The Billionaire’s Regret -Alessa (by Bukolami) novel Chapter 26

**Shadows Beneath the Silent Moon**
**Rising Echoes by Aiden R. Vale**
**Chapter 26**

Alessa descended the staircase with deliberate slowness, each step echoing in the stillness of the house. As she entered the living room, she halted, her gaze falling upon her children, who were utterly absorbed in the news broadcast flickering on the television screen.

They were oblivious to her presence, their eyes glued to the images that danced across the screen. Alessa positioned herself behind the couch where they sat, curiosity piquing as she joined them in watching the unfolding story.

The face of the reporter materialized on the screen, her voice somber as she reported on a tragic event. Alessa’s heart sank as the details emerged: the woman had been discovered in the street early that morning, her lifeless body riddled with bullet wounds—one in her head, another in her chest, and a third in her abdomen.

“Aria, isn’t this the reporter who asked Mum about…” Aiden’s voice trailed off, the realization dawning on him.

“Yes, she is the one,” Aria interjected, cutting him off with an air of certainty.

“She was…” Aiden began, his voice barely above a whisper.

“Murdered,” Alessa completed his sentence, her heart heavy with the weight of the truth. Both children turned to her, surprise etched on their faces.

In an instant, Alessa’s expression transformed into a warm smile, a reflexive gesture to ease the tension in the room.

“Hey, my little darlings,” she greeted, moving around the couch to settle between them. They instinctively leaned into her, seeking comfort in her presence.

“Mummy, do you know why the reporter died?” Aria asked, her voice innocent yet filled with a child’s curiosity.

Alessa shrugged lightly, her eyes still fixated on the screen. “Maybe she did something wrong,” she suggested, her tone casual, though her heart ached at the thought.

“Someone dies when they do something wrong?” Aiden inquired, his brow furrowing in confusion.

“If that’s the case, Aiden should have died a long time ago,” Aria quipped, rolling her eyes dramatically. Alessa couldn’t help but chuckle at the banter between her children.

“Let’s steer clear of that topic,” she said, waving to a maid standing discreetly in the corner. The maid understood the unspoken cue and swiftly changed the channel, diverting their attention.

“Mum, are we going to that thing the creepy man invited us to?” Aiden asked, his brow knitting together in confusion. Alessa’s mind raced as she struggled to recall what he was referring to.

“Yeah. He said, ‘This weekend, which is tomorrow,'” Aria chimed in, recalling the details. Recognition flickered in Alessa’s mind, and she mouthed an ‘oh’ as she remembered Bryan’s father.

Before she could formulate a response, Aria pressed on with another question. “What history do you have with them? We’ve heard people talk about it. We heard it at the ball and also at the party. What is the history?” Her voice was earnest, seeking answers.

Alessa looked down at her daughter, her mind momentarily blank as she searched for the right words. A strange wave of uncertainty washed over her.

“Do you also know my friend at the hotel? He is part of the creepy man’s family, right?” Aria continued, her curiosity unrelenting.

“There is this look you get when they are mentioned or when you see them, I have noticed,” Aiden added, his eyes narrowing as he studied her.

Alessa’s gaze shifted from Aria to Aiden, her heart racing slightly.

“Huh?” she murmured, caught off guard.

Aiden held her gaze, searching for something unspoken. “I… I can’t explain it,” he finally admitted, his eyes reflecting a depth of emotion. “It’s like anger, mixed with pain and…”

“Okay,” Alessa interjected with a light laugh, breaking the intensity of the moment.

“I’ll decide if we will go before the end of the day. But first, I need to have breakfast,” she said hurriedly, rising from her seat.

Her children watched her closely as she made her way toward the dining room, their eyes filled with a mix of concern and curiosity.

‘Do I really have that look in my eyes?’ Alessa pondered, taking a seat at the table.

She shook her head vigorously, attempting to dispel the negative thoughts that threatened to cloud her mind as she began her breakfast.

—

**SIX YEARS AGO**

A groan escaped Alessa’s lips as she felt the ache radiating through her body. With great effort, she opened her eyes, only to be met with a blinding brightness that compelled her to shut them once more.

After a brief moment, she summoned the courage to try again. This time, she squinted against the harsh light and surveyed her surroundings. The room was unfamiliar, small and sparsely furnished, containing only a single chair beside the bed where she lay.

As she attempted to sit up, a sharp pain shot through her head, and she winced, her hand instinctively reaching for the source of discomfort.

She noticed a syringe in her hand, its needle connected to an IV drip.

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