The Billionaire’s Regret -Alessa (by Bukolami) novel Chapter 35

**Shadows Beneath the Silent Moon**

**Rising Echoes by Aiden R. Vale**

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“Alright, let’s get going,” Alessa announced, her voice slicing through the heavy silence that hung in the air. Aiden, momentarily distracted by his iPad, quickly dropped it and joined the others as they made their way out of the house, a feeling of anticipation building within him.

The journey to the Hart mansion was brief, yet it felt like an eternity. The car was enveloped in a thick quiet, each occupant lost in their own thoughts. Aiden stole glances at Aria, who sat beside him, her brow furrowed in contemplation, while Alessa maintained a calm demeanor, her mind perhaps already on the evening’s festivities.

As the chauffeur maneuvered the vehicle through the grand entrance of the Hart estate, Aiden and Aria couldn’t suppress their gasps. The decorations were extravagant, a dazzling display of lights and colors that illuminated the night. Alessa, however, remained unfazed; she had seen the Harts’ penchant for extravagance countless times before.

The ballroom lay a good distance from the main mansion, accessible only through a hidden passage known to the family. It was a privilege that set them apart from the rest. As they approached, the atmosphere grew electric, the air thick with chatter and laughter.

Once they neared the entrance, the sight of elegantly dressed guests filled their vision. Reporters swarmed around, snapping photos and vying for attention, their cameras flashing like fireflies in the dusk.

As their car came to a halt in front of the ballroom, the throng of reporters turned their focus to them, recognizing the familiar faces.

“Do we need to establish some new rules for this?” Aria asked, a hint of frustration creeping into her voice.

Alessa shook her head, her expression resolute. “No, we don’t.”

Aiden, ever the jokester, grinned mischievously. “I have a new rule: look good in every picture!”

Aria rolled her eyes, her expression one of mock disgust. “Ewww,” she scoffed, unable to hide her amusement.

Alessa chuckled softly, the tension easing slightly as they exited the car. A guard opened the door, and Aiden stepped out first, his movements fluid and confident as he strode across the red carpet.

Aria grasped her mother’s hand tightly, and they followed closely behind him. Whispers floated through the air, but Alessa paid them no mind; she was focused on the evening ahead.

Upon entering the ballroom, they were greeted by a wave of attention, the crowd’s eyes drawn to their arrival. Alessa intended to lead her children to a nearby table when a waiter approached them with a polite bow.

“Ms. Kendall, Mr. Hart has requested your presence at the Harts’ table,” he said, gesturing toward the prominent table at the front of the room. Alessa turned to see Mr. Hart beaming at them, waving enthusiastically.

“Alright then,” Alessa replied without hesitation, leading her children toward the table, her heart racing slightly at the unexpected invitation.

As they reached the table, the atmosphere shifted; the smiles of Mr. and Mrs. Hart contrasted sharply with the expressions of others present. Their cousins, who had presumably stayed for the ball, were also seated, and a sense of familiarity washed over Alessa.

“Good evening,” Aiden and Aria chimed in unison, their voices bright amidst the murmurs. Only a few, including Tracy, Tyler, Daxton, and his sisters, returned their greetings with genuine smiles.

The night unfolded with a series of captivating performances, the energy in the ballroom vibrant and alive. As the time for the second dance approached, the excitement was palpable.

When the music began, guests rose to their feet, eager to find partners. However, Alessa found herself standing alone, her children swept away into the crowd.

“Aria, come on! Let’s dance with Daxton!” Aiden exclaimed, tugging his sister along, leaving Alessa feeling somewhat isolated.

As she prepared to retreat to her seat, a waiter accidentally bumped into her, causing her to stumble slightly. Before she could regain her balance, she sensed an unfamiliar presence looming close behind her. She was quick, but not quick enough.

A sharp sting pierced her neck, and before she could react, she turned to see the waiter bowing apologetically. “I’m so sorry, ma’am,” he muttered before hastily retreating.

Confused, Alessa instinctively reached for her neck, but the sensation faded, replaced by an unsettling numbness. Just as she contemplated returning to her table, a sudden, intense pain shot through her chest, rendering her paralyzed.

Panic surged within her as the world around her began to blur. Before she could fully comprehend what was happening, she collapsed to the floor, drawing the immediate attention of everyone in the ballroom. The music came to an abrupt halt, silence enveloping the once lively space.

“Mum?” Aiden’s voice broke through the chaos, filled with alarm as he rushed to her side, Aria close behind, both of them kneeling beside her.

Alessa struggled to speak, her body refusing to respond, her vision darkening as she fought to remain conscious. The last thing she heard was Aria’s frantic voice calling out to her before the world faded to black.