A Familiar Face

Vanessa, his assistant, whispered beside him, "Mr. Sterling, the investors are getting restless," as she tried to keep up with Alexander's fast pace.

Alexander turned to the cuffs of his tailored suit and answered sharply. "Let them wait," he said. Sir, the board is working to find a solution.

If their confidence wavers, he says, "They won't," in an equally harsh tone. "Not while I'm in command." Despite her hesitation, Vanessa knew better than to bring up the topic.

The future of Sterling Enterprises relies on his ability to remain in charge despite wolves posing as allies.

As Alexander walked inside the grand ballroom of the Sterling Business Summit, he could feel its weight pressing down on him. The room was full of talk, and the air was heavy with the smell of ambition and pricey cologne.

Alexander's gray eyes looked throughout the gathering, identifying those he knew and possible allies.

Tonight's interactions were crucial, with each handshake offering an opportunity to improve his company's standing.

Then his eyes met hers. Rachel. Her emerald-green clothing gleamed like a polished pearl as she stood on the opposite side of the room, talking to his father, Henry Sterling.

Alexander froze, unable to recognize the pulse in his heart . The beautiful waves in her black hair, which now stood out her high cheekbones, showed that she had not changed much.

Her posture was poised, and her confidence was clear. However, there was more. Something he could not identify. She turned slightly at something Henry said, and she laughed, and the sound was like a stab to his chest.

He hadn't heard that laugh in nearly eight years. Nevertheless, she seemed to fit in with his world. "Sir?" Vanessa's voice was so soft that it almost drowned out the noise around him.

Alexander tried to focus by blinking. "Why has she come here?" Vanessa followed his gaze with a pout. "Who?" He referred to her as "Rachel Green," but mainly to himself. "Sir?" Why does she want to be with my father? When Vanessa heard the strain in her boss's voice, she said nothing.

Without saying a word, Alexander moved through the gathering with deliberate long movements. As he walked toward Rachel and Henry, he seemed to attract attention by dividing the gathering.

"Ms. Green, isn't that right?" Rachel's expression briefly froze before settling into a courteous but uninterested expression. "Mr. Sterling," she said easily, in a neutral tone. Alexander's lips formed a faint smile.

"I didn't think you would be here." "Neither I, you," she said, her green eyes unblinking despite the small strain in her shoulders.

Henry looked between them, his forehead wrinkled a little bit. "Do you two know each other?" Rachel hesitated, but Alexander strode in with ease.

"Our paths have crossed before." Centuries of understatement, Alexander thought as he saw Rachel's face twitch, most likely in annoyance.

Rachel turned back to Henry, seemingly trying to dismiss Alexander, and said, "Your father and I were just discussing business." Alexander's grin widened. Is it for business? How wonderfully... ambitious of you, Rachel.

There was a noticeable tightening of her jaw. "Don't you agree that abolition is necessary in this world?" "Yes," he responded, his voice full of laughter. "Even though some goals have a price." Refusing to be duped, Rachel went to Henry and smiled politely at him.

"I liked our talk, Mr. Sterling. Please let me know your thoughts on the proposal. Henry nodded with a contemplative look on his face.

"We'll communicate shortly, Ms. Green." As Rachel began to walk away, Alexander interrupted her, his voice trailing off. "Rachel, a word?" Her dazzling eyes met his squarely. "I have to go somewhere, I'm afraid." He stated firmly, "Surely you can spare a moment.

" She hesitated, then glanced around at the crowd before giving in. Okay. But hurry. Alexander led her to a more private section of the room, away from interested spectators. He turned to her, his face unreadable.

"Really, Rachel, what are you doing here?" She crossed her arms in a protective pose. I told you. Business. He said, "And I told you I don't believe you," as he moved in his direction.

Why now? Why now, after all these years? A faint line appeared in Rachel's mouth. "Alexander, you have no business worrying about my motivations."

"You think I'll accept that your sudden return to my life is just a coincidence?" She looked into his eyes and wouldn't take her eyes off of them. Have faith in your desires; I don't have to explain them to you. Alexander's jaw tightened, and there was a palpable tension between them.

A commotion near the stage interrupted him as he was ready to respond. Alexander turned to find his father, Henry, on the ground as the whispering of the crowd grew louder.

He shouted, "Dad!" and pushed past Rachel, rushing to be with his father. Henry's face was pale and his breathing was shallow. Beside him, Alexander was kneeling, his heart pounding.

"Call for an ambulance!" Rachel stopped at the edge of the group while Alexander tried to resuscitate his father. She wanted to step forward and help, for some reason, but what could she do? Henry's eyelids opened and his lips quivered.

"With urgency," Alexander replied, leaning forward. "Dad? Can you hear me? Henry's voice was low, hardly audible. “Just, Alexander, stop him.” "Who's stopping?" Alexander demanded, his heart thumping.

Henry's eyes closed again and the paramedics placed his father onto a stretcher, pushing Alexander away.

Alexander's hands were clenched as he watched them take his father away. His mind was full with questions, and he had no answers. Then his gaze shifted back to Rachel, who stood at the edge of the crowd, her countenance unprecise.

His voice was loud as he yelled, "Rachel." Her emerald eyes briefly locked with his before she turned and disappeared into the crowd. Alexander's chest constricted as he watched her go. Her comeback couldn't have been a coincidence. And he was going to discover whatever it was she was hiding.