Chapter 56

Alex POV:

I finished my meal, the flavors lingering on my palate as I left the villa. The Lexus purred to life, its leather seats enveloping me in comfort as we glided away from the compound. Hours passed, the scenery outside a blur, until we arrived at Grande's Groups Two. I stepped out of the Lexus, its door closing with a soft thud, and entered the building.

The conference meeting was already underway, the air thick with anticipation. I entered my office, the secretary's smile a brief flash of warmth. "Good morning, sir. They're waiting for you in the conference room," she said, her voice crisp.

I nodded, my tone detached. "Okay."

The conference room buzzed with conversation, the managers' faces a sea of expectation. I began the meeting, my voice calm and authoritative. Hours passed, strategies discussed, and agreements reached. "We'll use Mr. Frank's strategies, as agreed. Meeting adjourned."

The room emptied, leaving me alone with the files. My secretary brought them to my office, the papers rustling softly as I began my review. I finished around 4, the silence broken only by the ticking clock.

I dialed my father's number, the phone's ring a brief intrusion. "Good afternoon, Dad."

"Afternoon, son. Why are you calling?"

My tone was matter-of-fact. "I've acquired a wife. I'll be bringing her home soon."

"Okay. We'll be expecting her."

The door to my office swung open, and Annie sauntered in, her bright smile a stark contrast to my calm demeanor. "Good to see you, big bro," she said, her voice like a gentle breeze.

"Don't you have class today?" I asked, my tone detached.

"Just finished," she replied, settling into the chair. Her eyes sparkled with intrigue as she said. "So, how did it go? Did she accept you?"

I nodded, my expression unreadable. "Yes, she did. And I'll be introducing her to Mom and Dad soon."

Annie's face lit up. "Can't wait to have her as part of our family! When's the proposal?"

My response was curt. "Not for you to know."

Annie's gaze lingered, but she shifted topics. "What about that boy? How's he?"

"He's fine. I want you to help him with his studies, add to his knowledge," I said, my tone firm.

Annie raised an eyebrow. "You want me to teach a twelve-year-old my school work?"

I nodded. "Yes, I do. And don't underestimate him based on his appearance."

Annie stood, her expression a mix of reluctance and resignation. "I'll see him tonight. I'll leave now."

As she left, I returned to my work, my mind already focused on the next task.

...

I had already made the necessary arrangements, my voice low and even as I spoke to Jenny over the phone. "I'm sending my men to bring you to the city. Be prepared." The words hung in the air, devoid of emotion. I hadn't mentioned the inevitable meeting with my parents, a detail I would reveal when the time was right. For now, it remained a secret, locked away in my mind like a carefully guarded treasure.

Annie POV:

As the clock struck eight, I made my way to Alex's place, the evening air carrying the sweet scent of blooming flowers. Upon arrival, I was met with a warm scene: Alex engaged in a lively conversation with the boy, their laughter intertwining like the threads of a rich tapestry.

Yet, as I gazed upon the boy, my mind refused to acknowledge his age. He still appeared as a mere child, his eyes sparkling with innocence, his smile untainted by the complexities of life