Rise of The Masked Billionaire Magnate

The Final Straw

Chapter 3

Alex nodded slowly as he walked with the man towards the black sedan waiting under the rain. He sat in the back, while the man made his way to the driver's seat, and the doors closed with a soft thud afterwards.

The car peeled off within minutes, cutting through the traffic like a shark gliding through water.

At past 7am, the car turned into the private gates of the Wellington private hospital. The guards waved through the car as it drove past, praising Alex at the top of their voices.

They stepped into the building and took the elevator, riding it all the way up to the top floor.

James Park was waiting outside the room, his face gray and uneasy. His eyes lit up the moment he saw Alex walk in.

“He's been waiting for you all day. He's been calling your name even in his sleep.” He said quietly as he led Alex into the room.

Alex nodded without a word, making his way in with all enthusiasm.

But his eyes fell the moment he saw his grandfather, Felix, lying unconscious on the bed. He looked very small on the big bed, with tubes and wires surrounding him everywhere. 

The old man looked like he was deeply asleep, but the moment Alexander stepped close, his eyes snapped open.

“You finally came.” He whispered, his voice weak… croaky.

Alex leaned closer, gripping his thin hand, tears welling up in his eyes. “I'm here, papa. I've missed you so much.”

The old man muffled a little cry as he felt Alex's warmth once again... after three long years. “I've missed you too, son.” He breathed, circling his hand around Alex's. “Did she pass the test?”

Alex's expression changed at once. His face fell, and he shook his head slowly. 

Felix closed his eyes and nodded, like he had known all along. “Then it's time to take it all back. Make them feel the heat.”

Alexander nodded right back, his jaw clenched. “I will.”

Felix smiled, fulfillment curling through his eyes. “I'm glad I finally achieved my mission of seeing you one last time. Now I can join my ancestors peacefully, without feeling guilty.”

“No, you won't, papa. Please don't say that.” Alex cried painfully, gripping his hands tight, like his touch could keep him from slipping away.

But it was already too late.

The heart monitor slowed down, and within minutes, it flat-lined with a faint, steady beep.

Alexander's eyes widened, panic coursing through his veins. “No, you can't do this. You can't leave just yet. Please wake up!” He screamed on top of his voice... helpless, relentless.

Two nurses rushed in at the sound of his voice. They crawled towards Felix's bed, and their eyes fell when they felt his pulse.

They shook their heads slowly. 

“I'm sorry about this, Mr Wellington. You really need to stay strong.” One of the nurses said, facing Alex, while the other covered Felix's lifeless body with a bedsheet.

Alex crashed to his knees, gripping the nurse's legs. “No, it's not true right? Tell me it's not true!”

“I'm sorry, sir. You just need to calm down.” The nurse continued, trying to pacify him… but he wasn't having it.

He screamed out loud, his cries echoing throughout the building.

James rushed in as soon as he heard the noise. He ran towards Alex, helping him up. 

“You need to stay strong, son. Your grandfather needs you to stay strong now... for him, for the empire.” He said, placing Alex's head gently on his shoulder as he led him out of the room.

He took him into his grandfather's private office, his hand still on his back. By now, Alex had already dried his tears, keeping his face strong again. 

“Have a seat, son.” James said as he walked over to the other side of the desk, reaching into the lockers. He pulled out a middle-sized box and handed it over to him. “This is the velvet box. Inside it is the most cherished platinum ring worth billions... the family heirloom.” 

Alex nodded slowly as he received the box, sucking in the last bit of tears in his eyes.

“That's not all, son.” James continued. “Now that your grandfather, the CEO of Wellington Empire, is dead, the new CEO must emerge. Do I inform the board that there will be a meeting tonight to announce you the new CEO?”

“Not yet.” Alex countered, his jaw tight. “I still have some unfinished work to do. The meeting can wait till tomorrow.” 

He zoomed out almost immediately, tucking the box into his pocket. 

The driver was still waiting outside when he stepped out. He got into the car without a word. 

The driver stormed in right after him, shutting the door quickly as he studied Alex's expression through the rearview mirror. 

“What now, boss?” 

“Take me to my lawyer, Hargrove and Associates.” Alex replied, not sparing him a glance.

The driver didn't say anything else afterwards. He locked his gaze ahead and turned on the ignition.

The car sped off at once, and within minutes, it stopped outside the plain brick building. A signboard stood beside it, boldly inscribed with the words, Hargrove & Associates. 

Alex made his way into the reception, waving off greetings from the security. 

The receptionist didn't ask questions. She just led him in, towards the back conference room where Hargrove’s office was situated.

He was already waiting when Alex arrived, a glass of coffee in his hand. 

“I heard what happened.” He said as soon as Alex took a seat. “Accept my condolences, Mr Wellington.”

Alex nodded without a word. He placed a thick folder on the table before Hargrove. “The divorce papers we discussed earlier...I need them filed today.”

Hargrove opened the folder, checked everything, then nodded. “We can have the judge sign it by three o’clock. But are you sure you want to walk away with nothing? You own everything that belongs to the...”

“I know.” Alex cut in before he could finish. “You can go ahead with the final stamping and signing.” 

Hargrove nodded and let out a little smile. “Understood.”

Alexander pulled out his phone, the cheap one Elena knew... and dialed her number.