ALEX’S POV:
I stormed into my room, slamming the door shut behind me. My chest heaved with anger, and I ran a hand through my hair, pacing back and forth.
How could she? After everything I’ve done to keep this family and business intact, did my own mother just threaten me with her shares?
“Alex,” Mary’s gentle voice cut through through my thoughts. She closed the door softly and came to my side. “Please calm down.”
I stopped pacing and looked at her, my frustration bubbling over. “Did you hear her, Mary? She practically threatened to pull the weight of her shares!” I threw my hands up. “This isn’t just about Saraya anymore, she’s undermining me in front of the entire family!”
Mary reached out, placing a calming hand on my arm. “I know you’re upset, but we need to approach this carefully.”
“Carefully?” I snapped, pulling away. “She’s trying to control everything, and now she’s dragging Saraya into her power games. This is exactly what I’ve been trying to avoid!”
Mary’s gaze softened and gave me a small smile. “Alex, listen to me. I’ll talk to your mother. Maybe I can get her to see reason, or at least understand where she’s coming from.”
I shook my head, pinching the bridge of my nose. “She’s impossible to reason with when she’s like this. She doesn’t trust Saraya, and now she’s using that as leverage against me.”
“That’s why you need to talk to Saraya,” Mary insisted, her tone was firm but gentle. “There’s something going on, Alex. You saw how Evan was at breakfast, he’s avoiding her which is so unlike him, you before now. And Saraya, as much as she tries to hide it, is clearly rattled. We need to find out what’s happening before this spiral get out of control.”
I sighed heavily but made sense of what she’s said. “You’re right. Something feels off. But if my mother’s suspicions are right… If Saraya is hiding something…”
“Then we’ll deal with it as a family,” Mary cut in. “But we can’t jump to conclusion. You should sound Saraya out and most importantly let her know that we are on her side.”
I nodded reluctantly. Mary was always the voice of reason, and she was right. I couldn’t let my anger or my mother’s words cloud my judgment.
“Fine,” I said, exhaling sharply. “I’ll talk to Saraya. But Mary…” I looked at her, my expression grim. “If this is something serious, if there’s even a chance it could harm the family or the business…”
“We’ll handle it,” she assured me, her gaze unwavering. “Together.”
“What good did I ever do to deserve you?” I asked Mary, stroking her hair gently.
“I’m the one that doesn’t deserve you.” She replied and embraced me.
Her words steadied me, and I leaned down to kiss her forehead. “Thank you, Mary. For always keeping me grounded.”
She smiled softly. “That’s what I’m here for.”
As she left the room to find my mother, my hand through my hair again. “Whatever it is, I must find out.”
I made my way to Saraya’s room and knocked lightly on Saraya’s door.
“Come in.”
I turned the knob of the door and entered, she was lying on her back and sat up as I sat at the edge of the bed.
“Saraya,” I began in a very calm tone. “We need to talk.”
She looked at me briefly. “What is it, Dad?”
“What are you hiding from me?” I asked.
“What are you talking about?” She shot back.
I could tell from her countenance that she wanted to be by herself and if I don’t soften my ground, it would be a battle of ‘what’. “You know exactly what I’m talking about,” I said, crossing my arms. “Something’s going on, and I need you to be honest with me.”
She sighed. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she said casually, though the slight tremor in her voice betrayed her.
I sighed, dragging a hand through my hair. “Saraya, I know you.”
“Really? Can you really say you know me?” Her voice sounded pained. “Tell me what you know about me?”
“Saraya, I’ve seen the way you’ve been acting lately distracted, withdrawn. And then there’s Evan. He won’t even look at you. Whatever this is, I’m the person you should talk to.”
“Evan…”
She opened her mouth to argue, but I held up a hand, stopping her. “Listen to me. I’m the only one on your side right now, the only one who can help you. But I can’t do that if you keep shutting me out.”
Saraya’s jaw tightened, and for a moment, I thought she might actually open up. But then she let out a small laugh, shaking her head. “You want to know what’s wrong? It’s not me, Dad. It’s Grandma. She’s never liked me. Not really.”
“What?” I asked, startled by her sudden outburst.
She stood, crossing her arms as she faced me. “You heard her at breakfast. She doesn’t think I’m capable of running the company. She never has. And do you know why? Because every time she looks at me, she sees my mother. That’s all I’ve ever been to her, a reminder of someone she hates.”
Her voice cracked on the last word, and I could see the pain in her eyes.
I shook my head, stepping closer. “Saraya, that’s not true.”
“It is,” she insisted, her voice rising. “She’s been against me from the start. No matter what I do, it’s never good enough for her. And now she’s trying to sabotage me before I even get a chance to prove myself.”
I placed a hand on her shoulder, forcing her to meet my gaze. “Listen to me, Saraya. Your grandmother’s behavior has nothing to do with your mother’s face or your past. She’s hard on you because she knows how much pressure you’ll face as the future head of this family. She wants to make sure you’re strong enough to handle it.”
She looked away, her lips pressed into a thin line.
“I know it feels unfair,” I continued, softening my tone. “But your grandmother loves this family, and she loves you. If she’s pushing you, it’s because she wants you to succeed. Don’t let her words shake your confidence. Show her you’re capable of your new position.”
Saraya was silent for a long moment, her expression unreadable. Then she sighed, running a hand through her hair. “Maybe you’re right,” she muttered, though her tone suggested she didn’t fully believe it.
“I am right,” I said firmly. “And you’re going to prove it to her today. Now get dressed. We’re running late for work.”
She looked at me, a flicker of gratitude in her eyes, and nodded. “Okay, Dad.”
As I left her room, I couldn’t shake the feeling that there was still more to her story. But for now, I’d take what I could get. Whatever storm was brewing, I’d make sure my family remain intact.