Rise of The Masked Billionaire Magnate

The Bitter Homecoming

Chapter 2

"Your grandfather is dying. Come reclaim what's yours.”

The words hit him like a slap… and he didn't think before rushing out of the hallway. He made his way outside, the cool night air hitting his face.

He stopped in the estate's driveway, his gaze fixed on his phone as he booked a ride home. 

The driveway was lined up with luxurious cars... Mercedes, BMWs, and even a few Lamborghinis. Alex stood there for a moment, the banquet’s lights glowing behind him as he waited for the cab to arrive.

In no time, rain began to drizzle, soaking into his stained suit. He lowered his head, ignoring the curious stares from the valets.

When the cab finally arrived, he hopped in, locking his gaze ahead, without saying a word. For a moment, he stared out through the window as the message from earlier flashed back in his memory.

He looked worried, deeply lost in thoughts as he leaned towards the window, his eyes dull and tired.

The driver glanced at him through the rearview mirror, curiosity setting in.

“Anything the matter?” He asked, his voice low, almost unsure.

Alex stared back at him with an unreadable expression. He nodded, flashing him a little smile. “Not at all.” 

“Rough night, I guess.”

“You could say that.” Alex replied, his voice flat.

Noticing the apathy in his voice, the driver nodded slightly and returned his gaze ahead, not saying a word anymore.

In no time, the cab finally pulled up at the apartment Alex shared with Elena. It was an exquisite mansion, but it was nothing compared to Alex's multiple edifices scattered throughout the world.

Alex stepped out and made his way into the building. He fixed himself something to eat, retiring to his phone afterwards. He still couldn't get the thought of his grandfather dying out of his head.

He wanted to leave badly to go be with him, but he had a rethink. It wasn't time yet– he needed to complete his mission with Elena and her family before leaving.

Hours passed, and Elena finally returned home, slamming the door behind her. 

She kicked off her heels and stormed into the living room, her face twisted with rage. "What the hell was that, Alex? You made me look like a fool in front of everyone!"

Alex looked up from the couch. He didn't say a word.

Elena fumed at his silence, slamming her hand dramatically on the table. “You're going to just sit there and act like you didn't hear me, huh?” She raged, her voice blazing with fury.

Yet, Alex didn't flinch. He kept his face straight, watching her rant endlessly.

That only got on Elena's nerves, spiking her anger even more. “Have you suddenly lost your tongue, Alex?” She continued, marching up close towards him. 

“You humiliated my mother… disrupted my party by spilling wine everywhere, yet you stand there and say nothing?”

“Maybe you should blame your spoilt ass cousin for the mess.” Alex retorted, his voice sharp, freezing Elena in place.

She froze, her eyes flashing with disbelief. “Did I just hear you call her a spoilt ass?” She quizzed, raising her hand towards his face.

Her hand moved swiftly, aiming to strike his face. But Alex was too quick to stop her before she could succeed.

He raised his hand and caught hers right in the air, gripping it firmly. His expression twisted into a fierce glare, his jaw tight as he held her hand up in the air.

“Try this next time, and I'll make you pay dearly.” He muttered, his voice cold and icy.

Elena's eyes widened, unable to believe what just happened. She took a few steps away from him, trying to catch her breath.

“You'll regret this!” She yelled, and hurried off towards the door. She stormed out, slamming the door behind her with a loud thud.

Alex didn't fret.

As soon as Elena had left, he peeled off the wet, wine stained suit jacket and dropped it on the floor. The cheap fabric hit the floor with a heavy slap.

Three years of wearing garbage like this, and tonight it finally felt like shedding skin.

The apartment was too quiet now. Elena still wasn’t back from wherever she had stormed off to earlier. 

Alex felt a bit relieved. He needed the space anyway. He walked to the kitchen, poured himself a glass of water from the tap, and drank it slowly, staring at the cracked countertop he’d stared at a thousand times before.

His mind ran wild in thoughts, restless and uneasy. After the whole events that had unfolded earlier, it was safe to say that he had finally pulled out of his interest for Elena.

The way she had humiliated him earlier, in front of everyone, the way her mother and family had mocked him like he was trash... it was more than enough proof that they never cared about him, and that he wasn't welcomed anymore.

He took the last sip of water and was replacing the cup when he heard the front door open and slam.

Elena stormed in, her cheeks red from the cold and whatever she had been drinking. She walked past Alex without a word, straight into the bedroom.

Barely minutes after she walked in, headlights flashed through the living room window. Someone was pulling up outside. 

A car door slammed, startling Elena. The sound of footsteps echoed down the building, and then… there was a knock on the door.

Elena dashed towards the door, furious as she clicked the lock open. 

“Who could that...” She stopped midway the moment she saw Marcus standing there, wearing that same irresistible charm she could never ignore.

Her tongue stayed glued to her mouth, her eyes scanning him frantically. His hair and clothes dripped wet from the rain, and though he was shivering slightly, he still kept that calm appearance, throwing Elena a sly smirk.

“Hey, babe,” he said, loud enough for Alexander to hear every word. “Figured you would need some cheering up after putting up with this loser all night.”

Elena melted against him, then turned back to Alexander with pure venom in her eyes.

“Marcus is staying tonight,” she said. “You can sleep on the couch. Or better yet, sleep in the hallway. I don’t care.”

Marcus chuckled, kicking the door shut with his heel. “Yeah, scram, poor boy. Grown-ups need the bed.”

They walked towards the bedroom door, hands entwined against each other. 

Marcus leaned in at that moment, capturing Elena’s lips in a searing, passionate kiss.

Alexander remained quiet. He turned towards the door and made his way out.

Elena yelled after him as he left… loud enough he could hear her.

“Goodbye, loser! Don't come back until you're ready to apologize!”

Alex didn't bother to stop. He walked out and slammed the door shut, typing a message into his phone.

In a matter of minutes, a black sedan rolled to a stop in front of him, and a man stepped out, marching towards him with an umbrella.

“It's time, boss. Your grandfather has been waiting.”