Alexander’s brow furrows. “I don’t think we understand your meaning exactly.”

  Alex’s fingers tighten around mine. He takes a breath, steadying himself. “My ankle’s solid now. Stable. Getting stronger every day. I’ve been cleared by my doctor for full-contact training. I started working out again before we left the States. Nothing crazy but enough to get back into rhythm.” A pause. “David’s asked me to come back to the team.”

  Malie’s smile falters, her concern evident as she places her fork down. “But, Alex... your duty as CEO? The family business?”

  He sighs. “I tried, Tinā. I really did. I wanted to make it work because I know what it means to you and Dad. But every day in that office is like trying to run through wet concrete. I’m not built for boardrooms and spreadsheets. My brain doesn’t work that way.”

  He doesn’t say the word, but we all hear what’s to blame––dyslexia.

  “I spend every day trying to decode emails and reports and contracts, and I’m failing. Not because I’m lazy but because I’m not wired for it.”

  There’s a raw edge to his voice now, and still, no one interrupts.

  “I’m not cut out to run the Sebring empire. But I know who is.” He turns toward Leilani, eyes certain. “It’s you, Lei.”

  Leilani blinks. “Me?”

  Alex nods. “You’re sharp and strategic. Your instincts are on point. You’ve already got your hands in everything. Everyone respects you. The staff adores you. I think deep down you’ve just been waiting for someone to hand you the reins.”

  She lets out a breathy, surprised laugh. “I always assumed it would be you. Or one of the boys.”

  Alexander nods, studying Leilani. “Is that what you want?”

  She glances around the table, as if expecting someone to object. But no one does. “I never let myself hope for it—not really. I thought the job was always meant for someone else. But yeah… I want it.”

  Alexander raises his glass, pride unmistakable in his voice. “It’s settled then. Our baby girl is the new CEO of Sebring Hotels.”

  There’s a half second of stunned silence—and then everyone around the table lifts their glasses.

  “To Leilani!” they say in unison, voices overlapping with laughter and love.

  She clears her throat, her eyes glassy. “Well, damn. Guess I better buy a blazer.”

  Laughter ripples around the table. Even Malie lets out a chuckle, her earlier concern softened.

  A new era begins for Sebring Hotels… with a woman in charge. And not just any woman—Leilani.

  I glance her way, and she catches my eye with a grin. I can’t help but smile back. Because working beside her, building something side by side—not just as sisters-in-law but as women rewriting the narrative—that’s a future I’m proud to be part of.

  Alex’s whole posture shifts. The rigidness is gone. And it’s beautiful to see.

  Just as the mood begins to settle, Alex clears his throat. “Leilani… you were right about something.”

  She lifts a brow. “That comes as no surprise.”

  “Courtney has been working with Tyson McRae and Celeste.” His voice goes hard. “They were behind the texts that ended things between Magnolia and me.”

  The room stills.

  Leilani blinks. “Dufuq?”

  “Leilani! Language.” Malie says.

  Alex continues, “It was Courtney feeding them information while pretending to be employee of the year.”

  Leilani slaps her palm against the table, making the silverware jump—more sass than fury. “I told you. I warned you. I knew she was off. I’ll be at your place later to unload all the I-told-you-so I have stored in the boot of my car.”

  Alexander frowns, brows drawing tight. “Courtney? That’s hard to believe. She’s been solid for years.”

  “Her loyalty is gone. She betrayed me for money.”

  Malie shakes her head, surprised. “After all these years—after how good we’ve been to her? She’s known you since you were a boy. How could she do that?”

  Leilani’s voice is pure steel now. “That kind of betrayal doesn’t get a second chance. She’s gone. I don’t care how long she’s been around—loyalty is everything, and she threw it away.”

  Alex nods. “Let me do it. It’ll be my final act as CEO.”

  Leilani looks at him, nodding. “All right. You can have the honors. You deserve that much.”

  Alex leans back, eyes cutting to me with a grin that’s all heat and pride. “Happy to—with the help of the newest Sebring by my side.”

  We may not have said the vows yet. But in all the ways that count, we’re building this life together. One choice, one reckoning, one clean break at a time.

  And when that reckoning comes?

  I’ll be right beside him.

  Ready.

  Willing.

  And absolutely thrilled to help him fire that bitch.

  Chapter 4

  Alex Sebring

  It’s been months since I walked through these doors.

  Sebring HQ looks the same as how I left it—sleek, spotless, buzzing beneath a polished surface. A place where ambition dresses in navy suits and every smile hides a strategy.

  The executive assistant at the front desk snaps to attention as I step into the lobby, her eyes widening behind thick-framed glasses. “Mr. Sebring. I wasn’t aware you were returning today. Welcome back.”

  “Thank you, Beatrice.” But I’ll only be here for a brief moment.

  I button my jacket as I walk, not for image but for control. I need to feel tight. Steady. I’m not here for a warm reunion. I’m not here to reclaim the title of CEO.

  I’m here for the truth. And Courtney is clueless about what’s coming her way.

  It’s almost laughable—the number of calls Magnolia made this morning asking for me.

  I’m sorry, Miss Steel. Mr. Sebring doesn’t wish to speak to you ever again.

  Miss Steel, you really should stop calling this office. Mr. Sebring isn’t accepting your calls.

  You can forget it, Miss Steel, if you’re hoping someone else is going to answer and put you through to him.

  I heard Courtney’s every response with my own ears.

  I never imagined the woman I trusted to guard my privacy was the one who weaponized it. The one who sold my personal information to people who wanted to ruin me. Who conspired with Tyson McRae and Celeste to burn my life down from the inside out.

