Unresolved Tensions

"Will you continue to act as though you don't see him, Rachel?" In the busy ballroom, the faint murmur of discussion was broken by Martha's voice. Rachel tensed up and turned to face her mother, who was standing erect in a sophisticated black outfit that somehow made her appear both formidable and approachable.

Martha's observant eyes challenged her daughter to ignore the obvious by pinning her with a knowing gaze. As she picked up a glass of champagne from a passing waiter, Rachel said in a neutral tone, "I don't know what you're talking about." Martha's eyebrow went up. “Rachel, you are a terrible liar.

He has been observing you ever since you entered. Rachel's hand gripped the glass more tightly. "It is irrelevant. I'm not here for him. "No, but it's obvious he's here to support you." Rachel carefully sipped her drink while looking around the room.

She saw him almost instantly. It was impossible to overlook Alexander Sterling's powerful presence as he stood close to the stage. His dark hair was groomed to perfection, and his muscular shoulders were highlighted by the crisp cut of his fitted suit.

His eyes met hers and, even at a distance, blazed with fire. Her heart pounding, she wrenched her eyes away. "Mom, I have higher priorities . This agreement with Henry has the potential to completely transform my business. Martha's tone stayed hard, but her face softened.

And Rachel, I sincerely hope you achieve success. However, it won't go away if you ignore what's in front of you. With deliberate and controlled movements, Rachel placed the glass on a nearby table. "I'll handle it—according to my terms." With a sigh, Martha remained silent.

Rather, she reassured her daughter by patting her arm and then vanishing into the crowd, leaving Rachel to think alone. She made an effort to concentrate on her current tasks, which included networking, completing the necessary details, and arranging a follow-up meeting with Henry Sterling.

However, she felt Alexander's eyes on her like a burden every time she looked across the room or around a corner. She let herself breathe out for a moment when she eventually arrived at the side of the room that was quieter. Her reprieve, however, was brief.

"Rachel, running away isn't your style." His voice, silky and deep with a hint of challenge, made her freeze. Alexander was standing a few steps away when Rachel gently turned. He appeared to be every inch the strong CEO, yet there was a hint of softness in his face that she would not admit softened the edges.

Despite the tight knot that was building in her chest, she said in a firm tone, "I'm not running away." With a slight sneer on his lips, he stepped closer. "So why do you feel that way?" Rachel lifted her chin and folded her arms across her chest.

“Alexander, what do you want?” A more solemn countenance took the place of his smile. "A discussion." "I don't believe we have anything to discuss." "Don't we?" His eyes remained fixed on hers. "After all these years, you come to my family's summit and try to sell my father, of all people, and you expect me to think it's a coincidence?" She refused to be intimidated by his stare and addressed it directly.

"Have faith in your desires. My reasons for coming here are unrelated to you. His calmness wavered as his jaw tensed. "You're telling lies." She shot back, raising her voice a little, "I'm not." "Alexander, I don't have to give you an explanation." The tension between them was evident for a minute, like a storm building beneath the surface.

Then something softened, something that made her chest hurt in a manner she hated, replaced the rage in his face. He whispered, "Rachel, why did you leave?" The question was like a kick to the stomach. She wanted to reply, but nothing came out. "Alexander." When he was interrupted from behind, Rachel turned to see Daniel Kane coming.

"What is it?" Alexander's tone was stern as he asked. After giving Rachel a quick glance, Daniel paused and leaned in toward Alexander. It has to do with your dad. We must speak. Right now. The knot in Rachel's chest tightened as she stepped back.

"I ought to leave." Alexander, however, came back to her before she could go, his intense eyes burning. "This isn't over," he declared in a firm yet hushed voice. She didn't answer. Rather, she left, the weight of their conversation weighing on her like an unfinished song, her heart thumping in her chest.

She attempted to forget about the experience as she headed for the door. However, her phone buzzed in her bag as she got to the door. When she took it out and saw the caller ID—Henry Sterling's office—she gasped.

She took a long breath before responding. "Green Rachel." On the other end, a woman's voice said, "Ms. Green," with anxiety and uncertainty.

Mr. Sterling called and left a message. "Look to the past for the truth," he said. "Be careful and stay safe." The line went dead, and Rachel's mind was racing with questions.