Rebirth Of The Heiress And The Tycoon's Lover (Alina) novel Chapter 326

**Collapsed 326**

**Chapter 326**

**AUTHOR’S POV.**

As Alina turned the handle of her bedroom door, she was met with a sight that sent a jolt through her heart. Damien stood there, his presence heavy with an unspoken tension that seemed to fill the room. His posture was rigid, hands shoved deep into the pockets of his jeans, shoulders tense as if he had been waiting for her forever. The atmosphere hung thick with unvoiced emotions, the curtains drawn just enough to let in only muted beams of light, casting a gentle glow that did little to alleviate the oppressive weight surrounding her. The remnants of the turmoil ignited by Cassian’s sudden reappearance lingered like a dense fog, tightening Alina’s chest with unease.

Irritation surged within her, a visceral reaction that bubbled up from deep inside. She craved solitude, a moment of peace to gather her scattered thoughts away from prying eyes and the chaos that had invaded her life.

“What are you doing here?” she snapped, her voice sharper than she had intended, slicing through the silence like a blade.

Damien’s eyes locked onto hers, and for a fleeting moment, she caught a glimpse of something—perhaps relief or frustration—flitting across his features. He shook his head slightly, as if attempting to shake off the weight of his own emotions.

“Calm down,” he said, his tone steady yet tinged with concern. “I understand that you’re angry. I truly do. But I’m not the one who upset you.” He crossed his arms lightly, not in a defensive posture but more like a man burdened by unexpressed thoughts. “So why are you directing this at me? And why have you been avoiding me?”

The impact of his question struck her harder than she had anticipated, like a physical blow to the gut. Alina felt her shoulders sag under the weight of his inquiry, a long, weary sigh escaping her lips—a sound laced with resignation.

“I’m sorry,” she murmured, her voice barely rising above a whisper. “This whole situation is just… overwhelming.”

Immediately, Damien’s demeanor softened, his frown transforming into a look of understanding that warmed her heart. “I get that,” he reassured her gently. “We’ll figure this out together. We always do.”

A brief silence enveloped them, thick with the weight of unspoken feelings, before he leaned in slightly, his voice dropping to a more tender tone. “Where have you been?”

Alina’s gaze flickered away, unable to withstand the intensity of his eyes.

“I saw your bodyguards earlier,” he continued, his voice steady and probing. “They mentioned you returned from the airport about an hour ago. So… where were you?”

Her fingers curled into tight fists at her sides, a nervous habit she couldn’t shake.

“I was on the balcony,” she admitted reluctantly, the words escaping against her will. “With Cassian.”

Damien’s expression shifted immediately, a frown creasing his brow. “You mean Lucius Stormvale?”

Without a moment’s hesitation, Alina replied, “That imposter is not Lucius Stormvale,” her voice low but resolute. “And I’m determined to prove it.”

Damien blinked, confusion etching itself on his face. “Why?” he asked slowly, his tone seeking clarity. “What makes you so sure he’s not Lucius Stormvale?”

She almost divulged everything—the unsettling glint in Cassian’s eyes, the way his smile twisted unnaturally, the subtle threat that lingered in his voice, the heavy air that surrounded him. But she hesitated, the words dying on her lips.

Damien had always been her anchor, her protector, the one who had stood by her side through thick and thin, the loyal friend who had pulled her out of trouble since childhood. Yet, he was also their father’s son.

If Darius wanted to extract information from Damien, he would undoubtedly find a way.

So she redirected the conversation, glancing away as she spoke. “I can feel it in my gut.”

Damien tilted his head, curiosity mingling with concern.

“He’s not him,” she pressed on, her conviction growing stronger. “Cassian isn’t Lucius Stormvale. And you can’t sit there and tell me you don’t feel something is off.” She locked her eyes with his, searching for understanding. “Does this feel like the Lucius we played with when we were kids?”

Damien hesitated, and that moment of uncertainty told her everything she needed to know.

“I understand your perspective,” he finally said, his voice measured and calm. “But Alina, it’s been over two decades since Lucius vanished. People change as they grow older. You don’t know what he’s been through.”

She shook her head vehemently, unwilling to accept his reasoning.

“It’s not about growing up,” she insisted, her tone firm and unwavering. “No matter how long friends are apart, even if someone undergoes facial surgery… there’s an inherent familiarity. There’s a connection you can’t fake when you’re with someone you genuinely knew.” Her hands clenched tightly into fists. “And I don’t feel that with Cassian.”

Damien listened intently, his silence urging her to continue.

“Lucius as a child was quiet,” she elaborated, her voice gaining strength with each word. “He was reserved, calm. He didn’t speak much; he preferred to observe. He was gentle.”

Her thoughts drifted back to the balcony, to the way Cassian had spoken—smoothly and incessantly, his words flowing like water, a stark contrast to Lucius’s thoughtful silence.

“Cassian talks too much,” she continued, her frustration bubbling to the surface. “He always has something to say.”

Damien’s brow furrowed deeper, his expression a mix of concern and confusion.

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