Chapter 17
596 Words
Chapter 17: The Prince
High above the city—
where silence was absolute and decisions shaped entire industries—
Prince Alexander Montclair stood by the floor-to-ceiling window of his private office.
The skyline stretched endlessly before him.
Controlled. Organized. Predictable.
Exactly how he preferred the world to be.
“Your Highness,” a voice called from behind.
He didn’t turn.
“Proceed.”
A tablet was placed on the table beside him.
“All confirmed details regarding Hale Corporation,” Mark Dwayne reported.
“Financial stability is strong. Expansion potential is highly promising.”
Alexander’s gaze remained on the city.
“And the heir?”
A brief pause.
Then—
“Monica Hale. Only child. Currently managing operations during her parents’ absence. Strong leadership record.
Disciplined. Highly respected internally.”
That made him turn slightly.
“Show me.”
The screen lit up.
A photo.
Monica Hale.
Composed. Elegant. Controlled.
A presence that didn’t demand attention—
but naturally commanded it.
Alexander studied her in silence.
No reaction.
No wasted expression.
Only assessment.
“She doesn’t look compliant,” he said calmly.
Mark Dwayne hesitated. “No, Your Highness.”
A faint shift crossed Alexander’s gaze.
“Good.”
He walked slowly past the table.
“Compliance is predictable,” he said.
“Predictability is unnecessary.”
Mark Dwayne nodded. “The Hale family believes this alliance will secure long-term expansion across multiple regions.”
“It will,” Alexander replied. “For them.”
A pause.
“And for us,” he added.
He picked up the tablet again, scrolling through reports, connections, financial structures—
until something interrupted his focus.
A name.
Repeated more than once.
“Kian Anderson,” Alexander read quietly.
The atmosphere subtly changed.
Mark Dwayne spoke carefully. “There have been… recent developments.”
Alexander didn’t look up. “Explain.”
“The Anderson Group has been expanding into overlapping markets,”
Mark said. “And Mr. Anderson has been seen frequently with Miss Hale.”
Silence.
Measured.
Controlled.
Alexander finally looked at the screen again.
Another image appeared.
Less formal.
Unposed.
Real.
Monica Hale—
and Kian Anderson beside her.
Close.
Too close to ignore.
“Interesting,” Alexander murmured.
Not threatened.
Not annoyed.
Just… intrigued.
He set the tablet down with calm precision.
“So,” he said, “she’s not as available as implied.”
Mark Dwayne stayed silent.
Alexander turned back toward the window, his reflection faint against the glass.
“Does he know?” he asked.
“About the alliance?”
“Yes.”
“We believe so.”
A quiet breath left him.
Not frustration.
Not irritation.
Something more calculated.
More precise.
“Good,” he said.
Mark Dwayne hesitated. “Your Highness?”
Alexander’s voice remained steady.
“I prefer clarity,” he said. “If there is resistance, I want to see it directly.”
He turned slightly—just enough for his expression to be seen.
Calm. Sharp. Unshaken.
“Set the meeting,” he ordered.
“With Miss Hale.”
“Yes, Your Highness,” Mark Dwayne replied immediately.
Alexander’s gaze returned once more to the image still faintly glowing on the screen.
Monica Hale.
Strong.
Composed.
Unyielding.
And—
not alone.
His eyes darkened slightly.
Not with emotion.
But with intent.
“This will be more interesting than expected,” he said quietly.
Outside, the world continued unaware—
moving as it always did.
But far above it—
a decision had already been made.
And Prince Alexander Montclair—
never pursued anything
he did not intend
to win.
- Writer
