The Billionaire’s Regret -Alessa (by Bukolami) novel Chapter 40

40 /112

**Shadows Beneath the Silent Moon**
**Rising Echoes by Aiden R. Vale**
**Chapter 40**
**+25 Bonus**

Alessa’s gaze flicked upward as she caught sight of the approaching figures, her brows knitting together in concern. As they drew nearer, an unsettling feeling settled in her stomach, an instinct honed by years of experience telling her that something was amiss.

When they reached her, Alessa could see it etched across their faces—fear, panic, and an unmistakable urgency.

“What is happening?” she demanded, her voice steady yet laced with an undercurrent of anxiety.

“Aria is missing,” Aiden blurted out, his words tumbling out in a rush as he darted behind Thane’s legs, seeking refuge.

“What?” Alessa’s heart dropped, and she turned her piercing gaze toward Thane, searching for clarity.

“Ma’am, I… I… we…” Thane stammered, his heart pounding in his chest like a war drum. He was acutely aware of Alessa’s formidable nature; she was a force to be reckoned with, especially when it came to her children.

Over the years, they had weathered many storms together, and Thane knew all too well the depth of her love, as well as her fierce protectiveness.

“Where is Aria?” Alessa pressed, her voice low but urgent.

“We… I lost her,” Thane admitted, his voice barely above a whisper as he cast his eyes downward, unable to meet her gaze.

“What do you mean you lost her?” Alessa’s voice cracked slightly, a mixture of disbelief and rising anger.

“It wasn’t his fault; it’s our fault. We didn’t adhere to your rules, and we kept pressuring him. We made him run around. Aria got into the elevator, and I bolted down the stairs. He didn’t know who to follow; he came after me, and since then, we haven’t been able to find her. It’s my fault, not his. Please, don’t fire him.” Aiden’s voice was frantic as he peeked out from behind Thane, his small frame trembling with fear.

He ducked back behind Thane once more, the weight of his words hanging heavily in the air.

Alessa exhaled sharply, frustration and worry swirling within her.

“What is going on here?” Bryan’s voice cut through the tension as he appeared at Alessa’s side, concern etched on his face.

Alessa remained silent, her thoughts racing.

“Have you checked around? She has to be somewhere,” she urged, her voice rising with urgency.

“We… we’ve searched everywhere, ma’am. She’s been missing for over an hour,” Thane replied, his voice thick with regret.

“An hour?” Alessa’s voice rose to a near shout, drawing the attention of those nearby. Whispers rippled through the crowd, a mix of shock and concern. Brook and Tyler edged closer, their expressions mirroring Alessa’s growing panic.

“Aria is missing?” Bryan echoed, disbelief creeping into his tone.

“Yes, sir,” Thane confirmed, his voice trembling.

“We attempted to check the cameras, but they won’t grant me access without your permission,” Thane explained, glancing anxiously at Bryan.

“Let’s move. We need to see what happened,” Bryan commanded, striding toward the elevator with determination. Thane hurried after him, his steps quickened by the urgency of the situation.

Alessa turned her gaze toward Aiden, who offered her a sweet, innocent smile, attempting to lighten the mood.

“Did I mention you look absolutely beautiful today?” he said, his eyes wide with sincerity.

She shot him a glare, her frustration bubbling over. “You are grounded for life,” she declared, gripping his hand tightly as she ushered him toward the elevator.