The Billionaire’s Regret -Alessa (by Bukolami) novel Chapter 16

**Shadows Beneath the Silent Moon**
**Rising Echoes by Aiden R. Vale**
**Chapter 16**

“Hey!” Aria shouted playfully, her voice ringing through the vast dining room as she tossed a slice of bread across the enormous wooden table towards her brother, who sat comfortably on the opposite side.

Aiden, quick on his feet, ducked just in time, and the bread sailed past him, colliding with the unsuspecting maid standing behind him.

“You missed me!” he chuckled, his laughter echoing in the room, a mischievous glint in his eyes as he looked at his sister.

“Sir, ma’am, please refrain from playing with your food,” the maid interjected, her tone a mix of exasperation and humor, but her words fell on deaf ears as the siblings continued their antics. She exchanged glances with the other maids in the dining room, who merely shrugged, equally uncertain about how to handle the lively scene unfolding before them.

Just as Aiden was preparing to retaliate by launching his own food at Aria, the atmosphere shifted with the entrance of Alessa into the dining room.

Instantly, he dropped his food, a warm smile spreading across his face. “Good morning!” they chimed in unison, their voices harmonizing in a cheerful greeting.

Alessa returned their smiles as she gracefully took her seat. One of the maids promptly began to serve her breakfast, the aroma of freshly cooked food filling the air.

“Mummy, where are you going?” Aria inquired, her curious eyes narrowing as she took note of Alessa’s polished outfit. Aiden echoed her thoughts with a look of intrigue.

“You look beautiful, Mum,” he added sincerely, his compliment making Alessa’s heart flutter with warmth.

“Thank you, Aiden. Aria, I have a business meeting to attend, but I promise I’ll be back before evening,” Alessa explained, her voice steady yet affectionate.

“You promised us we would get to go out while we’re here,” Aiden reminded her, a hint of disappointment lacing his words.

“Yes, I remember. We’ll definitely go out and have some fun tomorrow,” she assured them, and the twins exchanged delighted glances, their spirits lifting as they resumed their meal.

Once Alessa finished her breakfast, she bid them farewell, her heart heavy yet hopeful.

Stepping outside, she approached the sleek black car parked at the curb, where a guard stood at attention. As she neared, he opened the car door for her, and she slid into the plush interior, feeling a mix of anticipation and determination. The guard closed the door with a soft thud, and soon, another vehicle, filled with additional guards, followed suit. The chauffeur ignited the engine, and they pulled away from the mansion, the imposing structure fading into the distance.

The journey was lengthy, leading them toward the prestigious Hart’s Empire, the family business of Bryan Hart.

After what felt like an eternity, the chauffeur finally brought the car to a stop. Alessa stepped out, flanked by her guards, and made her way into the grand building. The receptionist and the manager awaited her arrival, bowing respectfully as she approached, her posture exuding confidence and authority.

“Welcome, Ms. Kendall,” the manager greeted, and she nodded curtly in acknowledgment.

“We are delighted to have you here. Please, follow me,” he continued, gesturing for her to proceed. Alessa waved her guards off, signaling them to remain behind, and they complied with respectful bows before exiting the premises.

As she entered the elevator with the manager, he attempted to engage her in conversation, his nervous smile betraying his anxiety. Yet, Alessa remained distant, her mind occupied with the purpose of her visit. She understood his eagerness to please; the Harts were in need of a significant investor for their new project, Aurora, and they had yet to find someone with the means to back them.

When she had first encountered the offer a month prior while in Australia, it had piqued her interest, and without a second thought, she had accepted. This collaboration would streamline her own endeavors, making things considerably easier.

She doubted the Hart family was aware that she was the one prepared to take the plunge. Even if they suspected, they had little choice but to work with her; the initial part of the contract had already been signed.

The elevator doors slid open, and Alessa stepped out alongside the manager, who led her to the conference room. She donned a mask of confidence, ready to face the board.

As she entered, her gaze immediately landed on Bryan. His expression was one of shock, akin to someone who had just encountered a ghost, but he quickly masked it, attempting to regain his composure. His father was conspicuously absent, likely preoccupied with other matters.

Beside Bryan, Tyler appeared less surprised, perhaps having done his homework before her arrival.

“Ms. Kendall,” one of the men in the room called out, his smile wide and welcoming.

“Why didn’t anyone tell me that Alessa is the CEO of A&A Empire?” Bryan whispered to Tyler, his voice laced with incredulity.

“Did you even read the file?” Tyler shot back, raising an eyebrow in disbelief.

Bryan frowned at his friend’s response, feeling a twinge of embarrassment. “What? No,” he admitted, hastily picking up the file from the table. As he flipped through its pages, he found her name, and his eyes widened in astonishment.

“What the hell?” he muttered under his breath.

“She has this much money?” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper. The revelation was staggering, and only Tyler, seated nearby, could hear him.

“You should look her up. You’d be surprised too,” Tyler advised, his tone teasing yet serious.

Bryan glanced back at Alessa, who was engrossed in cordial exchanges with the board members.

Without hesitation, he pulled out his phone, eager to uncover more about her.

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