Chapter 9

Alec’s POV

The night of the Fort-Nite Ball was forever engraved in my heart, a memory I couldn’t forget.

Six years ago, I stepped out of the limousine, ignoring the clicks of cameras in the distance. Another charity ball in my honor. Another evening spent entertaining shallow conversations and fake smiles.

The only thing on my mind was surviving the evening.

My phone buzzed in my hand. The caller ID flashed: my secretary, Ms. Janice.

“Hello,” I answered.

“Sir, the Falcon X prototype has just completed its final test flight. There were some concerns about fuel efficiency, but the engineers believe they can optimize it before—”

“Can we talk later, Janice? I’m in the middle of something.”

“I