Mia's eyes briefly acknowledged Lisa's presence in the doorway, then dismissed her completely—the kind of dismissal that came from someone used to people being beneath her notice. Her entire focus shifted to Alex, and her expression softened with genuine concern."Alex," she said again, taking a step forward. "Thank God. I've been searching everywhere for you. When I found your room empty, when no one could tell me where you'd gone—""How touching," Lisa's voice cut through, sharp and cold. "The concerned friend act. Very convincing."Mia paused mid-step, her jaw tightening slightly, but she didn't turn to look at Lisa. "I don't have time for whatever petty jealousy you're dealing with right now. Alex is injured and—""Oh, I know exactly what Alex is," Lisa interrupted, stepping fully into the room now, her heels clicking authoritatively against the linoleum. "I also know exactly what you're doing."That got Mia's attention. She turned slowly to face Lisa, her expression cooling to th

Alex held up one bandaged hand, his voice cutting through the tension in the hospital lobby. "Everyone, stop. Just... stop."Something in his tone—exhausted but commanding—made everyone freeze. Mia, mid-stride toward him. Jace, who'd been about to speak. Even the bodyguards hovering around the edges paused.Alex took a slow breath, wincing slightly at the pain in his ribs, then looked directly at Mia. "I'm sorry. For running. For disappearing. For making you worry."Mia's carefully composed CEO mask cracked, and her eyes suddenly glistened with tears she was clearly trying to hold back. "You—you idiot!" Her voice broke slightly. "Do you have any idea how worried I was? I searched everywhere for you! When I found your room empty, when no one could tell me where you'd gone—"She crossed the remaining distance between them in three quick steps and, to everyone's surprise including Alex's, pulled him into a careful hug. Careful because of his injuries, but still a hug—her arms around him,

Alex watched as the bodyguards began efficiently herding Lisa and Vanessa out of the hospital, but something occurred to him. He raised his voice, cutting through the noise."Wait. One more thing."The bodyguards paused. Everyone turned to look at him."Phones," Alex said firmly. "Anyone who recorded that—I want those recordings deleted. Now."Mia blinked in surprise. "Alex, it's fine. Let people see how they—""No," Alex interrupted, his voice harder than she'd ever heard it. "I don't want this circulating. Check everyone's phones. Delete any photos or videos of what just happened. Politely, but make sure it's done."The bodyguards immediately began approaching bystanders, professional but insistent about checking devices. Several people protested, but the combination of Mia's influence and the bodyguards' persistence won out. Within minutes, every recording of the incident had been deleted."That wasn't to protect them," Alex clarified, seeing Mia's confused expression. "I don't car

Mia looked between Alex and Jace, the tension in the room palpable. She could see Alex's internal struggle written plainly across his face—the exhaustion, the confusion, the weight of a decision that would change everything."I should give you some space," Mia said quietly, moving toward the door. "This is clearly something you need to discuss privately.""Mia, wait—" Alex started, guilt flickering across his expression."It's fine," Mia interrupted gently. "Really. You've had a hell of a day, and I don't need to understand everything right now. We can talk later, when you're ready." She paused at the door, looking back at him with something complicated in her eyes. "Just... don't disappear again. Please.""I won't," Alex promised. "I swear."She nodded and left, the door clicking softly shut behind her.Alex let out a long breath, running one bandaged hand through his hair. "I hate keeping her in the dark like this.""Miss Richardson seems like a remarkable woman," Jace observed. "I

Jace continued, his voice taking on an almost reverent tone as he described the full scope of what Alex had just inherited."The Kent family isn't just wealthy, Mr. Carter. They are the definition of generational wealth and power. Their holdings span every continent. Estates in Europe that date back centuries. Entire islands in the Pacific and Caribbean. Penthouse suites in every major city. Agricultural land across three continents. Forests, vineyards, commercial real estate—properties so numerous that even I don't have them all memorized."He pulled up files on his tablet, showing Alex images that made his head spin. Castles in Scotland. Villas in the French Riviera. Modern skyscrapers in Dubai and Singapore. Ranches in Argentina that stretched as far as the eye could see."Beyond the properties, there are the investments. The Kents hold significant stakes in Fortune 500 companies. Technology firms. Pharmaceutical corporations. Defense contractors. Energy companies. Banking institut