trouble with family

As Susan returned to her desk, she couldn't hide the bright smile spreading across her face. Today, for the first time, she would have Alexander's attention all to herself without any woman casting her shadow. She hummed to herself, savoring the rare moment, when the phone rang. She picked it up, smoothly informing the caller that Alexander was available.

Just as she was about to hang up, her breath caught. She recognized the steely voice of Alexander's head of security, a man rarely seen unless there was an emergency. A few seconds later, she heard the unmistakable, heavy footsteps of Alexander's bodyguard pounding up the hall towards the office. From the way he moved, she knew something serious was happening—serious enough that it would likely disrupt Alexander's meetings for the rest of the day. And that means she wont see him. Desperate to preserve her precious opportunity, she rushed out to intercept him.

"Wait!" she hissed, hurrying in front of him. "This isn't the right time. Whatever it is, it can wait."

The bodyguard's expression didn't soften. "It's urgent. I need to see Mr. Maddox."

Before she could argue further, Alexander's voice cut through the air, cold and sharp. "What's going on here?"

Both of them turned to see Alexander, his gaze narrowing in on his head of security. With a strained calm, he asked, "Didn't I tell you to send people to fetch Sophia? Where is she? The meeting's about to start."

The bodyguard hesitated, an uncommon flicker of nervousness crossing his face. "Sir, I… I did send them. But they returned empty-handed. They said… they said some other men had already taken her, claiming they were acting on your orders."

Alexander's jaw clenched, and a dangerous gleam entered his eyes. "Are you telling me you let her get taken by strangers? That you have no idea where she is?"

The bodyguard swallowed hard. "We're looking into it now, sir. But…"

"She's vanished," Alexander finished for him, voice dripping with fury. "Vanished. Kidnapped. Because you failed at a simple task." He paused, then let out a cold laugh, more amused than alarmed. "Or perhaps this is just one of Sophia's games. Hiding from me, thinking she can get away with it."

The bodyguard stayed silent, stiffly standing at attention as Alexander continued, "I don't care how you do it, but find her."

The bodyguard gave a curt nod and left quickly, no doubt hurrying to begin his search. The office fell into a tense silence, only broken by Susan's hesitant voice.

"Would you like some water, sir?"

Alexander snapped his gaze to her, irritation plain on his face. "Do I look like I need water right now?" he barked. "Get out of my sight."

She turned to leave, cheeks burning, but his voice stopped her. "And Susan—do not speak of this to anyone. If I hear even a whisper of this outside this room…"

She nodded quickly, aware of the unsaid threat, and hurried away.

Just as she was retreating, a new voice echoed down the hall. "Brother! Who's got you in such a foul mood this morning?" The tone was mocking and warm, a familiar blend of affection and mischief. "Don't tell me it's this beautiful woman here," the man said, flashing Susan a flirty smile and blowing her a playful kiss.

Alexander's scowl deepened as he turned to face the new arrival. "Susan, what are you still doing here?"

Michael, Alexander's elder brother, raised his hands defensively, stepping in between. "Now, now, no need to kick her out on my account," he said, grinning. "I know you're not too fond of beauties, but some of us still appreciate them." His smile widened as he looked at Susan, who blushed, then quickly left.

As Michael watched her go, he added with a chuckle, "Honestly, I was shocked to hear you'd gotten engaged, Alex. Quite out of character."

Alexander stiffened, memories of his past flashing through his mind. He and Michael had grown up close, practically inseparable—until their grandfather had announced that he would pass down one of the family companies. The promise of power had created a divide, sparking a ruthless rivalry between the brothers. Alexander hadn't wanted the company at first, but Michael's evil plotting forced him to fight back. Eventually, he'd become so estranged from his family that he hadn't seen them in over two years.

And yet, here was Michael, strolling into his office as if nothing had happened.

"What do you want, Michael?" Alexander asked flatly, masking his emotions with cold indifference. "I'm busy and don't have time for whatever game you're playing today."

Michael sighed, feigning hurt. "Not even a simple 'hello' or a 'how's the family?' Mother misses you, you know."

Alexander's fists clenched, though he kept his voice steady. "If you have a reason for being here, spit it out. I don't have time to indulge you."

"Fine, fine." Michael shrugged, his playful smile slipping slightly as he adopted a more serious expression. "I come bearing gifts," he said, gesturing to a small box in his hand. "Worth a drink between brothers, don't you think?"

Alexander stared at him, wary but interested. Michael rarely showed this kind of sincerity. After a tense pause, he finally nodded and gestured for Michael to follow him.

As they walked past Susan's desk, Michael threw her a wink, but his expression darkened slightly when he turned back to Alexander.

Inside the office, Alexander poured two glasses of Scotch. Michael leaned back in his chair, an easy grin on his face as he slid a small box across the desk.

"For your engagement," Michael said smoothly.

Alexander took the box and opened it, revealing two beautifully designed rings. He raised an eyebrow and looked up at his brother, a hint of skepticism in his expression. "You know I can afford this myself, right?"

Michael chuckled, unbothered by his brother's cold response. "Of course I know. But these are special." He leaned back, crossing one leg over the other. "Mother tracked down the designer herself. And I paid for them."

For a brief moment, Alexander's gaze softened, but only slightly. He examined the rings, carefully taking in the exquisite details. "Still, I doubt you came all the way here just to drop off a pair of rings. What's this really about?"

Michael laughed, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Ah, it's my brother who knows me best." He swirled his scotch, letting the silence stretch before finally saying, "A little birdie told me your fiancée is… missing." He paused, savoring the words as Alexander's expression darkened. "Imagine the headlines, billionaire Alexander Maddox's fiancé goes missing few days after announcing their engagement."

Alexander's entire demeanor changed in an instant. His body went rigid, his mind racing. Only moments before Michael's arrival, he'd learned about Sophia's disappearance himself. His fingers clenched around the glass as he glared at his brother, fury flashing in his eyes. "How could you possibly know that? I just found out myself."

Michael shrugged, taking a leisurely sip of his drink. Alexander's gaze turned piercing, his voice cold. "Unless… you're the one who took her." Alexander spat, his expression twisted in anger. "You son of a— "

Before he could finish, he lunged across the desk, punching Michael on the face. Michael staggered, his glass dropping and shattering on the floor. In a moment, a look of shock flashed across his face, quickly replaced by a dark amusement as he wiped the corner of his mouth, smirking.

"Temper, temper, you'd never change." he taunted, wiping a trace of blood from his lip. "Is this really how you greet family?"