Whispers In The Boardroom

Chapter 21: Family Ties

Alexander's days had been filled with meetings, both internal and external, as he meticulously worked on the company's biggest project yet. The stakes were high—securing a partnership with one of Dubai's largest companies had put the entire organization on edge, with everyone pushing hard to ensure its success. The project consumed him, leaving little room for anything else. But even as he flew back to New York from a short business trip to Los Angeles, seated in business class, his mind wasn't solely on work.

The drone of the airplane engines was a background hum to his thoughts, which were abruptly interrupted by the ringing of his phone. It was his mother. He sighed before answering, bracing himself for what would likely be another attempt to rope him into a family dinner.

"Alex, darling," she began, her voice warm but laced with that familiar tone of gentle coercion. "I know you're working on that big project, and I'm so proud of you for landing that Dubai deal. But I'm begging you, please come for dinner tomorrow night. It's been ages since we've all sat down together as a family."

Alexander immediately felt his defenses rise. "Mom, I'm swamped. I really can't afford to take any time off right now. Maybe another time."

His mother's voice softened, taking on a pleading quality. "Your father and I won't be around forever, Alex. You should spend whatever moments you can with us. And please, patch things up with your brother. You're both so important to us."

At the mention of his brother, Alexander's patience snapped. "This is about him, isn't it?" he said sharply before abruptly ending the call, his frustration simmering just below the surface.

By the time Alexander touched down in New York, it was late, the city's lights glittering against the night sky. He entered his luxurious penthouse, the spacious rooms and sleek, modern decor feeling cold and empty without Emma there. The contrast between his life and hers struck him—her simple, compact lifestyle was so different, yet so appealing. She could find joy in the basic pleasures of life, whereas he was constantly surrounded by excess, pressured to live up to a certain standard.

These thoughts lingered with him as he showered, the hot water washing away the fatigue of the day but not the tension in his chest. Once he was out, he found himself reaching for his phone, dialing Emma's number almost on instinct.

"Emma," he said when she answered, her voice groggy with sleep. "Can you come over?"

The request took her by surprise—it was late, and she had been moments away from drifting off. "Alexander, it's really late. We have work tomorrow, and there aren't any cabs available at this hour."

There was a pause, and then Alexander replied, "There's a car waiting for you downstairs. I'll be waiting for you here."

The finality in his tone left no room for argument, and before he hung up, he added in a voice that sent Emma's heart racing, "I need you so badly tonight."

Emma quickly jumped out of bed, throwing together a change of clothes for work the next day and the essentials she would need. As she stepped outside her apartment, she was greeted by the sight of a sleek, black Maybach parked at the curb, its polished surface gleaming under the streetlights. She had never imagined herself in such a car—luxury like this was something she only saw on TV.

The drive to Alexander's penthouse felt like a dream, the plush interior of the car and the smooth ride making her almost forget the late hour. But as she stood in front of his door, her heart began to pound with anticipation. She raised her hand to knock, but before she could, the door swung open to reveal Alexander.

He stood there, his abs defined and glistening slightly under the luminous light, his wet hair tousled and falling into his eyes. The sight of him took Emma's breath away—this was not what she had expected to walk into.