Ch. 36..40: OMG My Crippled Husband is a Hot Powerful CEO Chapter 36-40

Chapter 36: Chapter 36 – I will spend the rest of my life making her happy

"Alex, I think I have something on Enzo," Aiden said. It sounded like the best news Alex had heard tonight. A yawn escaped him as his body began to give in to exhaustion.

"Tell me about it."

Aiden brought a document to him and did not hesitate to explain the details. "Remember when twenty of your men wanted to resign due to the influx of some dons who were offering outrageous payments and living conditions?"

Alex remembered clearly that those dons were involved in shady businesses such as murder, extortion, corruption of public officials, gambling, infiltration of legitimate businesses, labor racketeering, loan sharking, tax fraud schemes, and stock manipulation schemes.

Their end was well predicted by him, but some of his men were not patient enough to see the downfall, being greedy about working for such dons.

Unfortunately for them, their contract highlighted zero tolerance for resigning and joining gangs to protect their secrets.

"Yes, and that was against the contract."

Aiden smiled and explained further. "Enzo was one of them with protection code E4, but for a different reason."

Now that seemed like a problem for Alex. If Enzo’s reason for wanting to stop working for Salvadore was not to join other gangs or groups, then he was free from the penalty.

Aiden explained it further because he used to be one of Salvadore’s men before circumstances brought them together.

"When he made his intentions known, his life and that of his family were required in exchange."

Alex disagreed. "Impossible. That rule was made to protect the loyal members."

"Well, Enzo had sent a formal letter to Dario, explaining how he found love and wanted to be there for his daughter all the time."

Alex’s expression changed into one Aiden could not recognize. "That letter never reached me." He shook his head miserably.

"So that explains why he was killed."

Alex felt guilty, though he was not directly involved, in instructing. "Get Dario to the report room first thing tomorrow morning."

The report room was just a small room with a screen. Salvadore’s voice would be heard but his face would not be seen.

However, voice-altering software was always used, so no one would suspect Alex even when they met him in person.

"Are there any more such cases?" He asked, fearing the worst but was relieved by Aiden’s response.

"No. The rest wanted to join other mafia groups and would have released secrets, so they deserved to die."

"That’s a relief, and Dario better have a good reason. What about Enzo’s daughter? Was she killed? Her name should be Nancy."

"I will get in touch with the safe house manager, but are you sure you want me to handle it? Isn’t that someone else’s turf?"

Alex reminisced over his words. "You already got involved, so finish it." Then he shook his head. "Never mind. Dario would answer for it tomorrow."

Aiden did not pursue the matter, and since he had to arrange for Dario’s meeting in the report room, he wanted to go to bed early to have an early start.

"Are you coming to my place?"

Alex shook his head. "With her friend at the house, I have to act my part."

Aiden laughed. "I’ve heard about how people end up with their contract spouses. You I have known to always keep your word, but what if things change?"

A chuckle lifted the corner of Alex’s lips. "Joanna is a very good and attractive woman, but she isn’t my type, and secondly, Dion’s happiness matters most."

The mention of Dion’s name saddened Aiden, and he patted Alex’s shoulder. "She will be fine, but it’s good you kept her existence a secret. She would have been dead by now."

"I would rather die before she does, and I will spend the rest of my life making her happy."

Aiden agreed. "After the lengths I’ve seen you go for her, I think you’ve done more than enough to make her happy, but please don’t lose yourself."

A bitter smile laced the corner of Alex’s lips. "You don’t understand. She doesn’t want me to get married, but if not, I will lose everything."

No matter how Aiden tried, he could not understand his best friend. "You are already married."

"It’s just a contract, and for as long as it remains a secret, everything would be perfect, but Logan had to ruin it for me."

As much as he wanted to strangle Logan, there was still a part of him that loved him so much because the same blood ran through their veins.

Logan was just so much trouble, making Alex lose control. "I still don’t understand why you have to go through all this. You are still a billionaire without the Kings, so why do you want that position so much?"

Alex was slightly disappointed but could not blame Aiden. He had been away for years, helping to manage Alex’s business in other states and also protect it from the mafia.

Not until they dispatched enough trained men in Salvadore’s team, he would have still been needed there.

"Do you think it’s about the money? I’m doing all this for Dion. She can never be Salvadore. That line is too dangerous. I have to make sure to secure everything for her to take over when she gets better. I failed her once, but not anymore."

Aiden felt a warm liquid slide down his cheek. "Gosh, your love for her is just amazing. I wish I were her."

