"ISABELLE" A voice shouted making Isabelle flinch, she looked up and saw Jane standing there.
"Are you okay?" She asked, her voiceย full of worry.
"Yeah, just a little tired. What were you saying?"
"I was saying the class is over, let's go to canteen" Jane said enthusiastically.
Isabelle smiled as she got up and both went to canteen "By the way where's Sean?" Jane suddenly asked, still typing something on her phone.
"I-i don't know" Isabelle replied looking down. Both reach the canteen and sat at the corner table after getting their lunch.
"What happened yesterday? Why dean called you?" Jane asked.
Isabelle stopped eating, her mind again went back to yesterday's incident "Nothing much. Just some d-document issue" She stuttered and both continue eating.
"ATTENTION ATTENTION" A voice shouted loudly, making everyone in canteen look at the ownerof the voice. There stood a group of 5 students and they all looked like seniors.
"Welcome to our university Juniors, My name is Rick and we are you seniors. I hope you all are enjoying it here as you all must have been studying from the very first day" Rick said making everyone laugh "So, to make you all happy and your university life enjoyable, seniors will be throwing a welcoming party for all first-semester juniors" He completed and everyone cherred loudly.
The canteen filled with laughter and chattering. Everyone is excited for the party.
"OK, listen first. The address will be posted on university website. Also, the party will be at a club, so make sure you dressed accordingly. This saturday at 9" one of the girl from the seniors said and again everyone cheered.
Alexander entered the dining room "Good morning, Mom, Dad" he said, sitting beside his mother after kissing her forehead.
"Morning, sweetie" Elizabeth replied, as she started to put pancakes on his plate.
A woman in her early 50s entered and placed a glass of orange juice in front of Alexander "Thank you, Ms. Martha" he said, hungrily devouring the pancakes.
Maverick rolled his eyes at his son's eagerness, while Elizabeth and Martha shared a soft smile "Easy there, young master. You might choke" Martha cautioned.
Marthaย had been a part of the Romano family for ages. She's been by Alexander's side since he was a little one. Martha had her fair share of struggles, her husband betrayed her and left her with nothing. It was Alexander's grandfather who helped her during those tough times.
"Ms. Martha, I'm not a child, and how many times do I have to tell you? Please don't call me master. It's Xander" Alexander retorted between bites of pancake.
Martha smile as she heard Alexander's words. She's been like a second mother to him, and he holds her in high regard for her nurturing ways. She felt so bad when she heard that someone stole his work. She still remembered how he worked during those 2 months.
"So, are you ready?" Maverick asked wiping his mouth with a napkin, Alexander nodded his head, his mouth still full with pancakes.
Both father and son got up. Elizabeth walked over to them and fixed both of their collars "Good luck both of you. I am sure, you will be successful today" Elizabeth said and kissed Alexander's forehead, Martha smiled watching them.
Romano Enterprises
Alexander walked out of the car with his father. They entered inside the building as everyone bowed their head infront of their boss.
Maverick and Alexander entered inside the conference room with a confident stride. Everyone stood up. The conference room had four members from the tender committee and other businessmen who had previously bid on the tender. They took their seats once Alexander and Maverick sat down. A hushed silence fell over the room.
The other people present could feel the weight of their presence and authority, causing a sense of unease to ripple through the room.
"Hello everyone, as you all are aware why we are here So, let's get to the main point, Mr. Kim" Maverick said looking at Mr. Kim who is his financial advisor, also the head of the legal team.ย
"Yes sir" Mr. Kim said as he got up and walk towards the projector and the meeting started.
Kim laid out all the key points of the presentation that Alexander had prepared. He effortlessly demonstrated that the work had been carried out by their boss Alexander, not Victor Gray.
"As you all are aware that Victor, oh I mean late Victor Gray who died an unfortunate and terrible death, secured that tender by fraudlent means. The presentation was done by my son and co-ceo of Romano enterprises, Alexander Luca Romano" Maverick said with a cold face.
"May he rest in peace" Alexander said smirking, a dark chuckle escaped his lips. His tone wasn't a bit sad.
