Tempting the Billionaire and His Heir

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The morning after Layla and Laurence’s visit, Kathy and the others packed up and left the mansion, leaving Alexa alone with Nolan once again. As they were leaving, Kathy turned to Alexa and said, “I’m sorry for Nolan’s behavior, Alexa. I hope you know that he doesn’t mean to be so difficult.”

Alexa shook her head and replied, “There’s no need for you to apologize, Kathy. I understand how hard this must be for him.”

Kathy’s expression softened. “I just wish there was more I could do to help him. But I trust that you’ll take good care of him. He’s the hope of BCI, after all.”

Alexa nodded, grateful for Kathy’s kind words. “I’ll do my best.”

As the group left, Alexa felt a mix of relief and sadness. She was glad to have some time alone with Nolan, but she also missed the company of the others. She headed back into the mansion and up to Nolan’s room, carrying his breakfast on a tray.

When she entered the room, she was surprised to see Nolan sitting up in bed, looking a little more alert than usual. He glanced up as she approached with the tray, and she could sense the tension in the air.

“Good morning, Nolan,” she said softly, setting the tray down on the bedside table. “How are you feeling today?”

Nolan didn’t answer right away, instead staring down at the tray in front of him. “Why was Kathy here?” he finally asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

“She came to check up on you,” Alexa replied gently. “I think everyone is worried about you, Nolan. They just want to see you get better.”

Nolan fell quiet again, and Alexa busied herself with arranging the food on his plate. She could feel the weight of his gaze on her the entire time, and it made her uneasy.

Nolan’s confusion is evident on his face as he looks at Alexa, unsure of what to make of her sudden change of heart. “Why do you suddenly seem to be on my father’s side?” he asks, his voice tinged with suspicion.

Alexa takes a deep breath, steeling herself for what she knows will be a difficult conversation. “Nolan, I’m not on anyone’s side. But your father left a lot of people behind when he died, people who are counting on you to step up and take his place. And whether you like it or not, that’s a responsibility you can’t just ignore.”

Nolan listens to Alexa’s words carefully, his expression softening as he begins to understand where she’s coming from. “I just don’t know if I’m ready for all of this,” he admits, his voice wavering slightly. “I feel like everything is moving too fast and I don’t know how to keep up.”

Alexa nods sympathetically, knowing that Nolan’s fears are not unfounded. “I know it’s a lot to take in,” she says gently. “But you don’t have to do it alone. We’re all here to help you, every step of the way.”

Nolan looks at Alexa with gratitude in his eyes, realizing for the first time just how much he needs her support. “Thank you,” he whispers, a small smile playing at the corners of his lips. “I don’t know what I would do without you.”

Kathy surprised Alexa by offering to stay the night and help her take care of Nolan. The two women stayed up late talking about their lives and experiences, with Kathy providing a listening ear and words of encouragement. Alexa felt grateful for the company and support, as she had been feeling alone and overwhelmed lately.

The next morning, as they bid each other goodbye, Kathy hugged Alexa tightly and promised to check up on her soon. As the car pulled away, Alexa felt a sense of emptiness and a small pang of loneliness, but quickly brushed it off as she had to focus on taking care of Nolan.Ccontent © exclusive by Nô/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

Once inside the mansion, Alexa made her way upstairs to Nolan’s bedroom, carrying his breakfast on a tray. As she entered the room, she was shocked to see Nolan sitting up in bed, looking much better than before. He was no longer lying down in his usual position, staring blankly at the ceiling, but instead was propped up against a mountain of pillows with a book in his hand.

Alexa stood in the doorway, frozen in shock. It had been weeks since Nolan had done anything other than sleep, eat, and use the bathroom. Now, he was sitting up and even reading a book. She couldn’t believe her eyes.

Nolan looked up and noticed Alexa’s presence. He gave her a small smile and greeted her, “Good morning, Alexa.”

Alexa’s heart swelled with happiness at the sound of Nolan’s voice. She had missed his deep, soothing tone. “Good morning, Nolan. How are you feeling today?” she asked, approaching his bed.

Nolan shrugged nonchalantly, “I’m okay, I guess. Better than before, at least.” He looked down at the book in his hand and added, “Kathy gave me this book to read, and it’s actually not too bad. I haven’t read in years.”

Alexa couldn’t help but grin at Nolan’s progress. She had been waiting for this day for so long. “That’s great, Nolan. I’m so glad to see you up and about.”

As Alexa explained her reasons to Nolan, she could see the confusion and frustration in his eyes. “I don’t understand,” he said in a low voice. “How can you be on my father’s side? He never cared about me. He never even tried to understand me.”

Alexa sighed, knowing that this conversation wouldn’t be easy. “It’s not about taking sides, Nolan. It’s about doing what’s best for everyone. Your father left behind a legacy, and there are people who are counting on you to continue that legacy.”

Nolan remained quiet, staring at Alexa as she spoke. He didn’t want any part of his father’s legacy, but he couldn’t deny that he felt some sense of responsibility towards it.

“I know you’re scared,” Alexa said softly. “I am too. But we can’t let fear hold us back from doing what’s right.”

Nolan nodded silently, still deep in thought. Alexa could sense the tension in the air as she prepared his table for breakfast. They ate in silence, the only sound being the clinking of utensils against plates.

After breakfast, Alexa left the room without a word, leaving Nolan to his thoughts. She knew she had to give him space to process everything she had said.

Alexa spent the next few hours searching for Cody, hoping to get some answers about the strange occurrences in the mansion. She was scared, but she knew she had to be brave for Nolan’s sake.

As lunchtime approached, Alexa hurried back to the mansion to prepare Nolan’s food. When she entered his room, she was surprised to find him waiting for her at the entrance, tears streaming down his face.

“I thought you actually left,” he whispered softly.

Alexa’s heart broke at the sight of him. She rushed to his side, wrapping her arms around him in a tight embrace. “I’m not going anywhere, Nolan. I promised to take care of you, and I intend to keep that promise.”

Nolan clung to her tightly, his body shaking with sobs. Alexa held him for what seemed like an eternity, knowing that this was the first step towards his healing.

As she led him back to his room, Alexa couldn’t help but feel a sense of hope. Maybe, just maybe, there was a chance for Nolan to overcome his demons and embrace the legacy his father had left behind.