"You are such an idiot. I’m going home and make sure to get Dario for me," Alex teased when they reached the elevator.

At the mansion, Violet was amazed by the number of maids there. "Girl, he treats you like a queen, and yet, you keep complaining."

She watched as Betty led them to the dining table. "Ma’am, it’s late, but please have some soup," Betty said politely, Joanna explained.

"I had a meal out."

"Sir said..."

Jack had to step in to convince Betty that the two women had already eaten enough. "It’s alright, Betty, sir is aware that she ate out. All of us did."

If Joanna had not returned, none of the domestic workers would have gone to bed. "I think he likes you," Violet said, taking off her shoes, and Jack brought the items they purchased in. Four maids were already there to arrange them in the closet.

"These should be left in the car. Violet will take them home," Joan separated the purchased items. Violet was already in the shower, and even after Joan had hers, the maids were still around.

"Good night, Joan, I love your bed." Violet was already asleep, but Joan waited until the maids left.

Nonetheless, she woke up on time the next morning and woke Violet. The two of them went downstairs for breakfast but were surprised by the man waiting for them at the table.

Not only that, the media had captured very interesting news that caused Joanna to strangely shiver.

Chapter 37: Chapter 37 – I think he means the opposite of everything he says

Alex, you’re home?" Joanna sounded surprised and somewhat happy, but Alex only chuckled as she approached him.

"So, you decided to lock me out of our bedroom because of your friend?"

The servants excused themselves when Alex pulled a chair out for Joanna.

They were never supposed to be seen around during intimate moments like this, and without being reminded by Betty, not even their duties like pouring tea or coffee for the bosses could stand in the way.

If their bosses argued or were just having an intimate or casual conversation, the servants were not supposed to listen, and if Alex didn’t mind, then he would tell them to stay.

Despite not being able to use his legs, Alex was quite a gentleman from Violet’s perspective, judging from the mastery of his hands in great ways.

Violet sat next to Joanna as the latter began to pour coffee for all of them. "No need to pretend, Alex. Violet is the woman Logan chose over me. She dumped him right after, and we became friends, so she knows quite a lot."

Logan again. Alex was quite ashamed of Logan’s level of indiscipline but was sure that if he were to meet Logan again, there would be another woman by his side.

Joanna understood Alex’s words clearly. He was trying to play his part, but she wished he had stayed the night because he wanted to.

Alex was annoyed that he had returned home to fake their relationship when he could have spent the night at Aiden’s house, which was close to the report room and his office. "I see. Then I wasted my time coming back."

A bitter smile laced Joanna’s voice, not understanding why she was yearning for his presence. Maybe it just made her feel protected. "So, this was all for show?"

"What do you expect?" Alex frowned, not liking her desire for him to be friendly with her when there was no need to pretend.

With Violet knowing everything, he did not have to hide his intentions anymore. "I hope you haven’t forgotten the rules. Enjoy all the facilities in this house and have as much fun as you can. I have to go."

Joanna pursed her lips, her eyes dulling with disappointment. Sure, she knew the rules, but what stopped them from being friends? Then again, she recalled not having seen Alex eat. At Grandpa’s house, he ate very little, and at the rooftop, he left all the food untouched.

"Alex, are you a vampire?" She asked behind him. Alex stopped the wheels of his chair but did not turn around.

"Why is that?" He wondered why she would reference him to a mythical creature. Did she know about his other side? Even if she did, couldn’t she have compared him to any known murderer rather than a vampire?

Joanna gasped, not hiding her frustration. "You don’t eat as much as I’ve known you." When he brought her to the mansion the first time, he had eaten very little, but she thought he was just being courteous because the house wasn’t his.

After everything was laid bare, she began to understand that it was just his nature, but how could someone eat so little and still live?

"I am just as human as you are, and besides, I don’t move a lot like you do, so I don’t need much food. I’m not hungry if you get what I mean."

Joanna got a different understanding. "You mean because you can’t use your legs to exercise, you prefer to limit your food?"

Alex was frustrated and annoyed, thinking of the best way to shut her up. "No. In simple terms, the sight of you makes me lose my appetite. Ike," he called out, glad he was talking to her with his back turned.

Joanna’s face drained of color, but she was determined to build some level of friendship before their contract ended. After achieving that, she would remind him of how annoying he used to be.

Ike came in, and Alex whispered something to him. Ike rushed upstairs as Violet whispered to Joanna, "I think he means the opposite of everything he says."

