Chapter 2 Not Far From Home

Mr. Reginald Drake stepped into Alexander's study without knocking.

Alexander jolted, hastily shuffling papers across his desk to cover the confidential documents he'd been reading. He stood, meeting his father halfway across the room.

"I see you've turned your desk into a paper battlefield," Mr. Reginald said in his deep, commanding tone, his sharp eyes scanning the desk.

"And what's this I hear about a shareholders' meeting?" he added, brows raised.

Alexander straightened. As Acting CEO of the Drake Family Conglomerate, parent company to every Drake-owned business including his own, Drake Tech Company, he had the meeting without consulting his father.

"I thought you were asleep?" Alexander countered with a wry smile, using his body to shield the documents.

"Then again, nothing ever gets past you, Dad."

Mr. Reginald arched his brow. "Go on."

Alexander sighed, loosening his shoulders. "It's a new initiative. I want to build a game reserve park in Tees Province, a remote area in Manhattan.

"A game reserve?" Reginald's tone shifted to curiosity.

"The land is lush, untouched. A park would give underprivileged kids something magical, and bring tourism, economic growth, and long-term profit for the company. It would be the first of its kind in that region."

Reginald stared at his son, then nodded "Hmm... I see! Why didn't you tell me earlier? It's a brilliant idea. And I like the prospect too."

"What do you need from me? I mean to make this a success? Reginald asked.

Alexander smiled. "Thanks. But I've got it under control. I don't need help."

Reginald chuckled. "I figured you'd say that. But consider this a done deal, the shareholders will back you. Full support."

He turned to leave. "I'll let you get back to your... research," he added, his tone laced with confidence.

As soon as the door clicked shut, Alexander exhaled sharply.

"That was too close," he muttered, hurriedly tucking away the documents. "Now, back to preparing for tomorrow's board meeting.

The phone rang.

"Elena? Can you hear me?"

A finger snapped in front of her face. Elena blinked, snapping back to reality.

"There's a call from the CEO's office. Says it's urgent," her secretary said, giving her a curious look.

Elena, a golden-brown-skinned woman with piercing blue eyes and a curvy frame, rose from her plush chair. Her office was a vision of modern elegance, white walls adorned with art, embedded lighting casting a soft glow.

She walked over and picked up the call.

"Where have you been? I've called three times! It's a goddamn phone!" Michael's voice roared through the speaker.

Unbothered, Elena mimicked his ranting, making her secretary giggle until the line went dead.

"Sigh. I guess I have to go see the CEO." She grabbed her purse. "Keep me posted on the art piece I sent you."

She stepped into the hallway. Her heels echoed against the marble floor as every head turned in admiration. Elena didn't just walk, she owned the space. Tech guys paused mid-code. Women stepped aside. One shy computer geek, who always looked like he was writing poetry with his eyes, nearly dropped his coffee.

Elena smirked.

She entered the elevator and pressed the button for the 14th floor, the penthouse. Just before the doors closed, an elderly cleaner stepped in and hit the 8th-floor button.

The silence was brief.

Suddenly, the woman turned to Elena with a haunting stare like she was possessed.

"You have a bright future," she said slowly, her voice raspy. "But there is a veil you must pass through."

Elena's heart skipped.

The woman leaned closer. "If you don't overcome it... it will destroy you."

Sweat gathered on Elena's forehead. Her chest tightened. Her heart beat like the humdrum of a drummer mercilessly beating the drum. She felt her hair stand.

The elevator dinged. The woman stepped out as if nothing had happened.

Elena stood frozen. "What... the hell?" she whispered, adjusting her dress and trying to collect herself.

The elevator closed and continued until the 14th floor. At the Penthouse, CEO's Office

The view of the ocean stretched wide behind glass walls. A black ceramic nameplate read Chief Executive Director, Michael.

This was Alvero City "the city of art" most prominent company, "ZeeZee Art Gallery".

Michael stood up, his jaw tight. "Where the hell were you?" he snapped.

Elena said nothing. She knew better than to poke the bear. Let him finish.

After a long rant, Michael's anger cooled. "I called you because... never mind."

Elena gave a polite, teary-eyed nod. "I'm sorry. I didn't hear the phone ring."

Michael sighed. "I shouldn't have yelled. I'm sorry."

"It's fine. It's only proper for you to yell at me, Elena added, with a teary eye.

Micheal stood up from his seat, and walked up towards where she was standing. He handed her a wipe.

Hooked again. Elena thought. He falls for it every time. Was he that stupid or what?

She gently pulled away from his hug, smiling faintly.

"Well, I'm fine now. Why did you call me?"

Michael hesitated. "Forget it."

"Elena's eyes widened in disbelief.

"He just did it again. He calls me for no reason, yells for nothing, I guess he doesn't have the guts to scold me." Elena whispered, her voice barely a yard out.

"Well, I have something I want to tell you" she said, pulling out a white paper. "I came to give you this."

Michael opened it.

His eyes widened. "What? Resignation?!"