Chapter Ten

ALEXANDER’S POV

I was being cautious few seconds before. Why does she wants to know what I think now? This is totally weird. The Georgia I know isn't extremely concerned, all she has always wanted is comfort even when others aren't comfortable.

"Hold up." My index finger in the air.

"What?"

I lift my left eyebrow, "Were you asked to spy on me?"

"Come on, bro. Really? Being concerned means being a family spy?"

I stare at her, trying hard to pick up any scent of deceit.

"Alex, you're unbelievable." She shakes her head and scroll through her phone.

The car is enveloped in thick silence that seem to boil and thicken more even with the air conditioner switched on.

I bring the car slowly to a halt in a small garage beside the magnificent building with huge glittering letters of ANDER above it. It shuts close and we descend gradually into a large lit up arena—the company's underground garage.

"Good morning, Mr. Alexander."

"Good morning, good morning." I wave the men in blue uniforms. They are the staff members in charge of the electrical part of the company.

As Georgia and I step into the sleek, mirrored elevator, I press the button for the top floor, and the doors glide shut with a soft hum.

In what seem like forever, the elevator doors open. We step out into the spacious hallway that leads to my office. The walls are adorned with trendy artwork, each piece carefully selected to reflect my personal taste.

I watch her gaze on everything as we walk into the office. The dark wood and leather furniture exudes an air of masculinity, and the wide windows gives a breathtaking scenic view of the city below.

"It looks different. It is still amazing." Georgia says, with a hint of admiration.

"Yep."

I walk over to my desk and pick up the phone, dialing the number for the financial manager. After a brief conversation about payment details and upcoming financial transactions, I hang up and turn back to Georgia seated on the couch at the far end.

"I needed to discuss some payment matters, but it shouldn't take too long," I explain. "I'll be back soon."

I step into hallway, shutting the door behind me. If Georgia's spying on me, she must have told me the wrong time of grandparents meeting.

I take the elevator downstairs and walk briskly to the reception.

"Who drives here?" I ask amidst greetings and I wave and bow in return.

"Good day, Mr. Alexander. Let me call the company's driver shortly." The petite red-lipped receptionist cuts in.

In few minutes, the driver comes in wearing a yellow shirt and blue face cap.

"Good morning, sir. We can leave now." He bows slightly.

"Alright." I follow behind him.

******

Phew!

I open the office door.

"It was quite a time." Georgia almost exclaims.

I hang my suit jacket on the hanger. "A few other things came up."

"Mr. Alexander Willoughby, the CEO of Ander Company." She chuckles.

"Ain't easy. At least, I won't be married off to a family friend in few years to come." I throw the diss.

She gives me a deadly stare, "I wish you never said that to me. The person that needs to hear that is Annabel."

Our laugh in unison is cut short by the abrupt entrance of Stephan.

"This is a business environment, why's everyone laughing?"

"This is a business environment, why didn't you knock, Mister? How may I help you?" Georgia raises her head from her phone.

"Oh, please! Spare me that." He chuckles making his way to the desk, "How are you Gia?"

"I'm fine, thank you."

"Welcome, man." I say, in between a loud handshake.

"I saw your text earlier. You don't sleep too?"

"It's the text that mattered at that time. I could be sleep-texting."

"No debates. So, what's happening?"

"A private discussion with you."

"Ouuuu… Interesting!" Stephan can be dramatic most times.

"Georgia," I turn to her, "I need to have a private discussion with Stephan. Excuse us."

"Okay." She moves her gaze from Stephan to me and she goes out almost reluctantly.

My eyes follow her through the door until she shuts the door behind her.

"Stephan," I begin, my voice tinged with determination, "I've been doing some digging into the surrogate situation. I've stumbled upon a clue, something that might help me uncover more about her."

Stephan leans forward, his expression a mix of curiosity and caution. "What kind of clue, Alex? Are you sure it's worth pursuing?"

"It's a small lead, but it's a start," I explain. "I just can't shake this curiosity and feeling, Stephan. I need to know more about the woman who's carrying my children."

"Children?" His eyes widen.

"Yes, twin." I nod.

Stephan leans back in his chair, his fingersI his forehead. "Alex, I understand how you feel, but you have to remember why you agreed to this surrogacy. It's about giving you a heir or heirs and not about you getting to know the woman. We knowhow emotionally unavailable you are."

"I get that, Stephan, but it's hard. I feel like I'm in the dark about something so important in my life."

His gaze softens, his lips shut.

"Don't make me look weak," I run a hand through my hair, frustration and fervor warring within me. "It's just hard to let go of this need to know the woman."

"What clue did you get?"

"I went home just before you came in. I went through some files and I saw an email, source unknown. It was a brief message. I didn't settle down to read it. I saw 'surrogate, Emma J confirmed' so, the name is enough clue."

Stephan let out a burst of laughter.

"Really?"

"I know J can mean anything. We can sort that out."

"And there are many Emmas'."

"More reason for handing it over to a professional." I tap the table with my nails.

"As your friend, I'll advise you to keep off. Your grandparents decided to make this extremely confidential. Don't let your pride ruin it."

I slap the desk, getting off the seat. "Let's get a drink outside. I'm still embarking on this. I'm not going back."

"You might have to, soon."