As a woman with more experience with men, she smartly discerned the fears in Alex’s words, but Joanna didn’t believe her. "You are wrong there. This is how he has been from day one."

Her phone beeped, so she removed it, and seeing the news, a frown contoured her face as she went to press the remote of the LED screen, at the same time Ike was descending the stairs.

A reporter was reading the news, as the headline at the bottom read, ’Salvadore’s men strike again.’

"Last night, Salvadore’s men crushed an underground club, rescuing at least five girls whose whereabouts are still unknown. The club was discovered by a detective who has been investigating matters for a while, gathering evidence to use against them."

"According to Detective Liam, the club belongs to a Russian Don Toshiev, who is said to have fled the country in his private jet right after the incident. The camera footage from the club mysteriously disappeared."

"Pictures are showing the remains of the club, but no person was seen, dead or alive. An eyewitness who was able to escape as soon as Salvadore’s men arrived said there had been bloodshed, and Toshiev’s men had been killed in it."

"The FBI is collaborating with the NYPD to investigate the matter, and a search team has been dispatched to find out if there are other victims because of the illegal activities that went on in this club, such as illegal prostitution, auctioning humans, human trafficking, and substance abuse."

"Joan, Joan, are you alright?" Violet shook Joan, her voice above that of the reporter on the screen, bringing Joan out of her trance. "You are shivering," Violet observed, and aloud, Alex was attentive.

Regaining herself, Joanna forced a smile. "Yes, I’m fine. Anytime Salvatore’s name is mentioned, I feel so strange."

Alex froze in his wheelchair, glad that his back was turned. Ike met him with the documents he went to pick up in his bedroom before wheeling him out so quietly that the women did not realize it until the closing of the door.

"What is it about him? Care to share?"

Joana thought for a while but could not pinpoint her reason for being afraid of that man. It was not just her. Most people did, but unless they were doing something wrong. "I wish I knew."

They got ready to leave, and Joanna had another driver assigned to Violet, also in charge of dropping her home after work due to the many shopping bags.

Alex barely reached his car when his phone beeped. ’Dario is in the report room.’

 

Chapter 38: Chapter 38 - My Sunshine

Alex did not have to be in the report room to have a meeting with Dario. Their contacts were always virtual, so as soon as Ike helped him to the car, he checked the footage from the report room. He could see the man there, but the man could only hear his voice.

"Dario, read the rules again."

The writings were displayed on the screen of the LED TV, but the response was prompt. "Sir, I know the rules like the back of my hand." Dario was in his early thirties, just like Alex but due to a lot of physical training, he looked much younger.

Alex smiled. This was his reason for choosing Dario. He took his work seriously, which made it a challenge for Alex to have him terminated.

Years ago, the police and even the FBI failed to protect his family. There was a series of attacks from mafias against their companies and family, leading to the loss of many family members and staff, including his grandmother.

This was the reason Alex decided to build his own agency, strong enough to protect them against the mafia. With time, the agency grew, attracting wealthy clients.

Alex preferred to call them Salvadore’s men or team, rather than the regular secret agency most people were used to calling such organizations.

"If you’ve read the rules, then you should tell me about Enzo."

With such meetings, there was no beating around the bush. Dario could hear the man he knew as Salvatore’s voice clearly.

Having worked with him for decades, he was quite accustomed to the voice but still discerned some form of bitterness in it, which was quite strange for a man like Salvatore.

The voice had been altered, but it was obvious that something was wrong with it. "That is a closed case, but the truth is, he was wrongfully killed, and I took care of everything."

"Explain."

Dario took a deep breath before laying things bare with his boss. "A group of men wanted to leave the brotherhood, as I call it. Enzo unfortunately sent a letter around that time. My second in command by then kept the letter for reasons only known to him, making me apply the same fate to Enzo as I did to the traitors."

Dario’s second in command was recruited by him, just like most of the men on the team but only Dario was responsible for all the reports.

Alex sighed with relief. Dario was not aware of the letter until it was too late. Before Alex asked, Dario explained further.

"My second in command did not intend to give me the letter, but after a fight with a gang, it fell from his pocket, and that was how I saw it. He led an innocent man to the slaughter, so I also made him a scapegoat," he concluded.

Alex allowed Dario to operate freely after watching him constantly for three years. When he developed trust in Dario, that was when he allowed him to use his judgment in most matters.

As such, there was no pressure on Alex regarding the agency, so he could focus fully on the King’s multinational. Dario was doing a good job, but there was still a matter of concern.

"After this, did you compensate the family?"

