Chapter 19

The words echoed in my mind, refusing to fade.

Rachel, the heiress of Sterling Enterprises?

When those words were spoken at the luxury boutique, Victoria and Eleanor burst into mocking laughter.

Eleanor crossed her arms, her smirk dripping with contempt.

"Rachel? The Sterling Enterprises heiress? Don't make me laugh! That's impossible."

I studied her carefully. This wasn't the Eleanor I remembered.

Her tone carried a vicious edge, something cruel and calculating.

Rachel remained completely composed. She didn't engage, didn't respond to their taunts.

She simply collected her shopping bags and walked away with silent dignity.

My jaw tightened. Nothing about this situation made sense.

"Let's go," I commanded, leading my mother and Eleanor back to the penthouse.

That evening, I sat alone in my study, swirling the amber liquid in my glass.

The day's events replayed in my mind.

Who was that man at the boutique? Why did he call Rachel the heiress? Why did Eleanor and Victoria react so violently?

A gentle knock interrupted my thoughts. Liam stood at the doorway, small hands gripping the frame.

"Papa..." His voice sounded small and uncertain.

"What is it, son?" I set the glass down carefully.

He stepped inside, hesitating. Then, in the quietest voice, he asked, "Is Rachel going to die?"

My entire body went rigid.

"What did you just say?" My voice came out harsher than intended.

Liam looked up with innocent eyes. "Is Rachel going to die?"

I took a slow, measured breath. "Why would you ask that?"

"Because Aunt Sophia said if Rachel dies, my mama can go to heaven."

The air left my lungs. My chest constricted as his words sank in.

"Sophia told you that?" I asked, my voice dangerously calm.

Liam nodded. "She also said Rachel killed my mama."

I shot up from my chair, heart pounding. "What else did she tell you?"

"She told me to hurt Rachel's cat... as punishment for killing my mama." His voice trembled.

A sick feeling settled in my stomach.

Liam shifted nervously. "She also said Rachel caused my mama's death and that I needed to make things right."

I froze completely. "What do you mean?"

Liam's lips quivered. "Aunt Sophia told me to shoot the arrow at Rachel... that day she was leaving."

The room seemed to tilt.

I clenched my fists, fighting to control my fury. "Sophia instructed you to do that?"

He nodded slowly.

I didn't hesitate. I stormed from my study, blood boiling with rage.

I found Sophia in the living room, casually flipping through a fashion magazine.

"Sophia!" My voice thundered through the space.

She looked up, startled. "Alexander, what's wrong?"

I strode toward her. "Did you tell Liam that Rachel killed his mother? Did you tell him to harm her cat? To shoot her with an arrow?"

Her eyes widened before filling with tears. "Alexander... it's not what you think."

"Then explain it to me." My voice dropped to a dangerous low.

She sniffled, dabbing at her eyes. "Liam is just a child. He misunderstood everything. I only told him stories to help him process his mother's loss. I never meant for him to take it literally."

I stared at her, hands shaking with anger. "You expect me to believe that? You poisoned his mind against Rachel!"

Tears streamed down her face. "Alexander, please... if you love Rachel, and want to be with her, I won't interfere. I just want your happiness."

I ran a frustrated hand through my hair. "I don't need your permission, Sophia. I need the truth."

Before she could respond, my phone rang. I glanced at the screen–my assistant.

I answered sharply. "What is it?"

"Sir, you need to come to the office immediately. There's an emergency board meeting happening right now."

I frowned. "A board meeting? Without me?"

The assistant hesitated. "Yes, sir. We assumed you were informed. The board called for a vote."

Ice ran through my veins. "A vote on what?"

There was a pause. "On your position as CEO."

I nearly dropped my phone.

"I'm on my way," I said before ending the call.

I grabbed my coat and stormed out.

The moment I entered the boardroom, all conversation ceased.

I didn't bother taking a seat.

"Would someone care to explain why this meeting was held without me?"

The chairman cleared his throat. "Alexander, we assumed you were aware."

I clenched my jaw. "Aware of what?"

One of the board members shifted uncomfortably. "You are no longer the majority shareholder, Alexander. You have been removed as CEO."

The words hit like a physical blow.

I let out a cold laugh. "This is my company. You can't simply remove me."

The chairman sighed. "Alexander, you sold shares. Someone else acquired them. It was completely legal."

My patience shattered. "Who bought them?"

No one answered.

I took a deep breath. "I have a pending transaction with Sterling Enterprises. If you think you can push me out, you're mistaken."

Before I could continue, the door opened.

All heads turned.

Sebastian was wheeled into the room by his attendant. Beside him stood Rachel, her expression unreadable.

My stomach dropped.

I frowned, eyes narrowing. "What the hell are you two doing here?"