The Enigmatic Alexander Chase

Chapter 6: Your....assistant?

Alexander blinked, caught off guard. “Your… assistant?”

“Yes,” Jacob said, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

“I could use someone like you on my team. Quick thinking, sharp wits, and, from what I hear, someone who doesn’t shy away from confrontation.”

Alexander gestured toward Jacob’s current assistant, Silvia, who had been standing a respectful distance away.

“You already have an assistant.”

Jacob waved a hand dismissively.

“Who says I can’t have two? Besides, it wouldn’t hurt to have one who can spot a fake diamond and probably throw a decent punch. No offense, Silvia.”

“None taken, sir,” Silvia replied, her expression neutral though her curiosity was clearly piqued.

Jacob turned back to Alexander, his smile widening. “So, what do you say?”

Alexander hesitated, weighing his response. Finally, he spoke.

“Mr. Harrington, I appreciate the offer, but I’m afraid I have to decline.”

The words seemed to echo in the silence that followed. Jacob stared at him, stunned. Even Silvia looked surprised.

“Decline?” Jacob repeated, as if he hadn’t heard correctly. “Are you sure about that? I’m offering you an opportunity most people would kill for.”

“I’m sure,” Alexander said firmly. “Thank you, but no.”

Jacob leaned back, shaking his head in disbelief.

“You’re going to have to explain this to me, Alexander. Why would you turn down a chance like this?”

Alexander sighed, his voice softening.

“Three years ago, my mother was diagnosed with colon cancer. She needed immediate surgery, but I didn’t have the money to save her. She would’ve died if nothing was done.” He paused, his gaze distant.

“That was when I met Luther Lockwood. He offered me a deal—marry his daughter, and he would pay for my mother’s medical expenses.”

Jacob listened intently, his expression unreadable.

“I accepted without hesitation. Thanks to him, I got three more years with my mother before she passed. For that, I owe him everything. My only focus now is keeping my promise to be a good husband to Seraphina. That’s why I can’t take your offer.

Jacob was silent for a moment, then nodded slowly.

“I respect that,” he said finally. “You’re a man of loyalty and principle. I can’t argue with that.”

Alexander gave a small nod. “Thank you for understanding.”

Jacob sighed dramatically, a small smile tugging at his lips. “Well, if you ever change your mind, the offer will always be on the table.”

“I’ll keep that in mind,” Alexander replied with a faint smile.

Jacob raised his glass. “Friends, then?”

Alexander let out a smirk. Tonight was playing out not how he had pictured it to play out.

Alexander smirked and clinked his glass against Jacob’s. “Friends.”

.....

The newly acquainted friends sat and chatted for a couple more hours.

“I’m afraid it’s time for me to head home,” Alexander said, rising to his feet.

“Already?” Jacob queried.

“I’m afraid so,” he replied.

“Okay then, here is my card. If you are ever in need of a favor, don’t hesitate to call me,” Jacob Harrington said, handing him his business card.

“Okay,” Alexander replied and collected it. “Thank you for tonight.”

“It was my pleasure,” Jacob replied, as both men shook hands.

“See you around,” Jacob said as Alexander walked off.

Alexander smiled and waved back.

........

As Alexander left the mansion, Silvia couldn’t hold it in anymore. The cat-killing curiosity in her was eating her up.

“Sir, I just don’t get it. You hardly consider anyone a friend. What about him is so special?”

Jacob Harrington took a long pause before responding. He rose from his seat with his champagne glass in his hand and walked to the edge of the balcony, catching a view of Alexander leaving the mansion.

"I fail to understand your actions, Sir. Why go out of your way for him?

Jacob watched Alexander’s figure fade into the distance, a thoughtful look on his face. “Because I owe him,” he said simply.

“Owe him? For what?”

Jacob’s voice was quiet but firm. "I wasn't sure at first, but I am now," Jacob said, partially lost in his thoughts.

"Alexander Chase is the mercenary that saved my sister's life."