Dario took another deep breath before answering the question. "My second in command had ordered the kidnapping of Enzo’s only daughter to be killed, but I intervened before it happened and took care of all those working with him."

Now Alex felt that he owed Joan and her mother a lot. He would indeed make it up to them but was even more determined to never allow anything beyond their contract to grow between them, as that would only result in heartbreak.

Enzo, Joan’s stepfather, was wrongfully killed by Salvatore’s men and surely, Monica would hate Alex if she knew this truth.

"Where is the daughter?" Alex asked instantly, hoping that she was in what he called a safe house, which was, in fact, a city he built for most of the people they rescued.

Some were orphans, and others, due to what they had been through, did not want to reunite with their families, so such people were given new identities.

"Her name was Nancy, but I changed it to Beauty. Her mother and half-sister mysteriously disappeared when I tried to find them."

Alex could not help but ask. "Why Beauty?"

"She’s beautiful, reminding me of Beauty and the Beast." Dario was surprised to be telling his boss all this but could also not hide it.

"Enzo was our oldest agent. He was forty-two at the time of his death, but his daughter was just around four years by then. When I met her, she was so scared and kept crying. It took time to calm her, and as soon as she was comfortable with me, she never wanted anyone else around her."

"With the nature of my job, I don’t intend to get married, so I decided to raise her as mine, instead of taking her to the safehouse because of the injustice against her father."

Now everything seemed complicated to Alex. If he takes Nancy from Dario back to her mother, then some secrets might be exposed. "How old is she now?"

"Ten."

She must know a lot at this moment. "You broke the rule, Dario. You should have brought something like this to my notice. I found Nancy’s mother and half-sister, so how do I take her back?"

"Please don’t." Dario’s voice was pleading as if Salvatore was asking for his heart. "I can’t live without her."

"But she’ll get married someday," Alex pointed out. Dario quickly wiped a tear in the corner of his eyes. The painful part was the fact that he did not have what it takes to go after his boss.

No one even knew what he looked like, and his voice was also not real. "That will be at least ten years from now, and I would have been well prepared. She’s my sunshine at this moment."

"What did you say?" Alex asked, the last part of his words sending a great reminder about somebody dear to him.

"That she’s my sunshine?" Dario asked with a look of confusion. How he wished he could see his boss’s face right now.

It would have been easy for him to know where this meeting was leading him.

"Yes. Where did you hear that word?" Alex asked seriously. Dario explained.

"I bought her a teddy bear, and whenever she was crying or I arrived late to pick her up from school, she would hug it and sing the song, ’You are my sunshine, my only sunshine, you make me happy when skies are gray...’"

Alex cut in instantly, a strange panic squeezing his chest. "Did she tell you about where she heard that song?"

Unfortunately for him, Dario’s response only squeezed his chest tighter.

Chapter 39: Chapter 39 - A Bigger Bouquet

"She said her mother and her sister used to sing it for her, but it’s an old country song."

Alex shivered slightly in the car, his mind traveling back to when he first heard that song. From the description he received about the woman he was looking for, she was not old at all, though it was a long time ago, so it couldn’t possibly be Monica.

Most probably, it was Joanna. Alex suddenly felt the temperature in the car change; he felt so hot all of a sudden. How could it be that Joan was the one? She could not remember anything, but if need be, Monica should know everything.

"I haven’t decided on taking her from you yet, but be prepared for anything. You are dismissed."

Dario had mixed feelings but was determined to make the best use of Beauty for the short time they might have.

If his boss changes his mind and leaves her to be raised as his own, then that would also be perfect.

Alex could not get over the feeling that Monica might be connected to the woman he’s been searching for. Ending the virtual meeting, he called Edmund on the phone.

"Reschedule all my appointments. There is somewhere I need to be." Then he informed Ike. "Let’s go and visit Monica. Get a bigger bouquet."

Reaching the house, he was amazed to see one of his cars parked there. The only person who had the right to use any of his cars without permission was Joanna.

It was obvious that she was in there, so Alex waited in the Bentley.

After he left the house after the news, Joanna was on her way to the office when she recalled her mother and decided to check on her.

Arriving there, she was amazed by the bodyguards and the changes done in the house. The only person she could think of doing all this was Alex.

Then the caretakers. The one she hired from the agency had her day off. Monica was in the garden in the backyard when she heard Joanna’s voice from inside.

"Where is my mom?"

"Over here, Joanna," Monica yelled from the backyard, Joanna hastened to her side. "Mom, you look better than I ever saw you."

