The Secret Symphony of Love

Part - 11

Derlyn Group’s Headquarters – Afternoon

The boardroom is buzzing with excitement and anticipation as the team gathers around a large oak table. Charles Van Derlyn, Alex’s father, stands at the head of the table, his expression proud yet solemn. The announcement is moments away, and Alex sits beside him, outwardly composed but feeling a rush of emotion beneath the surface.

Charles: (clearing his throat, with a smile) “Thank you all for being here. Today marks an important milestone for our family and for Derlyn Group. After much consideration, it’s time to announce the next CEO… my son, Alexander Van Derlyn.”

Applause erupts across the room as Alex rises, accepting handshakes and congratulations from the board members. His mother, Eleanor, and his younger sister, Isabelle, rush to his side, both beaming with pride.

Eleanor: (hugging Alex tightly) “I’m so proud of you, Alex. I always knew you’d make us proud.”

Isabelle: (grinning) “Big brother, CEO, huh? Guess I’ll have to start calling you ‘sir’ now!”

Alex chuckles, pulling his sister into a hug. His family surrounds him, sharing this moment of success, and he feels their genuine happiness, a rare moment where everything feels right. His uncle, Vincent Van Derlyn, Charles’s younger brother, steps forward with a warm but calculated smile.

Vincent: (placing a hand on Alex’s shoulder) “Congratulations, Alex. I always knew you had it in you. Now, the real journey begins, my boy. Make us proud.”

Alex: (happily ) "Thank you so much uncle Vincent, you were with me at every stage, you are my biggest supporter"

As Alex looks around the room, receiving nods of approval from various board members, he notices subtle shifts in some faces. There are a few who clap half-heartedly, eyes a bit too narrow, smiles a bit too strained. It dawns on him that, in a world filled with power and legacy, not everyone is happy with his rise!!

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Alex’s Office – Later That Day

After the announcement, Alex retreats to his office to gather his thoughts. He leans back in his chair, looking at the city skyline through the floor-to-ceiling windows, thinking about the weight of his new role. The door opens, and his father walks in, a look of satisfaction mixed with seriousness.

Charles: “Well, son, it’s official now. You’re not just my successor—you’re the future of this empire. I trust you’ll protect what we’ve built.”

Alex: (nodding) “I will, Dad. I won’t let you down.”

Charles gives him a firm pat on the back, the pride in his eyes unmistakable.

Charles: “Good. Let’s celebrate. We’ll throw a party tomorrow night, bring together our partners, investors, and friends. It’s time to show the world who’s leading Derlyn Group into the future.”

Alex smiles, though there’s a flicker of nervous excitement. Charles leaves the office, and Alex takes a moment to process it all. Suddenly, he’s interrupted by a soft knock on the door. His mother and sister step in, bringing a warm energy to the otherwise sterile corporate space.

Eleanor: (smiling) “I couldn’t leave without one more hug.”

She wraps her arms around him again, and Isabelle follows, playfully tugging at his tie.

Isabelle: “Now that you’re CEO, don’t go turning into one of those boring, suit-and-tie people, alright?”

Alex: (laughing) “I don’t think you have to worry about that.”

As they leave, Alex sits back, feeling a sense of calm amidst the whirlwind. But as he flips through some files on his desk, his thoughts drift to Siya. The sudden weight of the title and responsibility fades when he thinks of her—the way her laugh lights up a room. Her world feels so distant from the ambition and power games that surround him.

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Derlyn Group’s Lobby – Evening

Alex is making his way out of the building when he catches sight of Vincent lingering by the elevator, speaking in hushed tones with one of the senior board members, a man named Edward Lee. They stop talking abruptly as Alex approaches, both turning to him with pleasant but unreadable expressions.

Vincent: (smiling) “Heading out, Alex?”

Alex: “Yes, thought I’d wrap things up early tonight.”

Edward gives him a nod, though his eyes linger just a second too long.

Edward: “Congratulations again, Alex. A well-deserved appointment.”

The exchange feels cordial, but Alex senses something off. It’s almost as if Edward’s words hold a veiled implication. As Alex walks past them, he catches a brief whisper from Vincent to Edward—too quiet to hear, but just enough to heighten Alex’s unease.

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Scene: Alex’s Apartment – Night

Back at his apartment, Alex unwinds with a drink, reflecting on the day’s events. The pride he felt at the announcement is shadowed by an uncomfortable feeling he can’t shake. He recalls the way some board members looked at him, the whispered conversations, and even his uncle’s seemingly supportive words, all carrying a hint of something unspoken.

He stares out into the city lights, lost in thought, feeling the weight of his new title pressing down on him.

Alex: (murmuring to himself) “Not everyone’s thrilled about this… but why? And who would go to such lengths?”

As he ponders this, his phone buzzes. It’s a message from Noah,  “Congratulations bruh, let's party,!!!!!”. He smiles seeing thousands of such messages flooding his phone.

He leans back, texting him back a quick “Thank you bruh. Don't miss the party tomorrow.”

But as he closes his eyes, one question lingers in his mind—who, in the shadows of his family and the company, doesn’t want him to rise? And what lengths would they go to in order to see him fall?

The tension builds as Alex prepares for the challenges ahead, with both his mind and heart tied between his new role and his growing feelings for Siya. Amidst the celebration, a shadow of jealousy and hidden agendas lurks, waiting to strike.

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Stay tuned for next amazing episode!

See you all at party!

Yours,
Kaushi