Chapter 5

Alexander lowered his head, glancing at the message on his phone. His gaze lingered on the attached photo for a few seconds before his brows slowly knitted together. Back when he first started leading the Brooks Group and was getting crushed by every major company in Oceanvein, if it hadn't been for Miss Johnson stepping up to help, there's no way the company would be what it is today. He had always meant to thank her face-to-face, but before he even had the chance, she'd mysteriously vanished without a trace. For the past two years, he never stopped quietly searching for her... Now, the news that Eira was still alive had blown up the internet, sitting at the top of the trending list all day. Meanwhile, over at Johnson Group. William Johnson was staring hard at the photo in his hand. Others might not recognize her, but he knew that face better than anyone. Only, he was sure-Eira couldn't possibly be alive! He was seated in the conference room, pretending to listen, but his mind had wandered off entirely, not registering a word from the presenter. At that very moment, Eira stepped through the doors of the Johnson Corporation in a knee-length sapphire dress and eight-centimeter heels, each stride crisp and commanding. Before long, the sharp clip-clop of heels echoed down the hallway outside the top-floor meeting room. William's face twisted in displeasure as the sound reached his ears, and he cut off the speaker mid-sentence. "Who the hell is stomping around..." "Uncle, long time no see." His voice lodged in his throat. Eira stood at the doorway, giving him an easy wave. His face turned ghost-white. Two years ago, he'd seen that girl's body with his own eyes... How could this be happening? Forcing himself to stay composed, he wrinkled his aging face into an expression of joy and forced out some tears. "Eira, you're really alive? This is... This is amazing! You have no idea how hard I've been looking for you these past two years!" "When your parents passed, one after the other... I couldn't sleep a wink those nights from worrying." His voice started to tremble with emotion like it almost moved him to tears. Eira looked at him, fake concern plastered all over his face. Her own heart was cold as ice, but she kept it off her expression. "Really? I thought about you a lot too, Uncle." "Oh dear, that's touching enough. Don't be too upset though-your parents... well, they're gone, but I'll take care of you from now on." He smiled gently, an almost too-tender look in his eyes like he was genuinely heartbroken. Eira's hand tightened slightly at her side, but her tone stayed calm. "Then I'll have to trouble you." Seeing that, William relaxed a bit. No matter how he looked at it, even if she somehow survived, she couldn't pose much of a threat. And if she ever did... well, he'd deal with it. Eira's lips curved into a soft smile. "Uncle, you've worked hard these past two years. Back when my parents were still around, they always said the company would eventually be handed over to me. I didn't expect things to be delayed this long. Now that I'm back, you can finally take a well-deserved break." William froze for a second, caught completely off guard. His face went stiff. She was testing him, plain and simple. The fact that something happened right when she was about to take over the company? Way too much of a coincidence. So much so, that Eira couldn't help but suspect something. "So, what do you say, Uncle?"William took a deep breath, forcing down the anger bubbling inside him. He managed a strained smile as he said in a calm tone, "Eira, you're joking, right?" "I get that young people have energy and drive, but you've been gone for two years. You have no idea how the company runs now. Maybe it's better to take some time, ease into things?" "No need. I pick things up fast." Eira curved her lips into a soft smile, eyes twinkling, but the tone of her words was anything but gentle. "Let everyone know-I'm taking over as CEO right now." ***** Just as Alexander walked into the hospital room, the sound of soft sobbing drifted out. He pushed the door open, frowning as he asked gently, "What's going on?" The moment Sophia saw him, tears trickled down her cheeks, soaking into the blanket and leaving a dark patch. The sight was enough to stir some sympathy. In a meek voice, she said, "The doctor told me... apparently it was Grandma Brooks who had my previous doctor reassigned..." As she spoke, she glanced at her wrist, where a long, visible scar cut across her pale skin. Alexander's face darkened instantly, tension clinging to every inch of him. "I'll call my grandma." "No, don't," Sophia sniffled. "Don't let this mess up things between you and her just because of me." "Oh, right... Is Miss Johnson okay?" The moment she brought up Eira, Alexander let out a cold laugh. "What do you think? If she hadn't pushed you, you wouldn't have gotten hurt in the first place." Sophia shook her head slightly, pretending to defend Eira. "Don't blame her. You two were married. It's understandable that she'd get the wrong idea about me. After all, back then, you and I hadn't really..." "We're divorced." Sophia coughed a bit and looked up at him with tear-filled eyes. "It's... it's not because of me, is it? Is that why you two split up? I- I..." She bit her lower lip to keep herself from choking up. Her face was streaked with tears, delicate and pitiful. Alexander stared at her, caught off guard by that fragile expression- He never liked women crying. It grated on his nerves. Eira always knew what he didn't like and never pushed it. Even when she felt wronged, she'd just lower her head and silently let the tears splash onto the polished floor, never saying a word. Suddenly, he felt arms wrap around his waist tightly. He looked down to see Sophia's sorrowful face, snapping him back to reality. "Alex?" That voice made him come to his senses. He was zoning out, stupidly. The girl in front of him was Sophia, the one who once risked everything to save him- Not that infuriating woman Eira. With a furrowed brow, he shoved aside the unease, gently patting Sophia's head. "It's not because of you. Just focus on getting better." Sophia clung to him even tighter, burying herself into his chest with a subtle smile. ‘Finally got that b*tch out of the way. That glass stunt really paid off.' Her voice suddenly softened into a fragile whisper. "Alex, what if I can never play piano again? I... I might as well be dead. Just forget our childhood promise, okay?" Alexander gently patted her back. His shirt was damp with her tears, and he could feel the chill against his skin. His eyes drifted toward the white wall in front of him, his dark gaze slowly clouding. After what felt like forever, Sophia finally heard the words she'd been waiting for-