The soft hum of his luxury car was the only sound filling the night air as Alexander drove home after his emotionally charged evening with Hazel.
Her tearful confession still echoed in his mind — her pain, her vulnerability, and the way she clutched his hands as if holding onto something she never wanted to lose.
He smiled faintly to himself, satisfied.
Things were progressing perfectly.
The more Hazel trusted him, the more dependent she would become.
And yet... as much as Alexander relished control, tonight stirred something new — a layer of guilt he wasn't expecting.
He shook it off.
Business was business.
Emotions were a tool.
By the time he reached his penthouse, his mood had shifted entirely back into focus. He poured himself a glass of whiskey, sat down at his sleek black desk, and pulled out his encrypted laptop.
The city sparkled beneath him, a glittering playground for the powerful.
He opened a private encrypted message window. It was time to begin.
Initiate inquiry — confidential.
SUBJECT: 16+ year old vehicular accident. Victims: Mr. & Mrs. Brookes. Surviving child: Hazel Brookes (adopted).
Location: Outskirts of Fairhill, returning from family vacation.
Objective: Identify driver responsible for accident. Find official reports, court records, and any associated witness testimony.
Status: Unknown. Possibly sealed records.
Alexander hit "send" and leaned back, swirling the amber liquid in his glass. His most trusted investigator, Marcus, would handle it quietly.
Discretion was key. Hazel could never know about this step until the time was right.
And Peter... well, Peter would never see this coming.
Two days later, Alexander sat in his private office reviewing contracts when his secure phone buzzed — a coded signal only Marcus used.
He answered instantly.
"Sir," Marcus began, his voice low and crisp, "we've retrieved the accident report and started piecing together the file."
"Good," Alexander replied, voice calm but sharp. "What have you found?"
"According to initial police reports, the accident occurred on Route 47. The Brookes' car was struck head-on by a freight truck. Driver at fault: male, mid-forties at the time, name... Arthur Caldwell."
Alexander's brow furrowed. "Arthur Caldwell. Was he charged?"
Marcus paused briefly. Initially arrested for reckless driving and suspected intoxication.
But—" Marcus hesitated, as if carefully choosing his words. "Charges were dismissed after several months. Case sealed."
"Sealed?" Alexander's voice sharpened. "By whom?"
"That's where it gets... interesting, sir." Marcus's voice dropped even lower.
"The attorney who handled the case on behalf of Mr. Caldwell was a man named Richard Westwood."
Alexander's eyes narrowed, his heartbeat quickening. That name.
Peter's father.
Westwood & Partners — one of the most influential legal firms in the region. Peter had mentioned his father briefly during business discussions, but Alexander had never paid it much attention.
Until now.
"Are you certain?" Alexander asked quietly, his mind already racing.
"Yes, sir," Marcus confirmed. "Records verify Richard Westwood personally intervened.
Heavy legal pressure was applied. Multiple key witnesses recanted.
Charges quietly dissolved. Official narrative pinned partial blame on road conditions."
Alexander set his glass down carefully, his hand tightening around the crystal as if holding it together would prevent the entire situation from shattering.
"So, you're telling me Peter's father got the man who killed Hazel's parents off the hook."
"It would appear that way, sir."
For a brief moment, Alexander sat frozen.
This was much bigger than he anticipated. He had expected perhaps an anonymous driver, some careless stranger — but not this.
This wasn't just about Hazel's past anymore.
It was a direct connection to Peter — the man she still loved, still trusted, and still leaned on for support even while unknowingly drawing closer to Alexander.
And the man who would become his greatest obstacle if Hazel ever learned the truth.
"Dig deeper," Alexander finally said. "Find out if Arthur Caldwell is still alive.
Find out everything. His financial records.
Any continuing relationship with Richard Westwood? And make sure Hazel never hears any of this until I say so."
"Understood, sir. Quiet and thorough," Marcus assured him.
"But, sir…" Marcus hesitated again, sensing the sensitivity of his next words. "If Hazel ever learns Peter's father was involved, it could destroy her."
Alexander's jaw tensed. That was precisely the risk — and precisely the opportunity.
"That's why you'll make sure she doesn't," Alexander said coldly. "Not yet."
"Yes, sir. I'll report as soon as I have more."
The line clicked dead, leaving Alexander alone in the growing tension of his penthouse office.
He rose, pacing slowly to the large glass window overlooking the city's skyline.
The lights flickered far below like distant stars, beautiful yet insignificant against the storm brewing in his mind.
This changed everything.
If handled correctly, this revelation could be the wedge that drove Hazel permanently away from Peter — pushing her fully into his arms.
But one wrong move, one whisper of this truth, could shatter Hazel's trust in both of them.
For now, Hazel needed his comfort. His understanding. His steady presence.
And when the time comes, Alexander thought coldly, I'll give her the truth — on my terms.
He smiled faintly to himself, already plotting his next moves carefully. The game had become far more dangerous — but far more thrilling.
The real power play was only just beginning.
And neither Hazel nor Peter had any idea what storm was coming.