The ring
1406 Words
Chapter 10
Alex was yet to process what he had seen in the video when his phone buzzed sharply on the table. Harlan and Sophia's phones lit up and vibrated too… almost immediately.
They each picked up their phones without a word, their eyes narrowing as they fixed their gazes on the screens.
A bright red notification flashed on Alex's screen, with the tag, BREAKING NEWS.
He tapped it, and a bold headline appeared across the screen, freezing him in place.
‘MR ALEXANDER WELLINGTON: THE ILLEGITIMATE WELLINGTON HEIR.’
His face lit up with shock, the words hitting him like a harsh slap. Before he could process the words, a video began to play beneath the headline.
A strange, older man dressed in a dark suit appeared in the video. He pointed at the camera boldly, his face blazing with fury… like he was having a heated bash with the person at the other end.
“That boy, Alex, was sneaked into the Wellington Estate by his sinful mistress mother. He has no real Wellington blood!”
Alex's hands trembled as he gripped the phone tight, his face turning white with shock.
He felt the room spin as the same video exploded across Harlan’s and Sophia’s screens too.
“This is unbelievable.” Sophia choked out, clamping her hand over her mouth.
But the man in the video wasn't done yet.
He lifted his left hand above his face, so the camera could catch a glimpse of his fingers.
Alex's breath seized the moment he saw the ring… the same ring he had been searching for, sitting pretty on his finger.
“No way.” Harlan muttered under his breath as soon as he spotted the ring.
“Isn't that the platinum ring Mr Wellington has been searching for?” Sophia chimed in, her voice trembling with panic as she faced Alex. “Boss, what are we…”
“I'm sure you all know what this is.” The video continued, interrupting her. A low smirk danced at the corners of the man's lips as he lowered his hand back to his side. “Well, in case you don't know, this is the renowned platinum ring… the Wellington family's most cherished heirloom.”
He looked straight into the camera, his voice sharp and mocking. “If that Alex boy is the rightful heir of the Wellington family, then why isn't the ring with him?”
Loud murmurs echoed in the background. Harlan and Sophia looked puzzled too, and they turned their gaze on Alex who was still watching with a somewhat amused… calm expression.
Sophia stepped close to him, leaning her hand back on the table. “Mr Wellington, this is a serious accusation. Are you sure you don't want us to get that man arrested for character defamation?”
“No.” He replied in a clipped tone. “There would be no need for that. I can handle this myself.”
“Are you sure about that, Mr Wellington?” Harlan quizzed, fear laced in his voice as he took a step forward. “That man looks…”
“There's nothing to worry about, Harlan.” He cut in, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. “I've got this. Trust me.”
Harlan nodded quietly, though a glimmer of doubt still danced in his face.
But Alex didn't even spare him as much as a second glance.
“I’ll see you both later. I have to go.” He said and made his way out.
The car was still waiting in the driveway when he stepped out. Marcus still sat there, his hands bound with heavy ropes, his lips sealed with a thick tape.
“Let him out.” He said, turning to the guard.
The guard flashed a quick glance at him, like he was questioning his sudden change of mind. But he didn't dare to protest.
He lowered his head and hauled Marcus out of the car with one pull. Then he turned and slid back into the car.
Everyone looked prepared now.
Well, except for one person…
“Where's James?” Alex quizzed.
“He stepped out to get water.” The guard replied as he settled into his seat.
Just as he released the words, James came into view. He approached the car with slow, heroic steps, unaware that Alex was already in the car.
His breath almost gave out when he opened the door and saw Alex sitting there.
He blinked nervously as he tried to hide the shock in his eyes. “Mr Wellington! Didn't realize you were here already.”
“Well, I just got in like a minute ago. No big deal.” He said with a faint smile, keeping his tone neutral. Then he glanced at the driver through the rearview mirror ahead. “Drive.”
The car pulled off at once.
Within minutes, they arrived at the Wellington Estate, and rolled into the parking lot.
Alex stepped out first, and gave a subtle nod to the guard beside him.
Without hesitation, the guard stepped out and waited. As soon as James stepped out, he seized him by the shoulders and kicked him to the ground with a loud, brutal slam.
“Arrrgghhh…” James groaned as he fell with a loud thud, his face almost smacking to the ground.
Another guard moved in swiftly, grabbing his arms and binding them tightly with thick ropes.
“What the hell is going on here?” James yelled, his voice hard like gravel. “Have you both lost your damn minds? Let me go. Now.”
He thrashed relentlessly, but before he could utter another word, Alex appeared from behind.
He stood there, his hands tucked in his pockets, staring at James like he was nothing more than a worthless pest.
James froze. His eyes widened at how surprisingly calm Alex looked.
“Come on, Alex.” He croaked, desperation creeping into his voice. “Are you just going to stand there and watch your boys humiliate me like this? Stop them before…”
Before he could finish, one of the guards stepped forward and slammed his boot down on his head, grinding it mercilessly into the dirt.
“Arrrgghhh..” James let out a muffled groan, his teeth grating together in his mouth.
Then Alex raised one hand, and the guards stepped back at once. He stepped forward, crouching beside James who was now bleeding from his nostrils and mouth.
He tightened his hand around his neck, a wicked smile dancing on his lips.
“Oh, dear James…”
James raised his chin slightly, just enough for him to see the cold smile on Alex's face. He dragged his arm across his lips, wiping away the blood stains on his mouth.
“Alex, what's the meaning of this? I stayed loyal to your grandfather for years and this is how you repay me? By humiliating me?”
“One more word about my grandfather,” Alex growled, his voice sharp as a blade. “...and I'll end your miserable life right here!”
James lowered his head, not saying a word anymore.
Alex rose slowly, reached into his pocket and took out his phone. He tapped the screen and held it out so James could see the video playing.
James' eyes snapped wide with shock, his tongue glued to his mouth.
“Care to explain this, Mr Park?” Alex quizzed, his voice oddly calm, but laced with a deadly warning.
Alex had never called him by his last name before. This was the first time… and it sounded like death.
A strangled sob tore from James's throat as he fell on his face, crawling at Alex's feet.
“I… I can explain, son. Please, you just have to believe me. I didn't…”
“Believe you?” He mumbled, letting out a sarcastic laugh. “Oh there's nothing to believe, James. I know the truth already.”
Alex placed a finger on his chin, tilting his bloodied face towards his. “You know what, I don't care about your explanation anymore. I just need you to do one thing for me, before I finally decide what to do with you.”
James' knees wobbled beneath him, his hands trembling. “Okay… anything. Just name it.”
Alex leaned down slowly, his voice dropping to a deadly whisper.
“Get me back the ring.”
- Writer
