25 years later
The glass doors of Kane Enterprises gleamed in the morning sunlight as Alessia stepped into the sleek, marble-floored lobby. Dressed in a tailored black blazer and a cream silk blouse, she radiated authority and poise. Her diamond engagement ring caught the light, sending a cascade of tiny rainbows across the room. The faint click of her heels echoed as employees paused to greet her with nervous smiles or awestruck glances.
It wasn’t just her impeccable style or commanding presence that had them whispering—it was the fact that Alessia Kane, at just 28, had stepped into the role of CEO after her mother, Victoria, retired the year before. Her rise to power had been swift and deliberate, much like Alessia herself.
“Good morning, Ms. Kane,” her assistant, Claire, greeted as Alessia approached her office. Claire was always punctual and efficient, with a knack for sensing when something needed Alessia’s attention. Today, however, her usually calm demeanor was tinged with unease.
“Morning, Claire,” Alessia said briskly, sliding her sunglasses off and tucking them into her bag. “What’s on the agenda today?”
Claire hesitated for a moment, shifting uncomfortably. “Before we get into that… I need to tell you something.”
Alessia paused, her perfectly arched brows knitting together. “What’s wrong?”
Claire leaned closer, lowering her voice. “Your brother, Zane… he—well, the police are saying he killed his fiancée.”
The words hit Alessia like a freight train. She blinked, processing the statement as the busy hum of the office seemed to fall away. “What?” she asked sharply, her voice cutting through the air like glass. “Claire, that’s not funny.”
“I’m not joking, Ms. Kane,” Claire said, her voice steady but laced with concern. “It’s all over the news. They’re saying there was an altercation last night, and she—she didn’t make it.”
Alessia’s mind raced as she struggled to reconcile the news with the image of her brother. Zane was impulsive, sure, but this? Murder? It was unthinkable.
“Pull up the news,” Alessia demanded, striding past Claire and into her office. She dropped her bag onto the pristine desk and took a seat.
Claire nodded, her fingers flying across her tablet as she pulled up the latest reports. The screen illuminated a grim news article, complete with Zane’s photograph beneath a bold headline: “Heir to Kane Enterprises Accused in Fiancée’s Death.”
Alessia’s stomach churned as she scanned the article. The details were vague but damning. Zane’s fiancée, a rising artist named Callie Harper, had been found dead in his penthouse apartment after what authorities described as “a violent altercation.” Neighbors reported hearing shouting late into the night, and Zane was taken into custody early that morning.
“This has to be a mistake,” Alessia muttered, her fingers curling tightly around the edge of her desk. “Zane wouldn’t—he couldn’t do this.”
Claire stood silently, unsure of what to say. She had been with the Kane family long enough to know when to stay out of the way.
Alessia abruptly stood, pacing the length of her office. “Where’s my father?” she demanded. “Does he know about this?”
“He’s in meetings all morning,” Claire replied. “Do you want me to pull him out?”
“No,” Alessia said, shaking her head. “I’ll handle this. Get me the family lawyer on the phone. Now.”
“Right away,” Claire said, stepping out to make the call.
Alessia pressed her hands against the cool surface of her desk, forcing herself to breathe deeply. Her brother might have been reckless, but he wasn’t capable of something so heinous. Was he?
Her phone buzzed, breaking her thoughts. It was a text from her mother, Victoria.
Mom: Call me. Now.
Alessia wasted no time, dialing immediately. Victoria picked up on the second ring, her voice sharp with urgency. “Alessia, have you seen the news?”
“Yes,” Alessia said, her tone clipped. “I’m already getting the lawyer involved. This is insane, Mom. Zane wouldn’t hurt Pamela. There has to be another explanation.”
Victoria sighed heavily. “I wish I could say I was certain of that, but Zane has been spiraling lately. You know how he gets when he’s angry.”
“Angry, yes. Murderous? No,” Alessia shot back. “He’s your son. Don’t you think we should at least hear his side before assuming the worst?”
“I’m not assuming anything,” Victoria said coolly. “But you need to tread carefully. The press is going to latch onto this, and as CEO, your name is going to be dragged into it. Kane Enterprises can’t afford a scandal right now.”
Alessia gritted her teeth. “You think I care about the company’s reputation right now? My brother’s life is falling apart.”
“Both are important,” Victoria countered. “Don’t lose sight of that.”
Before Alessia could respond, Claire reentered the room. “The lawyer’s on the line,” she said softly.
“I have to go,” Alessia told her mother before hanging up. She grabbed the phone, her voice firm as she spoke. “Mr. Davis, I need you at the police station immediately. My brother’s been arrested, and we need to figure out what’s going on.”