Snow White's Seven Handsome Jerks

Promise

Alexa's POV

"Boarding school? Really? Wyndham? We're in the middle of the school semester! This is ridiculous!" I heard Hazel exclaim beside me. I was in a daze, following Hazel without really registering what was happening. Before I knew it, we had reached the hospital garden.

"What should we do, hun? We can't let Evelyn do what she wants. I know she's up to no good, but sending Alexa away while her father is in a coma is beyond evil," Hazel mom said.

"Gosh, she's so awful! She's even more evil than Snow White's stepmother!" Hazel added.

"As of now, I can't do anything about the situation since my position is limited to decision-making and finance only. I'm sure Evelyn will take over Julian's position any day now, and I won't be able to do anything about it. All I can do is lessen down the panic among the board of directors," Uncle Edgar said, sounding defeated.

A few seconds later, Mr. Henderson's phone rang. "I just received a call from headquarters. Mrs. Blackwood will temporarily take over the company tomorrow," he said after answering the call.

Everything was happening so fast. Just moments ago, we were happy, and now this.

"Oh my gosh, see that? I can definitely feel that this is the day Evelyn's been waiting for!" Hazel exclaimed.

I forced myself to take a deep breath before turning to Hazel and the others. I didn't know what was happening, but one thing was certain: I had to find a way to see Dad and figure out what was going on.

"I think I have to go," I said, and everyone turned to me, looking concerned.

"Are you really going to leave? Are you going to follow that evil stepmother of yours? She's literally insane!" Hazel asked, her face incredulous.

"Alexa..." Aunt Helen called out, taking my hands. "We know this is hard for you, hija. But please hang on."

I smiled at her, feeling a bit more at ease knowing I wasn't alone. "Thank you, Tita. To be honest, I don't know what to do because everything's happening so fast. Just moments ago, Dad and I were talking and laughing, and then this happened."

I bit my lower lip to prevent myself from crying in front of them. No, I wouldn't cry. Dad was still alive, and I knew he'd get through this.

"Do you remember what happened before Julian collapsed?" Uncle Edgar asked, and I nodded.

"Someone said something to him, and after that, I saw his expression change. He looked for Tita Evelyn, and then he clutched his chest and collapsed," I replied.

Hazel hugged me tightly. "Tito's going to be fine, Alexa. He will."

"There's something really wrong going on here. Can you recognize the man's face, Ms. Blackwood?" Mr. Henderson asked, and I shook my head.

"No, I don't think I've seen him around the company," I replied, stepping back from Hazel.

"There's a possibility that this wasn't just an accident. Maybe your stepmom purchased poison and used it on your dad," Hazel suggested.

"We can't be sure about that, sweetie. We need to find proof if she really did," her mom said.

I saw Uncle Edgar, Aunt Helen, and Mr. Henderson exchange looks, and I knew what that look meant.

"I don't know what's going on, but one thing's for sure: Tita Evelyn's got something to do with this," I said, and they all nodded in agreement.

"We'll help you," they said.

"For now, I'll leave Dad with you. I know I shouldn't leave him with her, but I have to follow her for the time being. And I trust you to take care of Dad," I added.

I had to make a plan, and for that to happen, I needed to pretend to be under Evelyn's control. And when I was at Wyndham, that's where I would plan everything – out of her radar.

"Whatever decision you make, hija, we'll support you. Don't worry, even though your dad is still unconscious, we'll be his eyes and everything here. You can count on us to do everything for your dad," Uncle Edgar said, squeezing my hands.

"Mr. Blackwood has done a lot for me and my family, so I promise you, Ms. Blackwood, that I won't neglect your dad, even when I'm serving Mrs. Blackwood. We're currently running a private investigation and background check on the food and drinks prepared for the event earlier, as well as the guests. Hopefully, we'll have results tomorrow."

I smiled, grateful for these amazing people in front of me. To be honest, I barely remembered what my mother looked like, except for the last two photos I took from the album in Dad's room before Evelyn burned all the photos of Mom and me with Dad when I was a child. And I thought her becoming my second mom can fullfil this longing inside me, but I was wrong.

"Thank you so much," I said. I didn't want to leave Dad in Evelyn's care, but I thought it was best to gather information before facing her.

"Alexa, bff, this is really fuc—"

"Hazel, sweetie, watch your words, please," Aunt Helen interrupted, and Hazel rolled her eyes.

"Yes, Mom. Anyway, it's really annoying. Your stepmother is throwing you away to a far-off boarding school. But despite all this, I know you'll always think of your dad, and like Dad said, we won't let anything happen to Uncle Julian."

I hugged Hazel tightly. A few moments later, two tall men wearing black suits arrived and stopped in front of us.

"Ms. Blackwood, Mrs. Blackwood is sending you home," one of them said.

I bit my lower lip and balled my fist before turning to Hazel. "Thank you guys. I'll see you again soon." Hazel wiped her cheeks. "It's so annoying. Take care, okay? You have to contact me every day! Don't replace me as your bff, or I'll come and drag you back here."

I chuckled softly. "Yeah, I heard you." I hugged her again. "Tell me if you meet handsome boys, okay? Introduce me," she whispered, making me roll my eyes.

I hugged Mr. Henderson and Aunt Helen, who told me to take care.

"Keep this with you, hija. I've got a feeling you'll be under surveillance when you arrive at Wyndham," Uncle Edgar said, discreetly handing me a phone that I quickly hid in my pocket.

"Thank you," I said, smiling. He tapped me on the head. "Take care, hija."

After saying goodbye, I turned and followed the two men out of the area. But before leaving, I glanced up at the 7th floor of the hospital, where Evelyn was standing by the window. If she thought everything was going according to plan, she was wrong. I stared at her, leaving a promise to do everything I could to take her down and uncover the truth about what happened to my dad.

I wouldn't let her win, Dad. I promise.