Chapter 5 The big announcement..

Ava's POV

I couldn't sleep.

No matter how many times I turned, flipped my pillow, or buried my face in the sheets, my mind wouldn't stop replaying what happened at dinner.

I had embarrassed myself in front of the entire Alexandra family.

Not just anyone, but Tyler Alexandra.

I groaned, pressing my hands to my burning face.

The way Adriana humiliated me in front of everyone made me feel so small. If Tyler had scolded me, or even looked annoyed, I could have handled it.

But he hadn't.

Instead, he smiled his voice gentle, his eyes kind. He had defended me.

And that made it worse.

Why did he have to be so nice?

Tyler's POV

After dinner, I returned to my suite, freshened up, and sat at my desk.

I had emails to reply to.

Documents to review.

Calls to make.

I had a change of clothing and carried my laptop

A soft cough escaped my throat.

I frowned, realizing I had caught a slight cold from the flight.

Reaching for the phone, I dialed the service line.

"Yes, sir?" a voice answered.

"I need a bottle of red wine and a glass."

"Right away, sir."

Minutes later, there was a knock on the door.

Leo, my ever-efficient assistant, walked in with the bottle.

"Sir, your drink."

"Thank you."

I poured myself a glass, letting the warmth settle in my chest.

Leo lingered. "Sir... are you feeling unwell?"

I waved him off. "Just a minor cold."

He didn't look convinced, but nodded. "Very well, sir."

As he turned to leave, my sister walked in

Jasmine.

"Hey, big brother." Her voice was playful. "You're not still working, are you?"

I smirked. "I am."

At least I preferred her to Adriana

Jasmine groaned. "Tyler, it's the holidays. Can't you stop being a CEO for just a few days?"

I chuckled. "I'll try."

She hesitated before speaking again so how have u been, how is Emerald , and who is the lucky girl in your life now

I sighed. " Jasmine please , there's no lady at all

I closed my laptop changing the topic , so tell me

"How many gold digging friends did Adriana come home with this time" I asked her

She laughed, so many and "Lisa is drooling already"

"She can drool for all I care, am not interested,I sighed

Meanwhile, in Derek's Suite

Derek lounged on the velvet couch, lazily scrolling through his phone as Mona placed a tray of freshly cut fruit in front of him.

She moved slowly, bending lower than necessary, her dress clinging to her figure.

Derek smirked.

Women were so predictable.

He leaned back, watching her. "What's your name again?"

Mona batted her lashes. "Mona, sir."

He hummed, eyeing her up and down.

"You like what you see?" he teased.

Mona swallowed. "Yes, sir."

Derek's smirk widened. "Good."

He stood, stepping closer, his fingers tracing along her jaw.

"You know," he murmured, "I don't do relationships. Just... fun."

Mona's breath hitched. "That's fine with me."

Derek chuckled, running a hand through his slicked-back hair.

"Smart girl."

He leaned in, his lips hovering near hers.

"Lock the door."

Mona obeyed.

The Next Morning – A Big Announcement

The entire estate was buzzing with activity.

Breakfast had been prepared, and all the Alexandra family members, their guests, and the staff gathered in the grand dining hall.

Mr. Alexandra stood at the head of the table, clearing his throat.

"As you all know," he began, "this gathering is a family tradition. A time for unity. But this year, I have another reason for bringing you all together."

Everyone leaned forward.

Ava, standing among the servers, couldn't help but listen.

"I am officially stepping down as CEO of Nova Spark," Mr. Alexandra announced. "And before the holiday ends, I will be announcing my successor."

Gasps filled the room.

Adriana and Derek exchanged knowing glances.

Jasmine sighed.

*** Tyler POV***

But me?

My jaw tightened.

I had spent years building my own empire. I had never wanted to take over the family business.

But if the company was up for grabs and Derek wanted it?

That would be a problem.

Ava, still eavesdropping, bit her lip.

Something told her this holiday was about to get much more interesting

After the meeting with father I decided to move around the city, or maybe go to the mall or something. I had a change of clothing wore my golden accessories and looked at the mirror I was pleased with what I saw , I called Leo because he was surely going with me.

Leo and I arrived at the mall, looking for a place to relax. The festive decorations lit up the place, and shoppers moved around cheerfully. It had been years since I last roamed around Avalon like this.

"Sir, do you want to check out the new men's collection at Luxe Designs?" Leo asked.

I shook my head. "Not in the mood for shopping. Let's just grab a drink."

As we walked toward a coffee shop, I suddenly stopped in my tracks. My breath hitched as my gaze landed on a familiar figure.

Elora.

She stood near a jewelry store, laughing softly with a man. Her hand rested protectively over her rounded belly she was pregnant. Married.

Tyler's throat tightened.

The noise of the mall faded into nothing. All he could hear was his own pulse, drumming in his ears.

Elora turned.

Their eyes met.

The laughter died on her lips.

For a split second, she looked as stunned as he felt. Then, as if drawn by something unseen, she murmured something to the man and started toward him.

Tyler clenched his fists, willing himself to move, to turn away. But he didn't.

"Tyler." Her voice was softer than he remembered.

"Elora." His own name on her lips felt foreign. Like something from another lifetime.

She glanced at Leo, who stood beside him, then back at Tyler. Her lips parted slightly, as if searching for words.

"It's been a long time."

"Yeah," he said flatly. "It has."

She shifted, her fingers grazing over her belly,a silent reminder of everything that had changed.

"You look good," she said hesitantly.

Tyler huffed a dry laugh, shoving his hands into his pockets. "Yeah? Well, I can't say the same for you. You look... different."

Elora smiled tightly, looking down. "I guess I am."

There was a silence between them, thick with unsaid things.

"Do you love him?" The words slipped out before Tyler could stop them.

Elora's breath hitched.

She glanced away. "He's my husband."

Not an answer.

Tyler exhaled sharply, shaking his head. "Right."

She hesitated before speaking again. "Tyler, I-"

"Don't." His voice was quieter now, but firm. "Whatever it is, whatever explanation you think I need... don't."

Elora swallowed hard, guilt flashing in her eyes.

They both knew the truth.

Jasmine and Adriana had driven her away because she was not of the same background status. They had made her believe she would never belong. That Tyler would never fight for her.

And maybe they were right.

Because in the end, she had left.

Elora looked like she wanted to say something more, but instead, she took a step back.

"I should go."

"Yeah."

She hesitated one last time, then turned, walking back toward her husband.

Tyler stood there for a long moment, watching her go.

Watching the life that had once been his slip away completely.

Leo finally broke the silence. "Sir?"

Tyler clenched his jaw. "Let's get out of here."

And without another glance back, he walked away.