It was just a few days, but her mother was glowing, looking youthful like she had in a very long time.

Embracing her mother, Joanna’s heart filled with joy. Monica was also amazed to see her, impressed by the designer outfits she wore.

"Alex must be taking very good care of you. You wear designers now?" Joanna was strongly against wearing designer outfits, calling them a waste of resources, so seeing her in them, it was obvious that someone else paid for them.

Joanna shrugged, not allowing herself to feel guilty for dressing so expensively. It was all thanks to the man who claimed to not care about money.

"He said money isn’t a problem, but how are you?"

Her mother beamed as Joanna pulled away and sat on the vacant chair in front of her. She knew she was going to be late to work, but to hell with Mia.

Family was more important. Besides, the bid was for Joanna to meet a specific target within a timeframe, so for as long as she was able to do so, it didn’t matter when she arrived at the office, and ducking her pay would not have any negative effect on her cash flow, thanks to her weekly allowance.

She also had about twenty million in her bank account from what Alex sent her to prove a point.

"I have a wealthy son-in-law, so I’m fine, but tell me, Joanna, why did you get married before having a wedding?" Monica had a feeling that something was off and wanted to know.

Joanna had a rehearsed response in her mind, knowing that something like this was bound to happen.

"We met and fell in love, so we decided to get married. After meeting his grandfather, he insisted that we have a grand wedding."

Her mother smiled and sipped tea. "Alright then, you have my blessing. Let me tell the maids to bring another cup."

"Thanks, Mom, but don’t bother," Joan politely refused, something urgent swimming in her mind. "There is something that has been bothering me."

"What is that?" Monica gave her attention, dropping the magazine she had in her hand. Alex had made sure that newspapers were kept away from her, so she wouldn’t hear any disturbing news.

"I don’t seem to have any childhood memories. Why is that?" Monica stiffened instantly, regretting giving the audience. This must all be because of Joanna’s encounter with Colton.

Not only was she saddened but also welcomed a headache she was not prepared for.

"Is it necessary? Aren’t you supposed to be at work?" Monica was trying to find an escape from that particular conversation, as it reminded her of her lost daughter, but Joanna was equally disturbed, not willing to let the matter rest.

"Mom, this means a lot to me. Please tell me what happened."

Monica forced a smile, but the headache worsened the more she thought about it, and yet, she could not bring herself to lie about it.

Joanna was already married now, so she had someone to take care of her in case she lost her mind. "You had an accident and lost your memories."

Joanna paled. It was a wonder of how long that had been since she always thought her life was perfect until Alex asked about her childhood.

Now she felt like she did not even know herself. "How long ago was that?"

"It happened when you were in college. I think two or three years?" Monica could not remember it clearly, unable to tell if it was because of the sudden headache she was feeling.

"Why didn’t you ever tell me?" Joanna asked, oblivious to all that her mother was going through since the middle-aged woman was trying her best to be strong.

"That’s because the doctor said it was permanent and better for you to build new ones."

Joanna was even more self-conscious, feeling like she was missing a part of herself. A strange feeling overwhelmed her the moment she heard about Salvadore. It had been months since there was news about his men, and watching the news this morning, she could not understand her reaction to it.

"So, Doctor Colton and I were dating back then?"

Monica nodded. "Yes." But the next question soon followed.

"So, who is Nancy?"

 

Chapter 40: Chapter 40 – Madam is being harassed

Monica was overwhelmed by the pain, her mind in turmoil. "Joan, what are you saying? My head is pounding." She could no longer conceal her discomfort.

Joanna noticed the beads of sweat on her mother’s face and became filled with concern. "Mom, you’re sweating. Are you okay?"

Monica was in excruciating pain, reminiscent of the day her young daughter was murdered. How could she be okay?

With Joanna’s memory loss, everything seemed fine because no one reminded her of it, but suddenly, the memories resurfaced, causing fresh pain in her chest and a debilitating headache.

"I need to rest, but who are you?" Monica suddenly asked, and Joanna realized the severity of her mother’s headache.

"Oh no, not again."

The nurse, who had been on call, approached them upon seeing Monica’s distress.

"Ma’am, is everything alright?" She checked on Monica and then turned to Joan, who was feeling remorseful for bombarding her mother with questions.

"I think her dementia has flared up again, but who are you?"

Joanna didn’t recall hiring her, and although there were many new faces, this one appeared to have some medical expertise and was middle-aged.

