Unexpected Journeys

Alexander Jonas listened intently as David spoke about Dawn Group's new project, his eyes narrowed in concentration. There was something about how Alexander observed him calm and calculating, as though weighing every word David said. To an outsider, it might've seemed like they were brothers, but in reality, they were more like business partners. Alexander wasn't just a trusted ally in the Rosewood family—he was the one person everyone turned to when things went south, the man with the answers to difficult problems.

What made him even more enigmatic was his past. Alexander wasn't just known for his business acumen—he had once been a private investigator, and his reputation still lingered. Every time he visited one of the company branches, the employees couldn't help but tense up in his presence. The whispers followed him, and the fear was palpable. It was as if his eyes held secrets, and people couldn't shake the feeling that he might be looking right through them.

Just as Alexander was about to respond to David, his phone rang, displaying the name "Nosy Witch" on the screen. He let out a deep sigh, clearly irritated. The fashion director at Dawn Group had a knack for pushing his buttons and calling at the worst possible times.

"Dave, excuse me, I have to take this," Alexander said, standing up from his seat. His voice was tinged with mild frustration.

David nodded, understanding the situation. He leaned back in his chair, watching as Alexander stepped away to answer the call.

"Hey, Alex." Amy's bright and casual voice came through the phone as soon as the call connected.

"Director Amy," Alexander muttered, his tone dripping with annoyance. "I thought you knew better than to call at this ungodly hour." His words were clipped as if he were barely holding back his frustration.

Meanwhile, Emmy, sitting nearby, signaled to Amy to put the call on speaker. She was curious to hear what this was about, sensing a tension between the two. Amy flashed her a quick, knowing smile before tapping the button to activate the speaker.

"Oh, Alex, don't go all the way being sarcastic, okay? I already apologized for what I did," Amy's voice came through, sounding almost sheepish, a rare tone for her.

Emmy raised an eyebrow in curiosity, wondering what Amy could've possibly done to make her apologize. But her curiosity was fleeting—there were more important things at hand.

Alexander sighed deeply. "Alright, I'll turn a blind eye to it if you don't repeat it. Now get to the point. What is this call about? I need to get back to deal with some important matters," he said, urgency creeping into his voice.

Amy cleared her throat. "I was wondering if you could help a friend of mine find some answers," she said, her tone polite, almost measured, as if she was trying to make sure Alexander wouldn't outright reject her.

"Amy, you know I don't like that. Don't beat around the bush and get to the point," Alexander replied, frustration creeping into his voice.

Amy hesitated before answering. "It's a long story, and I think you should meet my friend and talk to her personally. How about we meet tomorrow if that's okay with you?" she asked, her tone suddenly shifting to something more friendly and persuasive.

Alexander rubbed his temple, clearly not wanting to get involved. The last time he helped a woman, he'd nearly ended up in prison. It had been David who had ensured he kept his freedom. It wasn't because he was incapable or anything, but rather because the woman carried so much emotional baggage that it became overwhelming for him.

"Alright, I'll text you the venue and time for the meeting," he said after a pause, his voice tight. "Don't keep me waiting."

Amy's voice broke into an exaggerated shriek of excitement. "Oh, Alex, I knew I could count on you! Thank you!"

Alexander quickly pulled the phone away from his ear, wincing at the volume. Before he could say anything else, the call ended, and he was left in the silence of his room, feeling as though he had just been roped into something he really didn't want to be a part of.

"Are you sure about this?" Emmy asked, her brow furrowing with confusion. "The guy didn't sound like he wanted to help," she added, still unsure about the whole situation.

Amy waved off her concern with a reassuring smile. "Don't worry about him. It's just his nature. When you meet him in person, you'll see he's not so bad. I actually kind of like his attitude," she said with a slight shrug. "You'd be acting that way too if you were close with the CEO of Dawn Group."

Emmy raised an eyebrow, the name Dawn Group catching her attention. "Right, speaking of Dawn Group," she began, her voice suddenly taking on a more serious tone, "the CEO came with his niece today for the parent-teacher meeting."

Amy's eyes widened with interest, her posture shifting as she leaned in closer. "Really?" she asked, clearly intrigued.

Emmy nodded, then proceeded to tell Amy all about her day at school, recounting everything from the awkward moments with the parents to the unexpected encounter with the CEO and his niece.