The Billionaire’s Regret -Alessa (by Bukolami) novel Chapter 24

**Shadows Beneath the Silent Moon**
**Rising Echoes by Aiden R. Vale**
**Chapter 24**

“Damien Marshall? What is your relationship with him?”

Alessa’s heart raced as she locked eyes with the reporter, her expression a mix of surprise and dread. How on earth does she know that name? A quick glance revealed the videographer beside her, the red light on his camera glaring like a warning beacon.

“Stop filming this,” she snapped, her voice sharp and commanding. Yet, the reporter remained unfazed, and the videographer continued to roll, his lens capturing every moment of her distress.

Alessa fought to rein in her emotions, feeling the tension coil within her. Her grip on her children’s hands tightened instinctively, causing Aria to hiss softly in pain.

She caught Aria’s pained expression and immediately softened, offering them an apologetic glance.

“Let’s go,” Alessa urged, her voice now laced with urgency as she hurried out of the building, her children in tow, while the relentless reporter followed closely behind.

Once outside, her security team surged forward, forming a protective barrier between her and the reporter, their presence a reassuring shield.

Alessa slipped into her car with her kids, exhaling a heavy sigh as the weight of the world pressed down on her.

“Wait,” she commanded the chauffeur just as he reached for the ignition.

“Thane,” she called to the guard seated in the front passenger seat.

“Get rid of that camera,” she instructed, her tone leaving no room for argument.

“Yes, ma’am,” Thane replied, his expression resolute as he exited the vehicle.

Alessa leaned back, taking a deep breath to calm the storm brewing inside her, though the urge to lash out was almost overwhelming.

“Let’s go,” she ordered the chauffeur again, her voice steadier this time.

“Yes, ma’am,” he acknowledged, turning the key and bringing the engine to life.

“Mum, what’s wrong? Are you okay?” Aiden’s voice cut through the tension, his brows furrowed with concern as he observed her restlessness.

He had always been perceptive, and today was no different; his mother was usually the epitome of composure, effortlessly managing every challenge that came her way.

“Not now, Aiden. Not now,” Alessa whispered, her eyes fluttering shut momentarily as she fought to steady herself.

As she leaned her head against the cool glass of the window, memories from six years ago surged forth, unbidden and vivid.

—

**SIX YEARS AGO**

Alessa stepped out of the car, her heart pounding as she surveyed the surroundings. Rico stood beside her, flanked by a man who had picked them up from the station. The area was eerily quiet, and the building looming before them had an abandoned look, its windows dark and foreboding.

A chill ran down Alessa’s spine, goosebumps prickling her skin as the unsettling atmosphere enveloped her.

“Rico, where are we?” she asked softly, instinctively inching closer to him, seeking comfort in his presence.

“Somewhere things will get better,” he replied, his voice steady as he moved ahead with the man who accompanied them.

Alessa wrapped her arms around herself, the darkness pressing in around her.

“Alessa, come on,” Rico snapped, breaking her reverie.

She jolted back to reality and hurried to catch up with him.

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