The Billionaire’s Regret -Alessa (by Bukolami) novel Chapter 39

**Shadows Beneath the Silent Moon**
**Rising Echoes by Aiden R. Vale**
**Chapter 39**

Alessa stepped into the conference room, her heart racing slightly as she entered alongside the manager. The moment she crossed the threshold, a palpable hush fell over the room, and all eyes turned to her, their gazes heavy with expectation. She could feel the weight of their scrutiny, a mixture of curiosity and judgment that made her acutely aware of her presence.

In the midst of the gathered board members, she spotted Brook, seated just two chairs away from Bryan. The tension between the two brothers was almost tangible, a simmering rivalry that had been nurtured over the years. Their competition was relentless, each striving to win their father’s approval in hopes of inheriting the vast Harts Empire. Alessa couldn’t help but wonder if today would bring any new developments in their ongoing feud.

“Ms. Kendall, welcome,” one of the board members greeted her with a nod, his voice formal yet lacking warmth. She returned the gesture with a slight incline of her head, feeling the need to maintain her composure in this high-stakes environment.

Taking her designated seat, Alessa braced herself for what was to come, her mind racing with thoughts of the project they were about to discuss.

“Let’s make one thing clear,” Brook interjected abruptly, his tone sharp as the others settled into their seats. “We don’t accept lateness in this company.”

Alessa raised an eyebrow, her annoyance rising. “Then you should return my billions,” she shot back, her voice steady despite the heat of the moment. Brook’s expression soured, caught off guard by her retort, a flicker of embarrassment crossing his features.

Tyler, seated nearby, couldn’t help but chuckle softly at the exchange, which earned him a fierce glare from Brook. The atmosphere in the room shifted slightly, tension mingling with the undercurrent of amusement.

“Ms. Kendall,” another board member called, rising to his feet as he prepared to present. “This is the progress so far on the Aurora project.” Alessa nodded, urging him to continue, her interest piqued.

“We believe this project could change humanity in the most positive way. We have…” His voice trailed off, and Alessa leaned in, eager to absorb every detail.

—

Meanwhile, in another part of the building, Aria and Aiden were lost in their own world of laughter and mischief. They dashed through the hallways, their giggles echoing off the walls as they played a game of tag, with Thane trailing behind, unable to catch up.

“Come on, slowpokes!” Aria called over her shoulder, her eyes sparkling with mischief as she and Aiden hopped into an elevator, pressing the buttons for various floors. Thane could only watch in exasperation, his frustration mounting as they effortlessly evaded him.

As the elevator doors slid shut, Thane felt a surge of irritation. “Okay, that’s enough! Don’t move,” he warned, his voice firm, but inside he was battling a mix of annoyance and fondness for their spirited antics.

“Ready?” Aiden asked, excitement bubbling in his voice.

“Yeah!” Aria replied, her enthusiasm infectious.

“Catch us, Thane! Catch us!” Aria sang out, her laughter ringing in his ears as she darted into the elevator, while Aiden sprinted away down the hallway.

Thane cursed under his breath as the elevator doors closed just as he reached them. “Damn it,” he groaned, frustration boiling over. He was torn between pursuing Aiden, who was racing toward the stairs, or Aria, who had vanished behind the elevator doors.

After a brief moment of deliberation, he chose to chase Aiden.

Aiden was bounding down the stairs, laughter spilling from his lips. “Okay, I’ve had enough of this!” Thane muttered, determination surging through him as he leaped down the stairs, landing gracefully on the next floor right in front of Aiden, whose eyes widened in amazement.

“Wow, that was so cool!” Aiden exclaimed, his voice full of awe. Thane rolled his eyes, but a small smile crept onto his face as he scooped Aiden up into his arms.

“Aww, you got me first,” Aiden complained playfully, running his fingers through Thane’s hair.

“What floor is Aria headed to?” Thane inquired, trying to regain some focus.

“The sixth floor,” Aiden replied, his smile fading slightly.

“Great,” Thane sighed, setting off toward the stairs again, still holding Aiden securely.

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