Everyone in the meeting room, perched on the edge of their seats. Their words, though uttered softly, cut through the air like sharp blades. Each person in that room was aware of everything and the knowledge that Alexander was capable of unspeakable deeds, was making them more terrified.
"As per the evidence you presented, Mr. Romano, it's evident that Mr. Gray engaged in fraudulent activities to secure the tender. Therefore, based on the evidence presented, this tender will be awarded to Romano Enterprises" the committee member stated as they signed the papers.
Maverick and Alexander shared a smile as they rose and shook hands with the committee members.
"Your son is going to be a remarkable businessman, just like you, Mr. Romano" one of the members praised.
Maverick beamed proudly "Even better than me" he remarked, giving Alexander's shoulder a reassuring pat.
After the members exited the room, Maverick settled back into his seat, noticing Alexander's poker face "What's on your mind, son?" he inquired.
Alexander, with a hint of frustration, sat down and glanced at his father and the other businessmen still present "The work isn't finished yet, Dad" He stated as he pulled out a small, sharp knife, idly fiddling with it.
He stood up, knife in hand, and began pacing the room, a wicked grin on his face "You see, gentlemen, Victor Gray, with the help of Billy Evans, took something that was rightfully mine, see what happend to them. A painful death.ย It's true that karma is no joke"
Everyone stayed still in their place, fearing the aftermath as Alexander continued "Billy Evans, the leader of marketing department betrayed us. Unfortunately he died the very next day as well"
"But we never know when karma will catch up to us or who it might embody. Gray and Evans faces the consequences they deserves, and the rest of you steer clear of such darkness" Alexander warned, his words hanging heavy in the room.
"Spill the truth, or you'll face a fate worse than your darkest nightmares" he shouted, his voice dripped with malice as he drove the knife into the glass table, the crack sending a shiver down everyone's spine, except his father.
"S-sir, we had no idea Victor would do this. W-we..." The man's words were cut off by a sinister chuckle.
"Who can really be sure? Huh?" Maverick's intense glare bore into the men, causing sweat to bead on their foreheads under the weight of the father-son duo's menacing presence.
"Don't fret, gentlemen. Let's say we'll give you the benefit of the doubt for now. But if I discover you've kept anything from me, your fate will be far from merciful. Understood?" Alexander's ominous tone sent a chill through the room as heads bobbed in fearful agreement.
"The deed is done. Thank you for your time" Maverick's dismissal prompted a hurried exit from the men, leaving only him, Alexander, and Kim in a chilling silence that lingered like a haunting presence.
"Kim, what have you discovered?" Maverick's voice sliced through the tension in the room.
"I'm sorry, boss, I need a bit more time to gather all the information" Kim replied, his gaze fixed on the ground.
"I gave you a deadline of two days, and now you're asking for more time?" Alexander's tone was laced with frustration as he sat back in his chair, his gaze piercing.
"Sir, I apologize for the delay, but someone is actively trying to erase any traces of Victor Gray's connections. I suspect this individual is an influential businessman" Kim explained.
"Hurry up, Kim. I want the head of the man who dares to challenge us" Alexander's words seethed with anger, his jaw clenched tightly. Kim swiftly nodded, seeking permission to depart, keenly aware of the urgency and intensity in the air.
Maverick's phone suddenly rang, shattering the tension in the room. A smile crept across his face as he glanced at the caller ID before answering "Hey, amore"
"Hi, is the meeting finished?" Elizabeth's voice tinged with concern floated through the line as Maverick put the call on speaker.
"Yes, Mom, we nailed it! Showed them it was my presentation, not Gray's, and secured the tender" Alexander chimed in, beaming proudly.
"I'm so proud of you, sweetheart" Elizabeth gushed, unaware of the intricate details.
"Now that the job is done, off you go to university to hit the books" Maverick playfully nudged, causing Alexander to roll his eyes. With a sigh, he excused himself, leaving his father to chat with his mother.
In the classroom as the professor was teaching, Lucas was sitting, his eyes closed but he wasn't sleeping, Ryder was looking at the poor books with evil eyes trying to burn them with his gaze and Noah shooting laser beams of disapproval at the professor.
