The Billionaire’s Regret -Alessa (by Bukolami) novel Chapter 54

**Shadows Beneath the Silent Moon**
**Rising Echoes by Aiden R. Vale**
**Chapter 54**

The room was sparsely populated, a quiet sanctuary amidst the chaos outside.

Thane stood tall, his posture relaxed yet alert, while Alessa settled comfortably in a chair, her children nestled close by. Tracy, ever loyal, chose to linger beside Thane, her presence an unspoken support.

Across the room, a pair of curious eyes belonging to one of Alessa’s target’s children flicked in her direction. Alessa, with a warm smile that could light up the dimmest corners, returned the gaze. The children were around the same age as Aria and Aiden, though one boy appeared slightly older, his confidence evident in the way he carried himself.

In an almost instinctive manner, Alessa’s steady gaze caught the attention of their mother, who turned to meet her eyes.

“Your children are beautiful,” Alessa complimented, her voice laced with sincerity. The mother beamed at the kind words, her smile brightening her tired features.

“Thanks, yours too,” she replied, her tone warm and appreciative.

“Mum, come on. Let’s leave,” one of her children whined, the impatience in his voice unmistakable. The mother shot him a stern look, her exhaustion evident in the lines etched on her face.

“Kids trouble?” Alessa inquired, her smile playful, and the mother nodded, a soft chuckle escaping her lips.

“Sometimes I just wish I could be alone,” she admitted, a hint of longing in her voice. The children, quick to respond, stuck their tongues out at her in playful defiance.

“Yeah, me too,” Alessa laughed, finding camaraderie in the mother’s plight.

“That’s a lie,” Aiden piped up, turning his head toward the lady with a mischievous grin.

“She is lying,” he declared, and the mother chuckled, her laughter infectious.

Alessa took a brief pause, contemplating her next words.

“Hey, I have an idea,” she said, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

“How about we let the kids entertain themselves for a while while we enjoy some time together?” Alessa suggested, her voice light and inviting.

“And I have my guard here with me; he can supervise them,” she added, hoping to ease the mother’s apprehensions.

“Oh, thanks for the offer, but I can’t…” the mother started, her voice trailing off as she weighed the options.

“Say yes, Mum! Say yes! We want to play with them,” her eldest son chimed in, his enthusiasm palpable.

“Are you really going to leave us alone?” Aria asked, her eyes wide with a mix of excitement and uncertainty. Alessa nodded, her expression reassuring.

“Of course,” she affirmed, her tone confident.

“You really trust us to be on our own?” Aiden questioned, skepticism flickering in his eyes.

“Thane will be with you guys,” Alessa replied, casting a glance at Thane, who nodded in silent agreement.

“I… I really don’t know about this,” the mother said, her voice tinged with hesitation.

“Come on, Mum, please!” her children pleaded in unison, their voices a chorus of youthful urgency.

After a moment of contemplation, she relented, her resolve softening.

“I’m coming!” Aria replied, casting a glance back at her mother.

“What’s up?” Alessa asked, leaning down slightly to meet her daughter’s gaze.

“Do you need us to do something?” Aria queried, her brow furrowed in confusion.

“What do you mean?” Alessa asked, genuinely puzzled.

“Do you need us to get something from the kids? You always say not to talk to strangers, and now you want us to play with them. Is there something you need from them?” Aria asked, her perceptiveness shining through.

Alessa was not surprised by her daughter’s deduction; Aria was remarkably clever.

“Yes,” Alessa admitted, her honesty cutting through the air. It would certainly simplify matters for her.

“I need you to ask them personal questions and pay attention to everything they say,” Alessa instructed, her voice low and conspiratorial.

“Is it for something bad?” Aria asked, her eyes widening with concern.

“Oh, no. I have a business meeting with their father, and I want to make a good impression so that everything goes smoothly,” Alessa explained, her smile reassuring. Aria nodded, understanding dawning on her.

“Okay, I will tell Aiden. We will help you,” she said, her face brightening with determination. Alessa nodded in appreciation, watching as Aria bounded back toward the other kids, her spirit infectious.

With a deep breath, Alessa returned to the store, where the mother and Tracy were already deep in conversation, their laughter mingling in the air.

Alessa smiled at them, her presence drawing their attention as she stepped into their lively exchange.