The Billionaire’s Regret -Alessa (by Bukolami) novel Chapter 23

**Shadows Beneath the Silent Moon**

**Rising Echoes by Aiden R. Vale**

As the evening unfolded, the atmosphere buzzed with anticipation. He stood at the podium, his voice steady and compelling as he articulated the vision behind the project, a vision that promised to reshape the very fabric of society. Just as he began to conclude, he mentioned Alessa, his tone shifting to one of admiration. “And let’s not forget the invaluable contribution of Alessa Kendall,” he proclaimed, earning a ripple of applause from the audience.

The speeches continued, each one blending into the next, and as time stretched on, Alessa felt her heart race. Finally, the moment arrived—her name was called.

“Let’s welcome on stage, Alessa Kendall!” a man announced, his voice echoing through the hall.

Rising from her seat, Alessa caught sight of her children, their faces lighting up with excitement. Their cheers filled the room, a sweet symphony of encouragement that made her heart swell with pride.

“Yeah, go, Mum! Give the best speech!” Aiden shouted, his enthusiasm infectious. Laughter erupted around them, but the Harts remained stoic, their expressions inscrutable as they exchanged glances filled with unspoken thoughts.

As Alessa approached the stage, she felt a warm glow envelop her, fueled by the cheers of her children. She turned to them, her heart brimming with affection.

“Thank you, Aria, Aiden,” she said, her voice softening as she saw their delighted giggles.

Taking a deep breath, she faced the audience. “I must confess, I don’t have a prepared speech. Time simply slipped away from me. All I can say is that it’s truly an honor to collaborate with the Harts on their upcoming projects. I genuinely hope for our success and look forward to more opportunities to work together in the future. Thank you.”

As her words hung in the air, the crowd erupted into applause. Just as she was about to step away from the podium, a chorus of voices from the back called her attention.

“Ms. Kendall, we have a few questions!” one reporter shouted, his notepad ready.

Clara, standing nearby, nodded encouragingly, signaling for Alessa to engage.

“Does your sudden partnership with the Harts have something to do with your history with them?” a reporter probed, his eyes glinting with curiosity.

“No,” Alessa replied firmly, her voice steady despite the probing nature of the question.

Another reporter quickly chimed in, “I have a question!”

“Okay?” Alessa responded, her patience beginning to thin.

“Are you married?” he asked bluntly, the room falling silent in anticipation.

“No personal questions,” Alessa retorted, her tone sharp as she felt the weight of their scrutiny.

“Ms. Kendall, the last time we saw you in the city was six years ago. You returned out of the blue as a billionaire. Can you tell us what happened during that time?” another reporter pressed, and Alessa felt the eyes of the entire room shift towards her, a sea of curiosity washing over her.

She glanced around, observing the intrigue etched on their faces, and couldn’t help but notice the Harts’ expressions—an odd mix of surprise and disbelief.

“How does one become a billionaire in six years?” she countered, a hint of defiance in her voice.

“Ms. Kendall, your children—” a reporter began again, but she cut him off.

“No more questions,” Alessa declared, her decision final as she stepped away from the stage, eager to escape the barrage of inquiries.

“We are having the Hart’s hunt this weekend. I believe you are familiar with the tradition,” he said, his eyes sparkling with anticipation. “You should bring your children. I’ll be expecting you,” he added with a warm smile before casting one last glance at Bryan and walking away.

“Is he one of your old friends?” Aria asked, her eyes following Mr. Hart as he retreated.

“You could say that,” Alessa replied, her voice nonchalant as she glanced at the Hart’s table, noting the absence of Bryan and Lydia.

She quickly averted her gaze, feeling no sense of loss over their absence.

“Let’s go,” she said, taking her children’s hands in hers, ready to leave the event behind.

“Ms. Kendall, I’m from KLV News. May I ask you a few questions?” A reporter rushed toward her, microphone extended, interrupting her thoughts.

“I’m not answering any questions,” Alessa replied, her tone firm as she continued toward the exit, her children in tow.

“What’s your relationship with Damien Marshall?” the reporter called out, and Alessa froze, her heart racing at the mention of the name.

She turned slowly, her brows furrowing as she processed the question.

“What?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

“Damien Marshall? What is your relationship with him?” the reporter pressed, his eyes alight with the thrill of the chase.

Alessa felt a wave of emotions crash over her, a mixture of surprise and unease as the name echoed in her mind, threatening to unravel the carefully woven tapestry of her past.