013
The third most luxurious car pulled up to the Regency Hotel entrance, and the porters sprang into action. Amabel emerged from one side while Cressida stepped out from the other.
Felix hastened to greet them, his face lighting up with a warm smile. “Welcome,” he said, his voice filled with affection. He noticed Cressida’s subdued expression despite her eyes downcast, and his smile faltered, looking at her with concern. “What’s wrong? Did something happen?”
Amabel intervened, her voice smooth. “She’s worried the chairman will blame her for Alaric not coming.”
“Don’t worry, queen. Dad won’t be angry. He knows it’s impossible to convince Alaric. He just wants you to try,” Felix said, his tone matching his assurance on his face. “Alaric is a dry fish—impossible to straighten.”
Cressida’s eyes still looked uncertain, and she whispered, “maybe I should just go back?”
Felix and Amabel quickly shook their head in opposition. “No. You should stay,” he advised, his tone firm with a transparency of worry. “Leaving would be disrespectful. Let’s just go in.”
He smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “Please, smile,” he said gently. “I don’t like the look on your face. You’re the queen of Palmer, and you should shine because of us who care about you.”
Cressida’s lips curled into a forced smile. “You’re right. Thank you.”
Felix led the way, and Cressida and Amabel followed closely behind, the soft rustle of their clothes and the click of their heels on the floor filling the silence.
àß
A butler welcomed them with a warm smile, recognizing Felix and Amable. “Right this way, please,” she said, her voice courteous. She escorted them to their designated table, in the prime spot near the front.
The hall was decorated with refined lighting and branded materials. The tables were appointed with family names and company logos, adding a touch of elegance to the event.
“This is your table.” The butler said, curtsying before departing.
As they took their seats, Amabel searched around the room, and chairman Dawson was nowhere to be seen. She faced Felix and asked, “where’s your father?”
“I left him chatting with the Nexa Corporation’s representative.” Felix replied.
Amabel’s eyes widened. “Nexa Corporation!” She exclaimed. “The world’s biggest organization?!”
Felix nodded, his expression serious. “Yes, it’s a big deal. They’re rumored to be opening a brand in the city soon, and Dad’s probably trying to get in on the ground floor.” He disclosed.
Amabel’s eyes widened further. “If they move in, they’ll be a major competitor.” She let out, unease etching in her face, matching the worry on her face.
Felix nodded, his face turning grim. “Yes, and they have the resources to outmaneuver us,” he confirmed. He exhaled deeply, adding, “the truth is bitter, but we don’t stand a chance in an open fight,”
He glanced around cautiously. “My best bet is to form an alliance with them. But it must be a secret. If Dad finds out, he’ll think I’m backing down, and he’ll never approve.”
Cressida tuned out the conversation, her gaze drifting across the room with her mind wandering—her thoughts consumed by Alaric’s absence and a fleeting hope that he might arrive.
Amabel nodded, her smile reassuring. “I trust you can handle it,” she encouraged and turned to Cressida. “Still worried about the chairman?”
Cressida shook her head, a small lie crossing her lips. “No.”
Amabel’s expression turned serious. “There’s something you should know—the chairman plans to transfer Alaric’s shares to Felix at the next shareholders’ meeting,” she finally revealed, despite Rowan’s warning against it.
Cressida's eyes widened briefly, but she masked her reaction with a calm smile.
Amable’s eyes sparkled with pride as she continued, “Alaric hasn’t been active since the accident, and Felix is taking over because of his merit. It’s a great opportunity, isn’t it?”
Cressida slightly nodded, an insincere smile on her lips. “Yes, it’s a great chance for Felix,” she agreed, and her voice dropped to a whisper. “This must be a secret for now—we can’t risk Alaric causing any issues.”
Felix’s face lit up with a smile, grateful for Cressida’s support. “Thanks.” He said, his eyes shining with excitement.
“Anything for you,” Cressida said, her smile warm, staring at Felix. “You deserve every success.”
Felix nodded, his face lighting up.
Just then, Chairman Dawson’s voice arrived in their midst. “You failed, didn’t you?” He asked, his tone stern.
Cressida sprang to her feet and bowed. “Good day, sir.”
Chairman Dawson took a seat, his expression unyielding. “What’s good about the day when you can’t get a simple task done?” He asked, his voice dripping with disapproval. “Your place in this family is tied to his. Have you asked yourself if you deserve to be here without him?”
“You-”
Amabel tried to intervene, but Cressida spoke ahead of her. “I can leave, sir.”
Chairman Dawson slammed his fist on the table, the sound echoing through the room, drawing everyone’s attention. “Leaving isn’t an option!” He thundered. “What I want is for him to be here! What difference does your departure make?”
“Dad…” Felix whispered in Cressida’s defense. However, he couldn’t add another word—to avoid his father’s anger.
Amabel leaned forward on her feet. “Sweetheart, calm down…” she tried to persuade, but Alaric’s deep voice cut through the tension.
“Why tell him to calm down when hypertension is a real concern?”
The room fell silent, then erupted into a flurry of gasps.
“Alaric!” Someone exclaimed, eyes fixed on him in shock.
The crowd’s attention shifted, their faces a mix of curiosity and surprise.
“Is that really him?” Someone whispered.
