The Billionaire’s Regret -Alessa (by Bukolami) novel Chapter 61

**Shadows Beneath the Silent Moon**

**Rising Echoes by Aiden R. Vale**

**Chapter 61**

**SOMEWHERE IN MEXICO**

He found himself fixated on the figure before him, a man whose hand was swathed in a bandage, his head lowered in a gesture of submission. The air was thick with tension, and for a moment, silence enveloped them like a shroud.

After a brief pause that felt like an eternity, he finally broke the stillness. “So, she decided to send me a message by severing your fingers?” His voice was steady, but there was an undercurrent of disbelief. The man’s gaze flickered upwards, though he quickly averted his eyes, as if he could sense the weight of the scrutiny.

“Ye… yes sir,” the man stammered, his voice trembling like a leaf in the wind.

“Hmmm, interesting,” he mused, a hint of surprise creeping into his tone. “She didn’t kill you.”

“You sound surprised, sir,” the man replied, his eyes darting nervously.

“Indeed,” he acknowledged, “you were meant to be dead.”

The man blinked rapidly, swallowing hard as he cleared his throat, desperately trying to maintain his composure. “I did everything you asked, sir,” he asserted, though the quiver in his voice betrayed him.

“Everything?” he probed, leaning in slightly, his interest piqued. “Did you hurt her daughter?”

“I… I didn’t mean to. I had to knock her out and…” The man’s voice trailed off, his guilt palpable.

“So, you did hurt Aria,” he interjected, his tone sharp as a knife.

The man gulped, heat rising to his cheeks as he felt the pressure of the conversation bear down on him. The mere sound of his voice was enough to instill a primal fear.

Just as the man opened his mouth to defend himself, he drew a gun from beneath the table and, without a moment’s hesitation, fired a shot that rang out like thunder in the confined space.

“Hmmm,” he murmured, a sound of mild satisfaction escaping his lips as he stood up. He walked past the table, his gaze fixed on the lifeless body sprawled on the floor. He glanced up at the guard stationed in his office, who immediately bowed his head in acknowledgment.

“Get rid of it,” he ordered curtly, letting the gun slip from his fingers.

The guard complied, lifting the body with ease and exiting the room, leaving him alone in the oppressive silence.

Returning to his chair, he picked up a photograph that lay nearby, his fingers brushing over its surface as he sank into thought. He tilted the image slightly, studying it with a mix of nostalgia and pain.

“Alessa,” he whispered, closing his eyes as memories flooded back, each one more bittersweet than the last.

—

**LAS VEGAS**

“Why the sudden change of plans? You promised we’d spend a few days here, enjoying ourselves,” Aiden protested, his voice tinged with confusion as they prepared to leave the suite.

“I don’t have the luxury of time for questions, Aiden. We’ll have our fun when we get home,” Alessa replied briskly, her tone leaving little room for argument as she hefted her bag over her shoulder.

“Home? You mean Australia?” he queried, his brows furrowing in disbelief.

“No. We’re heading back to New York,” she stated firmly, leading the way out of the suite alongside Tracy. They encountered Thane waiting for them in the hallway, his presence a silent reassurance.

“Why aren’t you following me?” she questioned, confusion lacing her voice.

“You asked me not to, ma’am,” Thane responded, his tone respectful yet gentle.

“I… I didn’t mean that,” she stuttered, the tears welling up again as the weight of her emotions crashed over her. In an instant, her quiet sobs transformed into loud cries.

“Okay,” Thane sighed, moving closer to her.

He bent down to her level, tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear as she wept. “Don’t cry, pretty girls don’t cry,” he murmured softly, his voice soothing.

“Mummy hates us,” she sniffled, her voice barely above a whisper.

“Oh, that’s not true. She loves you and your brother very much,” he reassured her, hoping to quell her fears.

“Then why does she always break her promises to us?” Aria pressed, her brow furrowing as she tried to make sense of her feelings.

“She’s always busy, but it’s for the best, trust me,” he said, gently running his fingers through her hair in a comforting gesture.

“You are so sweet,” Aria said, a small smile breaking through her tears.

“Are you ready to leave now?” Thane asked, and she nodded, determination returning to her demeanor. She opened her arms wide, and without hesitation, he lifted her into his embrace.

Aria wrapped her tiny arms around his neck, resting her head against his chest as they made their way toward the elevator. “Big scary man,” she called softly, her voice a mix of affection and innocence.

Thane chuckled lightly, realizing she had never bothered to learn his name.