Chapter 19
Abigail
The secretary’s announcement had barely finished ringing in my ears when she turned to Conrad and me. “You need to go to the scene immediately,” she added, her tone now turning brisk and professional. “I’ve already arranged for a company car. It’s waiting downstairs.”
Without hesitating, I nodded. “Let’s go.”
I moved toward the door, the news buzzing in my head like a bee around a flower. Alexander was back. A part of ΠΡ still struggled to believe it. Just as I moved past Conrad, his hand shot out, gripping my arm to stop me in my
tracks.
“Wait, Abigail,” he said, his voice low and edged with frustration. “You still haven’t answered my question. What are you doing here, in the company? In my office?”
I turned to him slowly, disbelief washing over me. I had just answered him, hadn’t I? The reason was obvious, yer here he was, dragging me back into a conversation that was irrelevant with this news of Alexander Then it hit me -Conrad didn’t even remember. It hadn’t even been that long ago since he’d made the promise to give me some shares of the company.
Irritation began to build up in my mind, as I remembered all his broken promises, all the things he said to appease me when Susanna’s nonsense got too much and now conveniently forgotten. This was just another one. My fingers flexed as I shook off his grip. “I already told you,” I said, my voice tight. “But it’s not surprising you’ve forgotten.”
He frowned, confusion flashing across his face. “Forgotten what?”
And there it was the proof. My irritation flared into anger. “That I’m a shareholder,” I bit out. “You know, like you promised I’d be. Or has that conveniently slipped your mind along with everything else?”
His grip loosened, but the frustration in his eyes deepened. This isn’t the time to argue”
“No, it isn’t,” I interrupted coldly, yanking my arm free. “So stop holding me back.”
Without sparing him another glance, I stepped past him, addressing the secretary directly. “Take me to Alexander.”
Her expression shifted, the disinterest in her eyes when she’d met me earlier melting away as she seemed to connect the dots. Realization dawned on her face, and I knew she understood who I was. But she hesitated, glancing at Conrad, seeking his permission to listen to me.
He let out an exasperated sigh, gesturing sharply for her to proceed. “Let’s go.”
The secretary nodded quickly and gestured for me to follow her. We walked side by side together toward the elevator, my heels clicking against the polished floor. Behind us, Conrad trailed in silence, the tension radiating from him like a dark cloud.
Inside the elevator, the secretary pressed the button for the underground parking lot. As the doors slid closed, she glanced down at her phone, which was buzzing incessantly with updates.
“More updates are coming,” she began as she tapped the screen. She paused before looking at me directly. “Mr. Remington’s injuries appear to be severe, but the full extent isn’t clear yet. He’s conscious, though, and they’v put him on an IV drip to stabilize him for now.”
I nodded, pity tightening my throat at the thought of Alexander lying there, hurt but alive. “How severe?” I asked softly
Tury Bates‘ confit for all yet, the continued, her tone carefully measured. “But he’s responsive That’s a good with
In “Was be alone when they found him)a
*** she replied, her be rowing “He won’t alone, at the identity of the people with him hasn’t been
pegilint, brow efined yet. The team is focusing on Mr. Remington’s condition, as he’s our topmost priority”
The information was vague, but it was eng to send my drag. Who had been with Alexander? And where
land Bað fær Barns all this fate? but under the certainty of what we so far, there was a thicker of relief.
I knew
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feet sat wont des we het inside, antidn’t decide if his silence was due
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wot to follow, but once again, Conrad’s hand caught
int, he soira pardiol 200 time, fut au loom. It sure to the entry “all the drives to
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Charred 19:
“They haven’t confirmed the full extent yet,” she continu, her tone carefully measured. “But he’s responsive, That’s a good sign.”
I nodded. “Was he alone when they found him?”
“No.” She replied, her brow furrowing. “He wasn’t alone, but the identity of the people with him hasn’t been confirmed yet. The team is focusing on Mr. Remington’s condition, as he’s our topmost priority.”
The information was vague, but it was enough to send mynd racing. Who had been with Alexander? And where had he been all this time? But under the uncertainty of what I knew so far, there was a flicker of relief.
Alexander was alive.
Beside me, Conrad remained silent, leaning against the corner of the elevator. Ills arms were crossed, his expression unreadable. He hadn’t said a word since we stepped inside, and I couldn’t decide if his silence was due to shock or something else entirely. The silence gave me room to think, and for the first time in what felt like forever, the dark cloud that had loomed over the family seemed like it would lighten.
The thought brought a warmness to my chest. There was hope now. Alexander’s disappearance had thrown the family into chaos and shaken the foundation of the company. And yet now, against all odds, he was back Fragile optimism crept into my heart. Maybe this was the turning point we all needed.
My thoughts drifted to Marceline and the grief that had consumed her after Alexander’s disappearance. She had mourned him so deeply it had made her physically ill. But now, he was back. And maybe things could start to heal.
The elevator dinged softly as it reached the underground level, cutting through my thoughts. The doors slid open, and the secretary stepped out first, eager to lead the way. I moved to follow, but once again, Conrad’s hand caught my shoulder, stopping me.
“Hold on,” he said, his voice quieter this time, but no less firm. He turned to the secretary. “Tell the driver to bring the car here instead.”
She hesitated, her gaze darting between us, but Conrad’s tone left no room for argument. She nodded and hurried off, leaving us alone.
Exhaling sharply, I shrugged his hand off my shoulder. “What is it now, Conrad?” I asked, my frustration bleeding into my tone. “Aren’t you happy Alexander has been found?”
“Yes, of course I am,” he replied, his tone softening. For a brief moment, I thought I saw genuine relief in his eyes. “But his return doesn’t mean we don’t have things to address.” He stepped closer, his voice lowering. “Have you changed your mind about staying away? When are you coming home?”
I stared at him, a bitter laugh threatening to spill from my ps. “We both know why I left, Conrad,” I said evenly. And if you haven’t taken care of the reason, then you already know my answer.”
His jaw tightened, but he didn’t argue.
I didn’t wait for him to say anything else. “I don’t have time for this,” I said. Turning on my heel, I walked away in the direction the secretary had gone. Whatever unresolved issues Conrad and I had would have to wait. Right now, Alexander needed us–and that was the only thing that mattered.
