Chapter 4

Alexander pulled off at the driveway. "Out of the car, I've got a meeting to attend," he said, taking a look through his side mirrors so he could reverse.

"You know, it wouldn't hurt to be more polite," Emily mouthed, staring at Alexander's side profile.

"Are you going to get out of the car or do you prefer that we both waste time here in a meaningless conversation?" he replied, his tone striking, shifting his attention to Emily. Emily couldn't help but feel overpowered, staring into his cold hazel eyes. She exits the car furiously in surrender.

Emily walked into Alexander's mansion, or what she may consider hers as well. A maid rushed to her to inquire about what she would like to have for lunch.

"Mrs. Roberts, welcome, ma'am. What would you like to have for lunch?" The maid asked. Emily felt overwhelmed by the name the maids used in addressing her, but she had to accept it.

"I'm fine; I'll just go and have some fruit."

"Okay, ma'am, I'll help you with that."

"Don't bother; I'll get it myself," Emily stated.

"Are you sure, ma'am?"

"Yes, I want to scout this mansion also," Emily replied with a grin.

"If you say so, ma'am."

Emily made her way to the kitchen. She couldn't help but admire the opulent surroundings that enveloped her. In the embrace of her environment, she opened the fridge to get some water. Emily's heart froze as she closed the fridge, changing her direction, and was faced with a good-looking guy with broad shoulders on an apron.

"Oh my God, you scared the living daylights out of me!" Emily exclaimed, holding onto her chest.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you," Andrew's cousin stated meekly. 

"Well, you did," Emily said jokingly. 

"Gabriel right? We met at the wedding," Emily said, stretching her hand out for a handshake. 

"Michael, actually," he replied, accepting her hand but with a kiss.

Emily chuckles as she leans her hands on the kitchen island, reaching for fruit. 

"What is a royal like you doing in the kitchen wearing an apron?" Emily jested.

Michael chuckled and replied, "I was just about to whip up some pancakes; would you like some?"

"Yeah, sure. But why not have the maids make it for you?" Emily asked.

"I'm not sure any chef in the world can make my type of pancakes, so I'd rather just do it myself," Michael said, taking hold of a spatula.

"Hmm. I see. I'd be more than happy to try them out."

"You're going to love it. Sorry for taking you by surprise earlier."

"As long as you're not planning on using that spatula as a weapon, it's okay," Emily stated jokingly, taking a bite of her apple.

"No promises there," Michael said with a grin, flipping the spatula in a mock display of swordsmanship.

"Well, I'll keep my guard up; I wouldn't want to be on the receiving end of a pancake attack," Emily said, as laughter and the scent of pancakes filled the room.

"So, what are you doing in this big house? Do you stay here often?" Emily asked, holding Michael's freshly made pancakes as they made their way to the dining room.

"I just came to stay with Alexander for a few days. You know, he's like my brother and my best friend."

"Sounds cool. Well, cheers to your magically made pancakes," Emily said, lifting the glass of orange juice jokingly.

"You'll know it's magical after you try it. Come on, dig in," Michael said with a grin.

Emily's eyes grew wide after taking a bite of the pancake and chewing. "Honestly, this is the best pancake I've ever tasted in my life," Emily said as she took another bite.

"You like it?"

"Heck yeah, I do."

"Yeah, of course. I made it," Michael said, a smile playing at the corners of his lips. 

"Don't go getting all high and mighty now. But seriously, how does someone as classy as you make such good pancakes?"

"Nothing much. I just follow my mother's recipe." 

"Thanks for the warm welcome, Michael. You know, the past three days have been the toughest in my life. It's good to smile sometimes. You have a great sense of humor," Emily said, smiling at Michael.

"So do you, Emily. It must be hard to be forced to marry someone you don't love. But trust me, my cousin is not as bad as you think he is."

"Are you kidding me? That guy is the devil himself."

"No, honestly. He's someone who's been through a lot but doesn't want to open up to anyone."

"Yeah, whatever you say," Emily sighed. 

"It's all happening so fast. Three days ago, I was an average project manager. Now I'm a co-owner of the biggest tech company in the world."

"What do you mean co-owner?"

"Your cousin announced me as his business partner. He said it was his father's wish," Emily said, shrugging her shoulders.

"So you're saying if anything should happen to Alexander, you're the one to be the possessor of AR technologies?" Michael asked, his expression tensed.

"Yeah, I guess," Emily said calmly.

Emily couldn't help but notice Michael's sudden uneasiness. "What's wrong? You seem to have something on your mind," Emily questioned. 

"Oh, no—nothing. Finish up your meal," Michael replied, the atmosphere changing in an instant.

As Emily took another bite of her pancake, Michael's phone rang.

"Hello?"

Emily taking a sip of her orange juice is halted when Michael exclaims. "What?!"

"What hospital?" Emily freezes, her attention fixed on Michael.

"Okay, I'll be there right away," Michael stated as he made his way out of the dining room. Emily chased after him.

"Hey, hold up. What's going on? What happened?" Emily asked.

"Alexander got involved in an accident; he's been hospitalized. I need to go there now," Michael stated, reaching out for his coat.

"Okay, I'm coming with you."

"Yeah, okay."

"But how did this happen?" Emily asked.

"I don't know, but the detective who I spoke with said it didn't seem like an accident."

"What does that mean?"

"Someone is trying to get Alexander killed, Emily."

"What?"