16
1024 Words
“I’m here.” The text message from Alexander appeared on Elena’s screen and immediately, her heart began beating faster.
This was it. The sleepless night and all, boiled down to this evening.
She took a deep breath and stared at herself in the mirror one last time.
The dress Alexander had sent fit her perfectly. Her hair was neatly styled, and she looked far more elegant than she usually did.
But no amount of expensive clothes could calm her nerves.
She was terrified.
What if she said the wrong thing?
What if Patrick asked questions she couldn’t answer?
What if he saw through their lie immediately?
Shaking her head, Elena grabbed her purse and headed downstairs.
The moment she stepped outside her apartment building, she stopped.
A black luxury car was parked by the curb.
And standing beside it was Alexander.
Elena blinked, surprised.
Alexander looked as calm and confident as ever. He was dressed in a black suit that fit him perfectly.
For a moment, Elena forgot how nervous she was.
Then Alexander looked up and saw her.
His eyes moved over her briefly.
“You look beautiful.” He said, looking intently at her.
Elena felt heat rise to her cheeks.
“Thank you.”
A small smile appeared on his face.
“Ready?”
“No. I’m not ready.”
Alexander chuckled softly.
“At least you’re honest. But don’t worry. I trust it’ll go well.”
Elena walked toward him.
“I thought you said your driver would pick me up.”
“I changed my mind.”
“What do you mean?”
“I decided to come myself.” He said.
Before Elena could respond, Alexander opened the passenger door for her.
She climbed inside and a few moments later, they were driving through the city.
The atmosphere inside the car was tense.
Elena kept thinking about Patrick Hartwell.
Every scary article she had read about him replayed in her mind.
Beside her, Alexander looked completely relaxed.
She couldn’t understand it.
“How are you so calm?” she finally asked.
Alexander glanced at her.
“Because being nervous won’t help.”
“That’s easy for you to say.”
“Why?”
“Because he’s your grandfather.”
Alexander actually laughed.
“You think that makes him less intimidating?”
Elena looked at him.
“I don’t want to mess up.”
“You can’t afford to mess up now, Elena.” His voice came out icy.
Elena felt shivers run through her spine. Alexander’s tone and confidence was doing nothing to soothe the storm she felt in her chest.
The drive continued quietly after that.
Soon, the city lights disappeared behind them and a large gate appeared ahead.
The gate slowly opened and Elena’s mouth fell open.
The Hartwell residence was enormous.
It looked more like a luxury hotel than a home.
Bright lights illuminated the massive building.
Beautiful gardens surrounded it.
Everything looked expensive.
Very expensive.
“Oh my God,” Elena whispered.
Alexander parked the car.
“Welcome.” He said and turned to her.
“This is the moment of truth.” He said coolly.
“I hope I survive the night.” She said with a shaky voice.
“I hope you’re right.” Alexander said.
A few minutes later, they entered the penthouse.
The inside was even more impressive than the outside.
The floors gleamed.
The furniture looked expensive.
Every corner screamed wealth and power.
Elena suddenly felt very small.
“Welcome, Mr. Vale. Your grandfather is waiting for both of you in the dining room.” A housekeeper received them and led them toward the dining room.
With every step, Elena’s heart was beating faster.
“Don’t let him know you’re anxious.” Alexander whispered to her as they walked.
Then they reached the door and the housekeeper opened it.
Elena stepped inside and immediately saw Patrick Hartwell. The old man sat at the head of the table.
His silver hair was neatly combed.
His sharp gray eyes settled on Elena the moment she entered the dining room and the entire room suddenly felt smaller. Colder.
More suffocating.
For several long seconds, he said nothing.
He simply looked at her as though he was studying her. Elena fought the urge to look away. Her feet wanted to give way. But she fought to stand still and not appear anxious.
Beside her, Alexander remained silent.
Finally, Patrick leaned back in his chair.
“Interesting.” Patrick murmured.
The single word made Elena’s stomach tighten.
His gaze shifted briefly toward Alexander before returning to her.
“So this is the woman.”
Alexander’s jaw tightened.
“Grandfather—”
Patrick lifted a hand.
Immediately, Alexander fell silent.
The old man’s eyes remained fixed on Elena.
“You know,” Patrick said slowly, “I’ve spent years watching people enter this house.”
His voice was calm. Too calm.
“And every single time, I can tell within the first minute whether they belong here.”
Elena’s fingers tightened around her purse.
The silence in the room became suffocating.
Patrick stood from his chair.
Then slowly walked toward them.
Each step made Elena’s heartbeat louder.
When he finally stopped in front of her, his gaze swept over her once.
From head to toe. He didn’t look impressed.
Then he looked at Alexander.
A cold smile appeared on his face.
“I cancelled an important meeting for this, Alexander. I was eager to meet who the woman who will help handle the Hartwell fortune was.”
The words landed like a slap on Elena.
Alexander’s expression darkened immediately. But Patrick wasn’t finished.
“This is far worse than I expected.” Patrick said, irritated more than anything.
Elena’s heart dropped.
Patrick turned away from her and walked back toward the table.
Then he delivered the final blow.
“Alexander.”
The old man didn’t even look at him.
“Tell me...” He began
A long pause followed.
“Should I be worried about your judgment…”
“…or this terrible choice of a partner you’ve made?”
The room fell completely silent.
- Writer
