Shadows Of A Forgotten Spring
Billionaire Shadow 39

Chapter 39 Kevin

Pped his knuckles across the door of Alexander's office, awaiting that customary gruff invitation to enter. He came with a slight smile on his face and a thick manila folder in his hand.

"Sir, we have word from W2 Holdings. They are ready to meet with you, he announced, extending the folder towards Alexander.

Alexander's eyes snapped up from his desk at the mention of W2 Holdings, a company notorious for its tough negotiation He had expected that they would fold eventually, but he hadn't expected it to come so soon, or so easily. Curious now, Alexander took the file from Kevin and flipped it open, scanning through the first few pages.

Then he saw it-a clause, soft yet clear as daylight. W2 Holdings had attached a condition with the meeting, that they would meet only on the proviso that Alexander personally approved a referral for a special patient named Emily Smith to his hospital.

A flicker of irritation crossed Alexander's face; he didn't like beitig given preconditions, especially when his reputation for holding firm boundaries was well known. Yet, he had been chasing this meeting for many months, knowing full well the influence and power W2 Holdings would bring to the table. If signing off on this referral was the price to be paid, then so b

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With an air of finality, he shut the file. He raised his eyes and looked up at Kevin: Tll authorize the referral first thing tomorrow morning, but I want you to arrange the meeting as soon as possible.

Kevin nodded; a corner of his mouth twitched as he sensed Alexander's thinly veiled frustration. "Understood, sir."

As Kevin turned and exited the office, Alexander leaned back in his chair, tapping fingers thoughtfully onto the armrest. Emily Smith. The name was not one with which he was familiar and he couldn't help but question what relation this woma had to the elusive CEO of W2 Holdings. Whoever she was, she had to be someone important if such a stipulation was going to be placed.

Everything that Alexander knew about W2 Holdings popped into his head-minimal and vague at best. The CEO of W2 was as faceless as they came, rumored to work from the shadows, and this made him more curious to get to know her, but he found absolutely nothing on her anywhere. She has turned into a ghost, just like her mother has done.

The next morning. Emma turned on her phone and found an email notification. Instantly, she felt a thrill of anticipation. She read through the words: "The referral letter was signed, and Emily could come to the hospital as soon as possible." Relief and excitement washed over her, and she hugged herself in joy She would have tried that method a long time ago if she had known it would work that smoothly.

Determined to get the day off to a great start, Emma picked up han from daycare earlier than usual to drop him off for

explained that the caregiver had slipped the day before she headed to the hospital. When she got there, however, the work

and broken her leg the night before. Emma's face fell; with no one to watch Ethan, she was in a quandary. She needed to find a safe place for him to stay while focusing on Emily's care but was too early to do so, with no other daycare open yet. Sighing, Emma promised herself that she would look into other daycare options for Ethan later that day. For now, however, she had little choice other than bringing Ethan along. After having securely buckled him into his car seat, she made her way to the hospital, her mind filled with a tingle of excited anxiety over finally meeting Emily in person.

With Ethan clinging to one hand and the other supporting Emily Emma went into the hospital, feeling quite purposeful as they made their way down the corridor. People turned to look at them, and for that brief moment, Enuna almost felt like they were the owners of the place as she walked with confidence through the sterile corridors. She led them through to the elevator and up to where the VIP suite awaited Emily.

Once back in the suite, Emma took up her task of putting Emily bed right, and making sure everything was just so. She peered at the monitors, readjusted the blankets, and put everything within easy reach for Emily. In the midst of her ministrations, Ethan-his curiosity always getting the better of him started in feel a little restless, inching toward the door.

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Chapter 39

Distracted with her duties, Emma hadn't noticed him slip out quietly behind, his little feet padding softly down the hall of the hospital in search of an adventure all his own.

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Already mentally moving along to the next series of meetings lined up in his busy schedule, Alexander was heading out of the hospital. Just as they had reached the hallway, the small voice echoed loud and cheerful.

"Mr. Handsome!" the tiny voice called out, catching his attention. Alexander came to a stop and turned around, and he was almost bowled over by a young boy running towards him with uncontained excitement. He did not immediately realize that this was the same boy he had seen in the airport several days ago.

"What are you doing here?!" the boy exclaimed, still running out of breath yet exuberant as he stared up at Alexander.

Alexander then laughed, and the purest sound from his lips left Kevin shocked. It was a sound Kevin hadn't heard in a very long while; very infrequent and surprising to see. "What are you doing here?" Alexander replied with a hint of humor in his voice.

The seriousness that overcome the boy's face was instant. "My sister. My sister is here. She's sick," he said quietly, his expression falling.

Alexander's smile softened as he reached out, his comforting hand coming to rest on the boy's shoulder. "Don't you worry, the doctors will take good care of her," he said.

Ethan's face brightened with that, and his smile warmed something inside Alexander. There was something peculiar with regard to this boy, a feeling of knowing him that he could not seem to comprehend. But one thing was for sure: Alexander really enjoyed the child's company. With sudden excitement, Ethan blurted out, "I saw you on the two nights ago! Mommy says I shouldn't talk to strangers) but you said we can be friends, right?"

"That's right," Alexander said, nodding while finding himself strangely captivated by the boy's candid appearance. "But first, what is your name?"

"I'm Ethan, he replied shamelessly, offering his small hand. "Nice to meet you, Mr. Alex.

Alexander shook his hand, firm but gentle. "Nice to meet you too Ethan," he said.

"Okai, I gotta go now!" Ethan said with a wide grin, releasing Alexander's hand only reluctantly. "I'll catch ya later, Mr. Alex."

"Take care, Ethan," Alexander called as the boy turned and ran back down the hall, waving cheerfully over his shoulder.

Alexander watched him disappear around the corner, an odd warmth remaining as he turned back onto his original path. He couldn't explain why, exactly, but he would very much like to see Ethan again.