The bell rang indicating the end of lecture.
"Behold I returned from the realm of semi consciousness" Lucas shouted standing up, the professor stared at him in disbelief.
"Farewell, Fountain of knowledge and wisdom" Ryder said getting up. Noah stand up with a look that could freeze sun, sets the class on giggling.
The Professor swiftly exit, probably off to find a more attentive crowd.
As the boys strolled out, they saw Alexander walking towards them "Looks like Uncle Maverick booted you out of the office" Lucas said, prompting laughter from everyone.
Alexander rolled his eyes.
"Aww, my little Xander got the boot. Don't worry, baby, I'll shower you with my precious attention," Ryder teased, playfully pinching his cheeks, sending the group into fits of laughter.
"But why show up now? We've only got one class left since our two lectures got cancelled today" Noah spoke.
"What?" Alexander's expression shifted to one of pure disbelief, his face a picture of priceless shock.
"Well, it's good, yeah. As Xander got his tender, he will give us a treat" Ryder mentioned, earning a side-eye, from his friend, his gaze narrowing while he showed an innocent smile.
"Tonight, club it is" Alexander declared, receiving nods of agreement from everyone. They started walking towards their personal room.
"By the way, did you know there's a party for all juniors this Saturday at a club?" Noah asked.
"Hmm, it's an annual thing, so what's the big deal?" Alexander, a bit puzzled, responded.
"Your girl will be there too" Noah's words caught everyone's attention.
"Speaking of her, where did you take her yesterday? She's usually discreet, but she seemed quieter today" Ryder chimed in.
"Yeah, her protector is absent today. Did you rough him up?" Lucas, grinning mischievously, added. They chuckled humorously.
Alexander laughed, he disclosed his actions from the previous day, leaving his friends utterly impressed.
"You should have called us too. I wanted to see my punching bag" Ryder added, his friends smriked.
"Next time for sure"
"Damn, now I get why she was so quiet. Dude, you seriously traumatized her" Lucas remarked.
"She needs to understand that she's mine. She belongs to me only. I had to make her understand" Alexander declared, his voice laced with possessiveness and unwavering determination.
His eyes gleamed with a mix of pride and darkness, reflecting the approving gazes of Lucas, Noah, and Ryder.
Isabelle strolled towards her next class alongside Jane "Are you hyped for the party?" Jane inquired.
"I'm not sure as I've never been in a club or attended a party before"ย Isabelle responded tentatively.
Jane's eyes widened in disbelief "Oh my goodness, this will be your debut party" Jane exclaimed, taken aback.
Isabelle nodded, a hint of uncertainty evident in her expression. Jane couldn't help but chuckle at Isabelle's adorable pout.
"Don't fear, my dear friend. I'll ensure you steal the show at the party" Jane reassured with a mischievous grin as they both shared a giggle before entering the classroom and settling into their seats.
As the professor entered and commenced the lesson, both girls immersed themselves in the lecture. The classroom enveloped in a blanket of silence with all eyes fixed on the professor.
Suddenly, a student's phone chimed with a notification.
"Focus on the lecture, not your phones" the professor said sternly. However, the tranquil atmosphere shattered when a student blurted out.
"The club's address is up on the website for the party" The class erupted in excitement, disregarding the professor's disapproving gaze as cheers filled the room. Jane giggled while Isabelle looked at the class in disbelief.
She pulled out her phone when she sensed the vibration.
'I miss you babygirl'
The text read. Isabelle's eyes widened. From the past one week, the messages had become a daily torment. She had attempted to block it before, yet the texts persisted, haunting her every breath.
She kept this a secret to herself, the fear gripping her heart. From Alexander's unsettling presence to these ominous texts, her world had descended into chaos. Tears welled up, cascading down her cheeks as she abruptly left Jane behind, calling out her name.
Isabelle sprinted through corridor, her vision blurred by tears, yet her feet never stopped. She suddenly bumped into someone, her tear-filled eyes widened as she saw the figure standing before her.
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