Chapter 61

Alex's POV:

As I sat in my room, surrounded by the soft hum of computers and the gentle rustle of papers, I couldn't help but feel a sense of detachment. Mr. Bason, Jenny's relatives and friends, were all downstairs, mingling with the rest of the Grande and Core families. Jack had arrived with Annie, and the sound of laughter and chatter drifted up through the floorboards.

I focused on my work, my eyes scanning the lines of code on my screen with a practiced intensity. I knew they were waiting for me to join them, but I had more pressing matters to attend to.

People often labeled me as a cold billionaire, devoid of emotion, but they were wrong. I was different when it came to my family. I cared for them deeply, even if I didn't always show it.

My phone rang, shrill in the silence, and I answered it with a curt "Hello, Drew."

"Boss, someone is trying to hack into the company system and your home CCTV camera," Drew said, his voice tight with concern.

I raised an eyebrow, my mind already racing with possibilities. "Unknown source?"

"Yes, boss. I've blocked them for now, but I'll keep trying to find out where it's coming from."

I nodded, even though he couldn't see me. "Keep me updated, Drew."

As I ended the call, my mind turned to Jerul Canxon, a man who had tried to deceive me when I was just 20. He had attempted to take all my father's assets, and I had only just managed to stop him. The memory of that day still lingered, the feel of the gun in my hand, the sound of Jerul's threats echoing in my ears.

I pushed the thoughts aside, my focus returning to the present. Who was behind this new threat? And what did they want? I would find out, and I would stop them. No one threatened my family and got away with it.

I lifted my phone from the nightstand, the soft glow of the screen illuminating my face as I dialed Leo's number. His voice was crisp and alert on the other end.

"Leo, be vigilant. Jerul Canxon is making his move soon," I said, my tone even and detached.

"Understood, boss," Leo replied, his voice firm and resolute.

I ended the call, the silence that followed a stark contrast to the turmoil brewing inside me. Ahhhh, for once, can't I have a moment's peace? Why does everyone covet my company like vultures?

...

I turned my attention to the woman beside me. Jenny, my queen, lay sleeping, her chest rising and falling with each gentle breath. I gazed at her, my eyes drinking in the sight of her peaceful slumber.

The clock on the nightstand read 4:30. I scolded myself silently - when would I ever learn to sleep in? I yawned, stretching my arms over my head, before swinging my legs over the side of the bed. The soft carpet beneath my feet was a gentle caress as I stood up.

I began my morning routine, the familiar rhythm of exercise and movement a comforting ritual. The sound of my own breathing, the flex of my muscles, and the rush of blood through my veins - it was meditative, a moment of solitude before the chaos of the day began.

Jenny POV:

I slowly opened my eyes, the loud noises outside piercing the air like a shrill scream. I sat up, rubbing the sleep from my eyes, and reached for my phone. 10:30. I had overslept.

I swung my legs over the side of the bed, my feet dangling in the air as I gazed around the room. Alex was nowhere to be found. I shrugged, assuming he was busy with his usual routine.

Curiosity got the better of me as I made my way to the balcony, the warm sun on my skin a gentle caress. The noise outside was coming from a group of people gathered near the entrance, their animated gestures and raised voices a stark contrast to the peaceful morning.

I retreated inside, my bare feet padding softly on the floor as I made my way to the bathroom. The cool water was refreshing, washing away the remnants of sleep. I changed into a crisp Chanel crop top and joggers, the soft fabric a gentle hug against my skin.

Downstairs, I found Annie, her eyes sparkling with a knowing glint. "What's going on here?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

Annie's smile was enigmatic. "Nothing, dear. I just have something to show you."

My curiosity was piqued. "What is it?"

Annie's smile grew wider. "Let's go, and you'll see."

Rex, the man standing beside her, nodded and left to get the cars ready. Tasha, who had been quietly observing the exchange, spoke up. "Can I join too?"

Annie nodded graciously. "Of course, dear."

We filed out of the house, the warm sun on our skin as we made our way to the waiting Lexus. The car purred to life, and we drove away from the compound, leaving the noise and chaos behind.

The car parked, and we stepped out into the bright sunlight, the sound of birds chirping and leaves rustling in the gentle breeze a soothing balm after the chaos of the morning.

Tasha POV:

As we stepped out of the car, my gaze drifted to Jenny, her radiant smile and effortless elegance making my heart twinge with envy. She had it all - the luxurious clothes, the pampered lifestyle, the adoration of Alex. I couldn't help but wonder what secret she held, what quality that made her so captivating to the elusive billionaire.

I knew Jenny's standards were high, her indifference to wealth and status a refreshing change from the gold-diggers that littered our social circle. And yet, Alex, the infamous cold-hearted billionaire, had fallen deeply in love with her. Maybe it was her fiery spirit, her unwavering confidence that drew him in.

I should be happy for her, and a part of me was. But the other part, the part that had been searching for my own wealthy benefactor for what felt like an eternity, couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy. When would I find my own Alex, my own ticket to a life of luxury and ease?

I shook my head, chiding myself for my foolish thoughts. Tasha, stop overthinking. Just enjoy the moment.

The warm sun on my skin and the soft breeze rustling my hair were a gentle reminder to live in the present, to let go of my envy and simply be happy for my friend. But as I glanced at Jenny, her eyes sparkling with laughter, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of longing.