The Rightful Successor

Chapter 9

Brock felt uneasy, his stomach churned as sweat formed on his forehead. This business proposal was his opportunity to keep his secrets hidden. The profits from the deal would help him cover his tracks.

Unfortunately, yesterday he had a major loss at the casino, completely ruining his plans. He had a feeling that something was off because he had insider information for a sure win. "Baby, can we please get out of here? They can all go to hell," Sophie complained, gripping his hand tightly. In a fit of anger and frustration, Brock forcefully pulled his hand away from her.

"Find your own way back," Brock shot at her, sliding into the driver's seat and slamming the door shut. "Baby, I'm sorry," Sophie lamented, attempting to open the car door, but it was already locked from the inside. Brock started the car and sped away, leaving Sophie behind.

"Babe... Bab..." Sophie's calls were drowned out by the sound of the speeding car. She was now breathing heavily, her anger growing. 

She knew Brock had a quick temper, but she desired a wealthy man who could fulfill her needs. However, his actions had infuriated her. She angrily dialed a number on her phone, and the person on the other end answered immediately. "Come pick me up, I'll send you the address," Sophie said sharply before ending the call. She then tried calling Brock, but it went straight to voicemail.

Brock looked at his phone and immediately rejected her calls as they came in. Brock focused on the road, he didn't expect the humiliation he received. He knew things would go bad immediately after he saw Alex there. Alex has been a pain in his ass and he was determined to hurt him for the rest of his life.

He continued driving aimlessly, needing time to think, but Sophie wouldn't give him that luxury. She was the one who had put him in this predicament, yet he had to keep it all a secret and find a way to return the money before his father found out. "Damn it... Sean... Yes, Sean!" Brock exclaimed happily as the name clicked in his mind.

He quickly grabbed his phone and dialed Sean's number, but there was no answer. Brock started to feel anxious. Sean was his childhood friend who had become a billionaire through his interior design business.

Brock dialed the number again, and his anxiety grew with each unanswered ring. "Come on, Sean, pick up..." he muttered anxiously.

"Hello... my dear friend," Sean's deep voice echoed as soon as he answered, instantly calming Brock's mind.

"Hey, Sean, can I see you?" Brock asked hastily.

"Whoa, what's up, my man? Is Sophie pregnant?" Sean joked, bursting into laughter.

"Screw you, man. Forever young and a hot bachelor is the code. I can't be tied down," Brock complained, and Sean laughed heartily. "You never give up, do you? Good luck. I'll be there in fifteen minutes," Brock said and hung up immediately.

Brock smiled, wondering why he hadn't thought of Sean earlier. Sean could effortlessly help him, and he couldn't understand why he had been so worked up about the whole situation. He remembered Sophie and how he had left her stranded, feeling a twinge of guilt, but he quickly brushed it off. "I'm the hot Brock Reynolds, and I can do whatever bullshit I want," he bragged to himself with a wide grin.

He made the decision to enjoy his ride with blaring music, but just as he was about to crank up the volume, Brielle's call interrupted him, causing his heart to sink. Could his secret be exposed so soon?

"Hey Brock, where have you been?" Brielle immediately demanded as he answered the call.

"Um, what's up?" Brock managed to ask, trying to gauge her tone. He sensed nothing was wrong, but wanted to make sure.

"I've been the one dealing with clients while the managing director is nowhere to be found. I'm just a project director and you always make me do your job," Brielle complained, as she often did on the phone.

Brock rarely stayed to work in the company, unless it involved money.

"I'm out meeting with Sean for a business deal. I'm not slacking off, still working in the company's best interest, madam CEO," Brock retorted sharply, but Brielle brushed it off. She knew he always had a way to defend himself.

"I need to step out, Ale..." Brielle paused as she remembered that Alex and Brock were sworn enemies. "Um, I received an emergency call from Nikki and I have to see her immediately. I won't be available to meet the client at 11 am, so make sure you get your ass back to work."

"I'm your boss, you dumbass," Brock reluctantly replied during the conversation.

"It's just business, boss. You don't have a choice," she replied, emphasizing the word "boss" before hanging up. She let out a sigh of relief. She needed to find Alex. She had been worried since he didn't come home last night, and she was starting to regret how she had been treating him. Although she usually didn't answer calls from unknown numbers, the text message she received was undoubtedly from Alex. She thought to herself as she dialed his number for the tenth time, with no answer. Her anxiety grew, wondering why he wasn't picking up or if he was in danger. He had mentioned being at the Styles group of companies. Many thoughts raced through her mind, and she decided to go to the Styles company.

Alex could feel the buzzing of the phone in his hand, but the tension and shock that filled the large and extravagant conference room upon their arrival at the board meeting venue was expected.

It had been more than ten minutes of silence, with only murmurs and exchanged glances. Clearly, they were taken aback by his presence, and it caught him off guard.

"Brother..." Liam broke the silence with a wide smile, walking towards Alex and embracing him.

Alex looked confused, glancing at Sir Martins who seemed equally puzzled, but his eyes conveyed a warning to not fall for Liam's tricks.

"Welcome back, brother. You haven't changed a bit, and it's great to have you back," Liam said, surprising Martins.

"Brother?" Carlos, the assistant General Manager, asked, and Liam responded sharply, throwing Alex and Martins into further confusion. They didn't expect Liam to react this way, and Alex narrowed his eyes, observing Liam closely to decipher his true intentions.

"Yes, this is Alex, and he is the CEO of Styles Corporation."

"What!" they all exclaimed.

"What do you mean, CEO?" Carlos asked, clearly bewildered.

Liam approached Alex, placing his hand on his shoulder with immense joy, revealing his well-defined jawline. 

"Meet Alex, my younger brother. He was once lost, but now he's found, thanks to Martins here, one of my father's most loyal supporters," he said, emphasizing the word "loyalist," which gave him away. Alex noticed the unease and cunning in Liam's voice and inwardly smiled. He was familiar with his brother's games. The phone in his hand vibrated once again, and Alex couldn't ignore the call any longer. 

"Excuse me, please," he said firmly, making his way out of the office and into the deserted lobby. "Brielle, I'm sorry. I'm fine and in the middle of a meeting. I'll explain..."

“Ahhhhhhhh….” Brielle's scream halted Alex from completing his statement.

Alex's statement was abruptly interrupted by Brielle's piercing scream.

"Brielle... Brielle..." Alex called out anxiously, but there was no response, only the sound of her struggling.

"Brielle..." Alex called out once more, but this time there was only silence.

"What's happening?" Martins' familiar voice came from behind Alex.

“I think Brielle has been kidnapped,” Alex whispered, lost in thought.