Chapter 17

I emerged from the underground chamber with a heavy mind.

My butler remained behind to complete the arrangements for our next phase while I returned to my study.

Everything was progressing according to plan, yet it still felt insufficient. I required more. I needed the complete truth.

I sighed, massaging the back of my neck as I approached my bedroom.

Rachel.

I desired to see her.

When I entered, she sat on the bed, her fingers unconsciously tracing the edge of the blanket.

She glanced up the instant I stepped inside, our eyes locking. A soft blush colored her cheeks before she quickly averted her gaze.

Interesting.

"You're awake," I stated, moving closer.

She nodded. "I couldn't sleep."

I settled on the edge of the bed, observing her intently. "I need to leave briefly. But I'll return soon."

She hesitated before nodding. "Alright."

I studied her expression, searching for any indication of unease. "Will you be all right?"

She looked up, meeting my gaze directly. "Yes."

She was lying.

I detected it in the slight fidgeting of her fingers, in the way her lips pressed together as if restraining words. But I didn't press further.

"Be careful," she murmured softly.

I stood, resisting the unusual impulse to touch her cheek. "We'll talk when I return."

She blinked, appearing slightly surprised. Before she could respond, I turned and exited.

The drive proceeded in silence. My butler sat beside me in the vehicle, his expression as unreadable as ever.

"We've secured the prisoner," he finally announced. "He awaits your arrival."

I acknowledged with a nod.

We reached the secluded location—a warehouse on the city's outskirts. Isolated and perfect for such meetings.

Upon entering, I found the man seated in the room's center, restrained to a chair.

He appeared older than his photographs indicated. Years of imprisonment had taken their toll—his face gaunt, hair streaked with gray.

His eyes widened immediately upon seeing me.

"You," he whispered, disbelief flashing across his features. "You're supposed to be dead."

I crossed my arms. "Clearly, I'm not."

He released a bitter laugh, shaking his head. "Now I understand why I've been rotting in that hellhole for three years."

I stepped closer. "Explain yourself."

His jaw tightened, the amusement vanishing from his expression. He sealed his lips, refusing to speak further.

I exhaled sharply. "Very well."

I signaled my men. Within moments, they placed a photograph before him.

His son.

Still restrained.

His face paled. "No... Don't harm him." His voice cracked with desperation. "He knows nothing. Please."

"Then speak." My voice remained icy.

He swallowed hard, his eyes darting between me and the photograph.

"Three years ago," he began shakily, "someone contacted me. Instructed me to crash into a specific vehicle. Promised substantial payment."

My heart hammered against my ribs. "Continue."

"I—I was promised significant money and early release after one year. But there was one condition."

I already anticipated his words, yet hearing them chilled my blood.

"There couldn't be any survivors."

I clenched my fists. My mother and I.

"Who contacted you?" I demanded.

He shook his head. "I never saw their faces. But I know it was a man and a woman. They gave instructions on making it appear accidental. Afterward, I never heard from them again."

A man and a woman.

I turned away, controlling my breathing with measured effort.

"Do you understand what you did?" My voice remained deceptively calm. "The person in that vehicle was my mother."

His eyes widened in horror. "I—I didn't know—"

"Enough," I snapped. "You'll rot in prison for life. Nothing will change that."

He began pleading, his voice breaking. "Please. My son—"

I didn't remain to hear the rest.

I stormed out, rage boiling within me.

My investigator approached me. "We'll track this. There must be a connection between this man and Alexander's family."

I nodded. "Find it."

Back at my estate, I issued a simple command: "Send the boy home."

I no longer needed him. His father had talked, and he was never part of my revenge. Later that evening, my butler entered my study, his expression unreadable.

"It's done," he reported. "We've anonymously acquired the majority shares in Alexander's company."

I leaned back in my chair, nodding.

"All shareholders have sold their shares to us without Alexander's knowledge. Only three remain."

A slow smirk touched my lips. "Excellent work."

I stood, stretching slightly. I needed rest. Or rather, I needed to see Rachel again. When I entered the bedroom, she was curled on the bed, reading.

She looked up at my entrance.

I sat on the bed's edge, watching her. "I couldn't stop thinking about you all day." Rachel's eyes widened slightly.