stunned. Even Silvia looked surprised. “Decline?” Jacob repeated, as if he hadn’t heard correctly. “Are you sure about that? I’m offering you an opportunity most people would kill for.” “I’m sure,” Alexander said firmly. “Thank you, but no.” Jacob leaned back, shaking his head in disbelief. “You’re going to have to explain this to me, Alexander. Why would you turn down a chance like this?” Alexander sighed, his voice softening. “Three years ago, my mother was diagnosed with colon cancer. She needed immediate surgery, but I didn’t have the money to save her. She would’ve died if nothing was done.” He paused, his gaze distant. “That was when I met Luther Lockwood. He offered me a deal—marry his daughter, and he would pay for my mother’s medical expenses.” Jacob listened intently, his expression unreadable. “I accepted without hesitation. Thanks to him, I got three more years with my mother before she passed. For that, I owe him everything. My only focus now is keeping my promise to be a good husband to Seraphina. That’s why I can’t take your offer. Jacob was silent for a moment, then nodded slowly. “I respect that,” he said finally. “You’re a man of loyalty and principle. I can’t argue with that.” Alexander gave a small nod. “Thank you for understanding.” Jacob sighed dramatically, a small smile tugging at his lips. “Well, if you ever change your mind, the offer will always be on the table.” “I’ll keep that in mind,” Alexander replied with a faint smile. Jacob raised his glass. “Friends, then?” Alexander let out a smirk. Tonight was playing out not how he had pictured it to play out. Alexander smirked and clinked his glass against Jacob’s. “Friends.” ..... The newly acquainted friends sat and chatted for a couple more hours. “I’m afraid it’s time for me to head home,” Alexander said, rising to his feet. “Already?” Jacob queried. “I’m afraid so,” he replied. “Okay then, here is my card. If you are ever in need of a favor, don’t hesitate to call me,” Jacob Harrington said, handing him his business card. “Okay,” Alexander replied and collected it. “Thank you for tonight.” “It was my pleasure,” Jacob replied, as both men shook hands. “See you around,” Jacob said as Alexander walked off. Alexander smiled and waved back. ........ As Alexander left the mansion, Silvia couldn’t hold it in anymore. The cat-killing curiosity in her was eating her up. “Sir, I just don’t get it. You hardly consider anyone a friend. What about him is so special?” Jacob Harrington took a long pause before responding. He rose from his seat with his champagne glass in his hand and walked to the edge of the balcony, catching a view of Alexander leaving the mansion. "I fail to understand your actions, Sir. Why go out of your way for him? Jacob watched Alexander’s figure fade into the distance, a thoughtful look on his face. “Because I owe him,” he said simply. “Owe him? For what?” Jacob’s voice was quiet but firm. "I wasn't sure at first, but I am now," Jacob said, partially lost in his thoughts. "Alexander Chase is the mercenary that saved my sister's life."
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Chapter 33: The Lunch Date
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Chapter 32: Roses
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Chapter 31: Flowers
Alexander could have walked to Maverick Corporation, but time was of the essence. Every second counted, and he couldn’t afford to waste any more of them."Sir, if I may ask—what seems to be the pressing matter?" Geoffrey, his butler, asked, his hand steady on the wheel as the car sped through the early morning streets. Alexander sat in the passenger seat, tension radiating off him. His brow was deeply furrowed, his thoughts racing behind his eyes."Just drive faster," Alexander ordered, the sharpness in his tone betraying his frustration. His mind was spinning in a dozen directions at once, and what made matters worse was that he couldn’t get in touch with Grace Pemberton. He had searched his phone for her number, only to realize it wasn’t there. Of course, it wasn’t—Grace was on a three-day leave, a fact that only added to his growing irritation.Geoffrey pressed harder on the gas, the car surging forward. As they sped through the streets, Alexander’s mind wandered, replaying his rec
Chapter 30: Happy
Alexander dropped the woman and her child off at the nearest police station. He didn’t wait to give a statement—he couldn’t afford to. The sound of Seraphina’s sobbing still echoed in his ears, driving him to move faster. What could have happened? Alexander questioned himself as he ran home, moving so quickly that anyone who saw him would have caught nothing but a blur. He promised himself he would find out who had hurt his wife and make them rue the day they dared to do so. When he reached home, Alexander was panting heavily, short of breath. He pushed the door open with urgency. “Sera!” he shouted, his voice laced with concern. To his shock, there she was, sitting in front of the TV, a half-empty bottle of alcohol in her hand, with more bottles and cans scattered across the floor. It was clear she was drowning her pain, something completely out of character for her. “Oh, Alex, I’m sorry… I was just overwhelmed,” Seraphina mumbled, turning to him, her head slightly lowered in emba
Chapter 29: Moments ago
--- MOMENTS AGO “It’s Lady Charlotte... she wants to see me… Lady Charlotte wants to see me!” Seraphina stared at her phone in disbelief. She had hoped and prayed for this moment, but never in her wildest dreams did she expect it to happen so soon. “About damn time,” Alexander replied, clearly ecstatic, mostly because the conversation had shifted away from the tension that had been hanging over his head moments before. “What do you think she wants?” Seraphina asked, even though she already knew the answer. She just needed someone else to say it, a second voice to confirm what she was too afraid to believe on her own. “What do you mean? Don’t tell me you don’t know why she texted you.” “Yeah, I do, I just… I don’t know, I want to be sure.” “You want to be sure?” Alexander scoffed in disbelief. “Come on, Seraphina, I thought you’d be happier.” “I am! It’s just…” “It’s just nothing, Seraphina. You earned it, you deserve it, so stop doubting yourself and go meet the sadistic old
