Alexander Sterling: The Bussines King's Rebirth

Chapter 8

That night, Alexander stood at the dock, gazing at the small boat he was about to pilot. It wasn't the luxury yacht he used to command, just a simple motorboat with a small cabin for passengers. Which meant it would be far easier to handle.

He had prepared in advance, wearing the most decent clothes Kyle owned to look presentable. Upon boarding, he first inspected every piece of equipment to ensure everything was in working order. Mr. Hendricks had also provided him with a route map and brief instructions beforehand.

After confirming everything was in order, Alexander waited for the client while standing at the helm, gazing at the controls. A strange sense of nostalgia washed over him as he stood on this small vessel. His mind drifted back to the first time his mentor had trusted him to pilot a boat. He'd been just fifteen years old then, and the boat they'd used for his first trial run had been exactly this type.

"It's been so long," Alexander murmured to himself.

After all these years, he was about to pilot a small boat again, but in someone else's body.

Footsteps on the dock pulled Alexander from his thoughts. It seemed the client had arrived. He turned to look.

A man stepped onto the boat. Tall, broad-shouldered, with eyes as sharp as blades. The kind of figure that made anyone realize at a single glance that he was dangerous.

Alexander froze.

It was Julian Vance. His business rival. The sworn enemy who had spent years trying to bring him down. The cunning snake who never hesitated to use dirty tactics to steal markets and clients.

Julian Vance. Why would this man be coming to this boat?

Despite the shock, Alexander quickly regained his composure. He lowered his head slightly, keeping his expression neutral. He was Kyle now, not Alexander Sterling. Appearing to recognize Julian would only raise suspicion.

Julian stepped aboard with the arrogant bearing typical of a conglomerate. His eyes swept over Alexander lazily, then surveyed the boat.

"You're not Mr. Hendricks," Julian said, his voice cold and sharp.

Alexander nodded politely. "Correct, sir. I'm Kyle Morrison. Mr. Hendricks is unwell, so I'm replacing him tonight."

So Julian was indeed the client. Alexander found it somewhat odd to see a high-class conglomerate like him renting such a modest boat.

Julian frowned at Alexander.

"Can you actually pilot this boat? I don't want any unexpected incidents out at sea." His tone carried a hint of condescension.

Alexander smiled faintly, that professional, composed smile he used to wear when negotiating with difficult clients.

"Don't worry, sir," he replied calmly. "I've already checked every component of the boat before your arrival. The engine is in excellent condition, the fuel tank is full, and the navigation equipment is functioning properly. I've also memorized the route we'll be taking tonight, approximately three miles northeast, through fairly calm waters since the wind is blowing from the south."

Julian raised an eyebrow, slightly surprised by the detailed explanation.

"You seem to know what you're doing," he commented.

Alexander nodded. "I assure you, my skills are on par with Mr. Hendricks."

"And can you handle engine repairs if something goes wrong?" Julian pressed, still testing him.

"Of course, sir. I can identify abnormal engine sounds, replace fuel hoses if they leak, and perform emergency repairs if necessary. I also carry emergency tools in the rear compartment."

Julian stared at him for a moment, as if assessing his worth. Alexander resisted the urge to meet that gaze with hostility. There was no benefit to provoking Julian here.

"Alright," Julian finally said. "I hope you're not lying."

"I never lie about my abilities, sir," Alexander replied. "Shall we depart now?"

Julian shook his head. "Not yet. We're waiting for one more person."

Alexander nodded, keeping his curiosity in check. Judging from Julian's current attire, far more subdued than usual, he clearly didn't want to be recognized. The man must be meeting someone important in secret. And the reason he'd rented a small boat typically used by lower-class clients was clearly for camouflage. No one would suspect Julian Vance of being on such a modest vessel.

Alexander grew curious. Who could Julian be meeting on this boat that he would go to such lengths to remain undetected?

They waited in silence. Alexander sat calmly at the helm, occasionally checking the instruments before him, the compass, GPS, and fuel gauge. Julian sat in the cabin, glancing at his watch restlessly.

"Do you live around here, Morrison?" Julian suddenly asked, attempting small talk.

Alexander nodded. "Yes, sir. Not far from here. I live near Mr. Hendricks's place."

Julian nodded, not particularly interested. "How long have you been working as a boat pilot?"

"This is my first day on the job, sir. But I have prior experience." Alexander wasn't lying about having experience. As Alexander Sterling, he'd been piloting boats since his teenage years. But of course, he couldn't say that.

"Experience where?" Julian asked.

Alexander smiled faintly. "I used to work for a tourism company. Sometimes they'd have me pilot boats for important guests."

What Alexander meant by "working for a tourism company" was, of course, running it as its owner, since the company was his. And he had indeed piloted boats for important guests on several occasions, simply because he didn't want anyone else overhearing their conversations.

Julian nodded, apparently satisfied with the answer. "You know, Morrison, I like reliable people. Perhaps I'll need your services again someday."

Alexander stifled a sardonic smile. Julian had done many underhanded things to him. He still harbored no fondness for the man.

"Thank you, sir. I'm ready to help whenever you need me," he replied politely, reminding himself that he was Kyle now—not Alexander Sterling.

Julian glanced at his watch again.

"He should have been here by now," he muttered, as if speaking to himself.

Almost simultaneously, Alexander heard footsteps on the dock. It seemed the person Julian was waiting for had arrived.

Alexander turned to see who was coming. His eyes widened instantly at the sight of the figure walking toward the boat.

Victoria Hamilton.

Alexander Sterling's fiancée, and Julian Vance's eternal rival.

Victoria stepped aboard with a flat, unreadable expression. Like Julian, her appearance was far more subdued than usual, not even a trace of makeup. Clearly, she didn't want to stand out.

Alexander felt his chest rumble with turmoil. What kind of bait had Julian dangled to make Victoria agree to meet him in secret like this? Whatever it was, Julian surely had malicious intentions, and that meant Victoria was in danger.

Alexander's body tensed with concern.

But that concern quickly turned into utter shock once Victoria was fully aboard. The moment she laid eyes on Julian, her expression suddenly softened into something sweet. And what shocked Alexander most was when Victoria suddenly threw her arms around Julian in a clingy, affectionate embrace.

"Darling, I've missed you," Victoria said, still holding him tightly.

Darling?

Alexander's body went rigid, his eyes wide. What in the world was he witnessing? These two had a special relationship?

Since when?