Chapter Eight

Alex's POV

I stride into Elysium Technologies, nodding at the receptionist as I pass. 

"How are you, Betty? Looking lovely as always", I said, leaning against her desk and flashing my million-dollar smile and her cheeks turned red in a blush.

I knew she had a thing for me. I also knew that if anyone could get me information on anything and everything going on in this company, it was her. Little Miss Radio.

"I'm fine Mr Alex. Nice to see your handsome face here after a long while", she snickered, bending slightly so that I could see her breasts.

I grinned. "Great to see your beautiful face too", I bit my lips, eyes never leaving her breasts and she giggled. "Care to fill me up on the latest happening?", I tore my eyes from her chest, clasping and unclasping my fingers as I focused on her face.

"Well", she looked around to make sure no one was paying us any attention, " A lot has happened this past week but one beats every other. I heard Ms. Elysia has hired a detective to help her find her husband".

My mind whirled as a frown formed between my brows. Elysia hired a detective. Of course, she did. I should've seen this coming. My jaw clenched involuntarily " A detective. Really?".

She nodded. " Yes. She went to a party yesterday and was bad-mouthed by some of the women there. She's been in a foul mood all morning. I'm glad you're here for your routine checks.

Maybe you can get her all bubbly again." She batted her lashes at me.

"Or me, I don't mind", she bit her lower lip.

On a regular day, I would have jumped at her proposal but this wasn't a regular day.

Just another routine visit huh? At least, that's what I thought. I turned around to leave when I spotted Elysia marching towards me, her face a storm cloud.

"Alex," she hisses, grabbing my arm. "Took you long enough! Where have you been?" She demands, eyes darting nervously. "We need to talk. My office. Now."

The door slams behind us. Elysia whirls to face me, eyes flashing. "Where is he?"

"What's going on, Elysia?" I ask, trying to keep my voice steady.

She runs a hand through her brown hair. "It's about Roland. The rumors-"

"Who?" I ask, though I already know.

"Don't play dumb. My husband. People are talking, Alex."

I swallow hard. I've been expecting her to ask, say something but I wasn't expecting her to be this fierce. "Elysia, I—"

"Save it," she snaps. "The rumor mill is churning. I need answers."

My mind races. How much does she know? How much should I say? The weight of secrets presses down on me.

"I thought you were wise enough to not listen to rumors", I smiled, hoping to God that I could sway her off.

" Yeah, I don't, never did. Until yesterday, when I went to a party and was completely humiliated because I now have a nickname; the forgotten wife. Did you know that Alex?", She answered, eyes twitching.

"It's been two long years and I haven't seen my husband. No calls, no text, nothing. If I had married a ghost, it'd have been better".

I lean against the cool marble wall, my heart pounding. I watched as she passed around the room. I open my mouth, but no words come. How can I explain without revealing everything? Without putting us all in danger?

She stops, takes a look at me and her eyes narrow. "You know something. I know you do. Tell me!". 

My pulse quickens. "Look, I told you everything I know. Roland just...vanished."

"And you expect me to believe that?" She scoffs.

I clench my fists, frustration boiling over. "What do you want from me? I'm as in the dark as you are!"

"Are you?" She challenges, leaning in close. "Because I think otherwise."

I take a deep breath, weighing my options. "The truth is... I don't know anything about Roland. I am his lawyer. Only your grandfather did and we both know he's not in any position to talk right now."

"Alex," she says, her voice low and urgent. "What aren't you telling me?"

I open my mouth, but the words stick in my throat. How can I explain what I barely understand myself?

"Look," I manage, "I know you're worried about the company, but-"

"Worried?" She barks out a laugh. "We're in free fall here. Without my grandfather, we were already doomed. Roland's supposed to be back; supposed to be here with me. He is supposed to be a husband to me and the CEO of this company-"

"You can handle this" I interject, surprising myself with my conviction.

"I've been trying to handle it. But it seems like things are going from bad to worse. Just the other day, we got hacked. Something like that has never happened in the history of this company", she groaned, her tired eyes glistening.

"I heard about that and it's not your fault. You've tried, much more than you think. You can do this," I say, the pieces falling into place as I speak. "You are brilliant, determined. Your grandfather left everything to you for a reason. He had faith in you and so do I. If anyone can keep Elysium afloat, it's you. "

Something flickers in her eyes – doubt? Hope? – before her expression hardens again.

"Fine," she says curtly. "I'll do it. For my grandfather."

I nod, relief and guilt warring inside me. "You won't regret this."

"We'll see," she says, turning back to the window. "Now get out."

I hesitate, wanting to say more, to explain. But the weight of secrets holds me back.

As I reach the door, Elysia speaks again. "Alex?"

I turn. "Yes?"

Her eyes lock onto mine, fierce and determined. " I know you know something and When this is over, you're going to tell me everything. And God help you if I don't like what I hear."

I rush out into the bustling streets; my heart skips a beat as I pick up my phone and dial a number.

"Roland, we've got a problem," I say, my voice surprisingly cool.

'Something you can't handle?'

"Not really, I just thought it was paramount that you know about it. Elysia's-"

"Hired a detective," he finishes, " yeah, I know".

"Top-notch. We need to act fast. He might already be asking questions as we speak; about your whereabouts, project connections…. Everything"

"You know what to do. Block every avenue," Roland says. "Leave no stone unturned."