"I’m her personal nurse. Please allow me to handle this," she said politely, and Joanna couldn’t refuse, knowing she couldn’t help her mother’s condition.

The nurse would be better equipped to assist. In the car, Alex grew impatient and instructed Ike, as he worked on his iPad. "Call one of the caregivers and find out what’s happening with Joanna."

"Yes, sir." Ike dialed the number and after ending the call, he reported, "Sir, Madam Monica is experiencing a panic attack, and her dementia has resurfaced."

Alex needed crucial information and couldn’t believe this was happening at such a critical time.

"It can’t be. Tell the nurse to find a way to get Joan out of there and instruct Jack to cover for us."

"On it," Ike said as he made another call.

In Monica’s bedroom, Joanna felt helpless and waited, but the nurse intervened after receiving a call. "Ma’am, don’t you have work to attend to?"

Joanna checked the time and realized she was already late. "I do, but my mom is more important."

The nurse reassured her with a forced smile. "Don’t worry. She’ll be fine. After her medications, she will need rest, but please avoid engaging her in complex conversations."

Joanna nodded, feeling relieved by the nurse’s words. "I’ll remember that. Can I have your number? I’ll call to check on her progress."

The nurse obliged, and Joanna left after seeing her mother calm down. As they stepped out of the house, Jack quickly blocked her path where Alex was parked and opened the door for her.

After she sat, he went to the driver’s side and swiftly drove off. Only then did Ike assist Alex out of the car, carrying the large bouquet they had picked up on the way.

"Sir, I don’t think it’s a good time to see her," the nurse politely suggested, but Alex insisted, "She loves flowers. Inform her that I’m here. Present the flowers to her first."

The nurse took the flowers and soon returned. "You were right. Her mood brightened at the sight of them, and she propped herself up in a sitting position."

Ike was about to wheel Alex in, but he stopped him and wheeled himself. "How are you feeling today?"

Monica smiled. "You know how to lift my spirits, and you’ve already done so."

"I’m glad to hear that, but there’s more. I’m working on getting Enzo justice, but I have a few more questions. Can I ask them now, or should I return later?"

Leveraging his knowledge of her quest for revenge, Alex maneuvered the conversation to his advantage, getting Monica exactly where he wanted her.

"Ask anything. I want Enzo to receive justice."

Alex pondered the best way to deliver the news and said,

"I located one of Salvadore’s men, and from what I learned, Enzo was framed. So, let me ask you this: Was there another man who expressed interest in dating you while you were with Enzo?"

Monica fell silent for a moment before beginning her confession. "Yes, there was a man named Zion, but I never paid him any attention."

Alex confirmed that Dario’s account was accurate. Zion was Dario’s second-in-command at the time and had been killed.

"Do you have any idea where Zion is?"

"No. I never saw him after Enzo’s death," Monica replied truthfully. Alex forced a smile.

"Well, that confirms what the agent mentioned, that Zion was the traitor who betrayed Enzo and was eliminated after being exposed."

Seeing the confusion on Monica’s face, he elaborated, "You must understand that certain details about Enzo’s work cannot be disclosed. I’m truly sorry."

"No, I’m just relieved that justice was served."

"Excellent. Let me ask you one final question. Did Joan ever rescue anyone from a fire before?"

Monica pondered the question deeply but ultimately shook her head. "Joanna would never go near a fire. It’s one of her greatest fears. Besides, if she had, I would have known because we were always together, especially after losing Nancy. She would have confided in me."

Even if Joanna hadn’t shared it, Monica would have been aware. "No, that never happened. Why do you ask?"

Alex had conflicting emotions. Part of him wished it had been her, but another part was relieved that it wasn’t. Nevertheless, he felt indebted to them for Nancy. How could he reveal that Nancy was still alive?

"It’s nothing, really. Please enjoy the rest of your day, and I promise to return later."

As Alex turned the wheelchair around, he heard Monica’s voice. "Alex, thank you for everything."

Alex felt a twinge of guilt. Nancy had been living with Dario for six years. By now, she might have been fully immersed in the mafia lifestyle.

Dario would have undoubtedly taught her a great deal, and if reunited with her mother, secrets would be exposed.

Then again, would Nancy even want to leave? Perhaps he could arrange a virtual meeting in the reporting room.

He quickly dialed Aiden’s number. "Tell Dario to bring Nancy to the report room tomorrow morning."

"Is she alive?" Aiden inquired, surprised, as Alex confirmed, "Yes, she is." He was about to elaborate when his phone beeped with a text message.

’Sir, Madam is being harassed in her office.’