บท 3: Alexander Grande

After a very long flight, at last, they arrived in Los Angeles, California. Gathering his things, the man glanced in the direction of the woman. A look of disappointment displayed on his face when he saw that the woman already left the plane.

"Sir I already gathered our things," Grey said.

"Okay good, let's go," his boss answered.

In the airport they were welcomed by a handsome foreigner who was tall, tan in color, has extremely handsome features where his hazelnut colored eyes stood out. His name was Daniel Crook, Alexander's cousin.

"Hey what's up Alex? Looki'n good!" Daniel greeted.

"Good," Alexander answered nonchalantly.

"What's up with him Grey?" Daniel asked. He noticed that his cousin wasn't in a good mood right now.

"The private plane was scheduled for its monthly check today so we weren't able to use it. We needed to head here immediately, that's why we used public transportation. He was forced to share a flight with a few people because it was already too late to book the whole VIP area for him. That's what happened Sir Daniel," Grey reported.

"Oh I see that's why," Daniel laughed, "Anti-social freak," he teased Alexander.

"Stop the talk. Let's go," Alexander wore his sunglasses and started to walk.

Alexander was clearly irritated right now, his facial expression tells so. Daniel and Grey knew him so well. They didn't want to worsen his mood so they started to walk along with him.

"Wait," Alexander suddenly stopped.

"What's the matter Alex? Anything wrong?" questioned Daniel but didn't get a response because the person he was talking to was busy looking somewhere, or rather someone.

"Hey Alex who's that you're looking at?" Daniel poked Alex which snapped him back to reality.

"Hmm? You were saying?" asked Alex who was clearly not listening to anything Daniel said.

"I was asking who that woman you were looking at was," Daniel turned his head and pointed to the direction of the person Alexander was looking at.

"No one," answered Alex. A slight smile formed on his face which stunned both Daniel and Grey.

Alexander always held a cold face and aura which made him look unapproachable. For a second, he looked less intimidating.

"Hey Grey, pinch me. I think I'm dreaming right now. I think I just saw my cousin smile," Daniel said.

"I think we're both dreaming Sir Daniel, I think I also saw it," answered Grey. They both looked at Alexander weirdly.

Both of them knew Alexander rarely smiled. Ever since that incident that happened many years ago, a smile on his face became a rare sight. Seeing him smile genuinely today was a really refreshing moment. His handsome face, even though only for a second, lighted up.

After the little moment of sunshine, the trio walked out of the airport and boarded the car prepared for them and headed to Alexander's private mansion.

Alexander Grande, an American boy currently living in Asia. 27 years old, the mighty CEO of Cosche Corporation, Single. A business genius, legendary personality in the business industry. At a very young age he had already established his own empire, making his name known across Asia. A lot of CEOs from different companies had to bow down their heads to him.

He was after all, a very powerful man.

Alexander was known as a ruthless CEO, 'The Demon CEO' as they call him. All companies that dared to mess with him were all torn down to a point of no return by him, which left everyone scared of him. Alexander was a business genius, his creative ideas and effective decisions led him to where he is today and a lot of people acknowledge him for that.

Alexander was on the list of the 'World's Youngest Billionaires', marking his first billion at the age of 21. He was also titled the 'Hottest Billionaire' by Forbes, holding the title for 5 consecutive years now. His company on the other hand was on Forbes 'Top 10 Highest Earning Companies in the World', landing in the 8th spot.

A lot of women admired him for his successful life and career. Although a lot of them attempted to woo the handsome bachelor, nobody has ever succeeded on having Alexander's heart and attention, leaving rumors that he was Gay.

Arriving at the private mansion, Alexander removed his coat and tie immediately. He headed straight to his bedroom to take a shower while Daniel and Grey were left in the living room to organize their luggage.

"Hey Grey, what's up with that woman earlier?" asked Daniel.

"I have no idea Sir," Grey answered.

"But why did Alexander suddenly stopped to look at her? I mean, we both know Alexander and he wasn't the type to do that," Daniel said, "And you did see him smile right? He was in a bad mood earlier! But the moment he saw the woman his mood changes quickly," Daniel spoke in frustration. He hated it when his curiosity wasn't satisfied.

"I am also completely confused Sir Daniel," Grey answered, "Earlier in the plane, he even asked for her name," he added.

"What?" Daniel's tone raised, "Did he really?" he asked and Grey nodded.

"He's taking an interest in a woman, that's new," Daniel said.

"Are you done gossiping about me?" a voice suddenly spoke behind them which made Grey and Daniel jump in shock.

"Ah.. ha Alex you're there!" Daniel spoke as if nothing happened like he was not caught red handed, "You shower fast," he said while wiping his forehead.

"Instead of gossiping about me, don't you have anything better to do?" Alexander scolded Daniel. Both Daniel and Grey suddenly felt a cold aura surround them. It gave them goosebumps.

"Stop with the scary aura Alex, you're scaring me geez and I was just curious okay?" Daniel defended himself, "You acted really odd earlier. What's with the lady?" he asked.

"None of your business," Alexander answered coldly, not showing any emotion at all.

"Psh, Selfish!" Daniel whined like a kid. Grey didn't mind him because he was already used to these cousins.

"By the way Alex, how long do you plan to stay? Don't you want to visit home?" Daniel asked although he already knew what Alexander's answer would be.

"Until I clear the matter. No thanks," Alexander answered both questions coldly. Daniel clearly knew the reason behind it. It was best that he doesn't push the idea anymore.

"Still not over it?" Daniel asked and Alexander just shrugged, "Okay then, contact me when you leave. I'll send you off. I'm leaving now," Daniel stood up and headed to the door to leave.

"Hmm," Alex answered with a nod. Daniel was aware of Alex's issues with their family, but he thought after so many years Alex would've forgotten about it already, but he guess not yet. The pain was still engraved on Alex's heart.

"Grey what's the schedule for today?" asked Alexander who was drying his hair with a towel.

"There is nothing scheduled for you today Sir, all of your meetings are scheduled for tomorrow and the following days."

"Good. Any updates on Huyin Enterprise?"

"Yes Sir, they are slowly poaching our men here in LA, they were offering triple the salary we offered them. The branch here lost almost 30% of sales since last week and is continuously dropping due to lack of manpower," Grey reported.

"List down every employee who left the company, I need all their contact details. Print out copies of their contracts and distribute it to our company lawyers. Reserve a restaurant and invite every single one of them. And also, book me an appointment with the CEO of Huyin on the same day. We have a lot to talk about," Alexander instructed.

Grey understood his boss better than anyone. Right now he knows that there is nothing but tragedy waiting for Huyin Enterprises.

Who told them to mess with Alexander?

"And another thing, make a complete background check about Sabrina, I want every information you can get about her," Alexander said.

Grey was utterly confused by his boss' order but he did not dare ask him why and just answered, "I'll hand it over in three days Sir."

"Very good," Alex turned around and headed to the study room to read and sign documents. He also made several calls for tomorrow's event.