Alexander pov.
“I am launching a new business called greenTech Solutions. It’s a promising venture, and I believe it could be mutually beneficial. I’d like to discuss how your investment could help push things forward and bring great returns. If you give me this opportunity, it will….”
I tilted my head and blocked out Damien’s voice entirely, my fingers tapping on the table as my attention wandered. My eyes were glued to something else entirely.
Or rather, someone.
Valentina.
She was sitting not far from me, but just close enough to that little bastard, Julian, who seemed far too distracted to focus on what actually mattered here-business.
I’d brought him here after learning that he’d arrived in the US a week ago, thinking it was time to teach him a few things about the family business. But now, I was starting to regret that decision. I wasn’t sure why, but seeing him there, leaning in too comfortably next to Valentina, whispering to her with that irritating teasing smile of his, was enough to make my blood boil.
“Really! What a small world! I can hardly believe you’re Alexander’s cousin. I hope you’re not still upset about that day,” Valentina said, flashing a sheepish smile and rubbing the back of her head.
That day? Had they met before? It couldn’t be, so what on earth was she talking about?
I straightened in my seat, leaning in slightly as my gaze sharpened. I had to hear more of this conversation.
“Of course not, how could I be upset? I’m sorry I didn’t remember you, I had a bit too much to drink that day. After all, how could I forget my uncle’s beautiful wife?”
My eyes instantly narrowed, a mocking sneer curling at the corner of my lips as a wave of killing intent surged through me. But Julian seemed completely unaware of it, puffing out his chest with a proud grin. Valentina, on the other hand, widened her eyes, laughing softly as she swatted his hand, not once pulling it away.
“Mr. Alexander,” Damien’s voice pulled my attention back, and I tilted my head slightly to find him staring at me with a hint of confusion, I looked sideways to also find Valentina and Julian staring at me , mirroring Damien’s expression. It was then I realized I had leaned in too much and was now sitting higher in my seat, practically hovering over the table.
I quickly straightened, clearing my throat to mask the awkwardness of the moment before turning to look at Damien, my expression calm and unreadable.
“GreenTech Solutions. Have you secured the government’s approval for this business? I don’t want to deal with the authorities later,” I said, keeping my voice steady and composed.
Damien’s eyes lit up, thinking I was paying full attention to him, but I really wasn’t.
Sure, I heard him, but I wasn’t actually listening to his words.
“Of course, Mr. Alexander. We’ve secured the necessary approvals. Everything is well-prepared, and we shouldn’t have any issues along the way…”
Once again, I tuned him out.
My gaze shifted, and I noticed they had already begun their conversation.
“Haha, you’re so kind. Thank you for not taking it to heart, I had too much to drink yesterday,” she said with a grin.
Yesterday? They had met at the party.
“Really? How about we go out for a drink sometime?” Julian suggested, and before I could stop myself, my hand slammed down onto the table, freezing everyone in place.
The room fell silent as my cold gaze locked onto Julian. My eyes narrowed dangerously, and the tension in the air became suffocating.
Why was I so angry? I didn’t fully understand, but it probably had something to do with seeing him blatantly flirt with her-Valentina-with that face. Emily’s face.
I hated it.
“Mr. Alexander-”
“Uncle-” Julian’s eyes widened as he caught my glare, and I saw the moment realization dawned on him. He gulped nervously, fully aware of what happened when I got mad.
Everyone knew.
“You. My office. Now,” I hissed through clenched teeth, my tone low but dripping with menace. Without waiting for a response, I turned and strode out of the room, not sparing a single glance behind me.
“Oh, fuck. Fuck. I’m dead,” I heard Julian mutter under his breath, the panic evident in his voice.
When I arrived at the office, I perched on the edge of the desk, my hand instinctively reaching for the pack of cigarettes beside me before I even realized it.
I popped a cigarette into my mouth, grabbed the golden lighter, and flicked it to life.
Moments later, the door creaked open, and Julian carefully poked his head in, his eyes darting around the office before landing on me with a terrified expression.
I watched him freeze, raising a finger to beckon him closer, my expression cold and piercing.
He shook his head, and I frowned.
“Do not make me repeat myself. I said, come inside,” I commanded, my tone sharp. He nodded almost immediately, stepping through the door quickly and stopping in front of me with a sheepish smile.
“Uncle, my dearest uncle. Why did you call me? Do you need me to do something?” he asked nervously, his voice overly cheerful.
I nodded, taking a long puff of my cigarette before blowing the smoke out deliberately.
“Yes, I need you to shut the hell up,” I said with a straight face, my voice calm but icy. I stood up and began stalking toward him, my steps slow and calculated as he instinctively backed away, fear flashing in his eyes.
He opened his mouth to say something but shut it right back after seeing my glare.
“I called you here to show you how business is done,” I began, my tone sharp and unforgiving. “Especially after your father begged me to take you under my wing. Despite the fact that I hated the mere sight of you, I still did it out of the goodness of my heart.”
The lie slipped from my lips effortlessly. In truth, the only reason I agreed was because his father-my uncle-had promised me a hefty sum to deal with this useless bastard.
I took another step closer, my gaze never leaving his as I spoke, cornering him to the wall. “But what do you do? You don’t pay attention. You dare disgrace me in front of my guest?”
He froze at my words, his expression shifting from fear to confusion as he raised a brow.
“Wait, what? You’re angry at me because I didn’t pay attention?” he asked, sounding genuinely shocked, staring at me like I’d just said the most ridiculous thing. “But I never pay attention in the first place, Uncle Alexander. It’s me we’re talking about,” he added, pointing foolishly at himself.
I sucked in a sharp breath at his response, unable to find anything to say. I couldn’t even disagree with him.
Julian was an idiot. He had always been an idiot, and everyone in the family knew it. The second son of his father, Lorenzo Knight, a notorious mafia don in Italy. Julian showed zero interest in the family business-similar to Sebastian. But the difference was that Sebastian was smart and had become a doctor, while this fool wasted his time partying and chasing girls.
“Take my son, teach him, and I will give you the territory you want here in Italy. I’ll even give you more if you can just keep him with you and never bring him back.”
Remembering those words now, I realize I should never have agreed to that sneaky old man’s request. He threw me his dirty bone, something he no longer needed.
I stared at Julian in disgust, debating whether I should send him back to Italy, but then a loud sound echoed, snapping my attention to the door.
“W-what is that? Is that a gunshot?!” Julian screamed, his voice trembling.
My hand instinctively reached for my gun, clicking the safety off before I dashed out of the study, my heart pounding against my chest.
One single thought crossed my mind.
She was in danger.