The ladies nearby rushed forward, their faces lighting up with excitement. “It’s Alaric! Palmer Alaric!” One of them squealed.
“Where has he been?”
Questions and comments tumbled out, each one probing deeper into Alaric’s mysterious absence and sudden appearance.
“What’s with the wheelchair?”
“He’s changed a lot.”
Some comments turned critical, their voices laced with surprise and judgment.
“He’s not even attractive anymore?”
The crowd’s whispers turned cruel, their words cutting deep.
“He must be feeling embarrassed.” Some said, their tone dripping with malice.
“He’s ashamed of himself.” Another added, their voice laced with ridicule.
The comments piled on, each one more hurtful than the last.
“His brother is more attractive than him now.”
The comparison hit Alaric’s sore spot, and his eyes flashed with anger. He wasn’t bothered by the mockery, but being compared to Felix was like adding insult to injury. His lungs ached to unleash a yell. His gaze flickered to Cressida, and he kept himself in check.
Meanwhile, Felix and Amabel exchanged a subtle smile, their faces locked in a quiet understanding. Alaric’s arrival had thrown them off guard, but they were pleased with how things were unfolding. The situation was escalating, and they hoped Alaric would lose his temper.
Cressida’s hands clenched into fists, her eyes fixed on Alaric’s tense figure. She could see the pain he was trying to hide—the vein in his neck bulging with effort. A pang of guilt hit her, and she couldn't bear the scene another moment.
She stood up, her gown rustling softly, and rushed out of her seat. But before she could intervene, Easton handed Alaric a wireless microphone. A hint of a smile played on Alaric’s lips, and the room fell silent, anticipation hanging in the air.
‘What’s he doing?’
“Good day, everyone. Palmer Alaric in the building,” Alaric’s voice rang out, smooth and confident. He paused, his gaze sweeping the room for a moment. “For those wondering where I’ve been, I’ve been in hiding—fighting for what I want,”
His expression turned solemn. “I was involved in an accident, which is why I’m in a wheelchair now…” he revealed, and the room’s atmosphere shifted, faces softening with pity.
“Oh…”
He nodded, his voice steady. “I’ve changed because of the battles I faced. But I’m still me. I am still the great Palmer Alaric!” His voice rose, emotion dripping from every word. His eyes broadened as he lightly tapped his chest with a finger. “I am, I remain, and forever will be the greatest of the Palmers!”
He shook his head, his voice dropping to a low tone. “No one can replace me. No one can take my position…” His declaration hung in the air, making the room fall silent.
The crowd’s eyes remained fixed on him, their faces a mix of awe and anticipation. “And I am using this opportunity to declare I am back, ready to take the position that has always been mine.” He said, his voice firm and resolute.
The crowd erupted into applause, their faces filled with admiration and respect.
Alaric’s expression turned serious. “Now that things are clear, there’s something I’d like to add,” he said, his voice low and intense. “I’ve been volatile for years, so don’t be surprised if rumors about losing my mind circulate soon. And honestly, I don’t care,”
His eyes locked onto the crowd, his gaze piercing. “Let’s make one thing clear—no more comparisons between me and whoever you think is doing better. It’s a waste of time, and to be frank, it sets me off,”
His voice dropped to a growl. “Comparing me to a lackey is a trigger. The thing is, if he were in my shoes, he’d be done by now—he couldn’t handle the storms I’ve weathered. The difference is—I’m still standing.”
Felix’s face tightened, his eyes narrowing.
Alaric’s gaze swept the room, his eyes gleaming with intensity. “Thanks for understanding,” he said, his voice low and even. “And for those who won’t listen to my warning, I hope you won’t blame me for whatever happens next...”
The silence that followed was palpable, the crowd hanging on his every word.
His tone shifted, his voice taking on a note of reverence. “After all that’s been said, there’s someone I need to acknowledge. I’d call her the queen of Palmer, but someone already claimed that title. So... I’ll give her the only name that fits—the goddess of Palmer...”
His words trailed off, leaving the crowd wondering who he was talking about, and building anticipation for the revelation.
Alaric’s voice was a low, velvety purr, his words dripping with possessive adoration. “The woman I’m talking about is the love of her life, and... that's me. She’s my backbone. My legal woman…”
As he spoke, his hand rose, a single finger extended towards Cressida like a silent summons. Their eyes met, and the air seemed to thicken, heavy with the weight of emotions that seemed unspoken. His gaze held hers in its thrall, his finger beckoning her closer with an unmistakable intimacy—enough to make the crowd believe they were deeply in love.
“Wow!” The crowd uttered, admiration dripping in their voice, with her eyes slightly broadened in surprise, coupled with an impression of how he skillfully constructed his sentence.
Cressida’s eyes locked onto Alaric’s, her thoughts racing with a mix of emotions—surprise, wonder, and confusion swirling together, leaving her breathless. She hadn’t expected him to show up, let alone declare his affection in front of everyone.
What was behind this grand gesture? Was it a calculated move to assert his dominance, or did he truly mean the words that had rolled off his tongue with such ease?
As their gazes intensified, her mind whirled with questions, her heart beating just a little faster. She felt like she was standing on the edge of something, unsure what lay ahead, but certain something would never be the same.