  And the worst part? I’ve known her for two decades. She’s been part of this company since I was a boy. She watched me grow up. And still—she chose money over loyalty and morality.

  That kind of betrayal stings. It rots.

  I head upstairs, nodding at the familiar faces who give me warm smiles and respectful hellos. It’s strange how quickly people fall back into line as though I never stepped away. But I’m not here to be anyone’s boss. Never again.

  My office door is open. And there she is.

  Courtney rises the second she sees me, all smiles and surface shine. And she looks… upgraded. Tighter blazer. New hairstyle. Maybe even a new gym routine. There’s a glow to her now. She’s been spending—sleek blazer, designer heels, fresh haircut that probably came with a glass of champagne.

  This is what she has to show for cashing in on betrayal. Enjoying the spoils of a deal made in the dark. She’s dressed herself in the fallout of my life.

  “Alex!” Her voice is bright—too bright—and she’s already crossing the room, arms open. “You’re back. It’s so good to see you. We’ve all missed you so much.”

  She goes in for a hug, and I allow it.

  She pulls back, smiling the way old friends would, picking up where we left off. “How was the States?”

  I sit, gesture for her to do the same. “Turns out distance is good for perspective. I see some things a lot more clearly now.”

  She babbles on—project updates, internal memos, how the staff kept things afloat in my absence. I nod, interjecting with the occasional hum, playing the part of the returning CEO just enough to keep her comfortable.

  “So tell me… did any special young lady reach out to me while I was gone?”

  Her posture stiffens, and she glances down at her hands. “Well, yes. Celeste reached out. She’s worried about you.”

  My jaw flexes, but I keep my smile in place. “Only Celeste?”

  She nods. “Yes, she called a few times.”

  “Magnolia hasn’t called?” I ask.

  Courtney’s face doesn’t flinch. Doesn’t twitch.

  “If Miss Steel called, she didn’t speak to me.”

  Liar.

  She doesn’t know how deep she’s burying herself.

  Time to dig it all up.

  Just when Courtney finishes her speech—full of tight smiles and crafted lies—the office door swings open behind her. She turns, and the color drains from her face. “Miss Steel?”

  Magnolia comes into the room. Calm. Measured. Eyes locked on Courtney.

  She doesn’t smile. Doesn’t blink. “Guess you didn’t expect to see me again.”

  Courtney scrambles to stand. “I—I didn’t know you were back.”

  “Oh, she’s more than back. She’s my fiancée. And as of this morning, the newest employee of Sebring Hotels.”

  Courtney’s mouth opens, then closes again.

  I keep my voice calm. “You didn’t only screen Magnolia’s calls, Courtney. You lied to her. Lied to me. You blocked her real number in my phone. You changed her contact info. And worst of all—you fabricated texts. You built the lies that tore us apart.”

  Still, she says nothing.

  “You made me believe the love of my life had walked away with someone else. And you made sure she thought I wanted nothing to do with her. You didn’t protect me. You fucking destroyed me.”

  I lean forward, voice low and unflinching. “You sold your soul to Tyson McRae and Celeste Worthington.”

  She falters for a moment.

  “I was protecting you. Celeste said Magnolia was a gold digger, and she was after the Sebring name and money.”

  Magnolia’s expression doesn’t flinch. Her voice is steady, almost too calm. “You really believe that? That I was after what I could get from Alex?”

  She shakes her head. “I’ve never wanted Alex’s name or his money. I love him with my whole heart.”

  She meets Courtney’s eyes, unblinking. “But you didn’t care. You took one version of a story—one fed to you by people who never wanted to see us together—and ran with it. You let their lies rewrite our love story. And it nearly destroyed us.”

  Courtney’s face crumples, voice cracking, as she looks to me. “I was protecting you. I’ve been loyal to this family and company for years.”

  “Look at me. Not him.” Magnolia’s voice sharpens, low and cutting. “You didn’t protect him. You betrayed him. And you don’t get to call that loyalty.”

  “I didn’t mean to hurt anyone,” Courtney whispers.

  I keep my gaze locked on hers. “But you did. And now you aren’t to be trusted.”

  “Alex, please,” she says, pleading. “I need this job.”

  “You’re fired,” I say, standing now. Calm. Final. “Effective immediately.”

  Her voice cracks. “Please don’t do this. I didn’t know who to believe.”

  “No,” I cut in, my tone cold. “You knew who to believe, but you chose the side that was paying out bonuses.”

  Her eyes well with tears, but neither of us look away. Neither of us flinches.

  Because this?

  This moment is justice.

  And justice doesn’t apologize.

  I don’t raise my voice because I don’t need to. “Effective now, you’re no longer employed by Sebring Hotels.” I say, ice running through every word.

  Courtney’s face crumples. “Please… you don’t understand. I didn’t mean to⁠—”

  Magnolia doesn’t even blink. Her voice is quiet, steady, unforgiving. “You were aware of what you were doing. And now you’re done.”

  Courtney’s voice pitches, desperate now. “You can’t do this. Alexander won’t allow it. He knows what I’ve done for this company.”

  The door opens behind us.

  Leilani strides in, sharp in a tailored suit that says she runs the show—because now, she does. Arms crossed, chin high, looking like karma in heels, she fixes Courtney with a cool smile. “Hi, Courtney. I’m the new CEO of Sebring Hotels. As for a severance?” A casual shrug. “Yeah… that’s not happening.”

  Courtney turns to me one last time, eyes wild with disbelief. But I’m already done looking at her.

  I nod once toward the door. “Security will escort you out.”

  She hesitates—one beat too long—before storming past Leilani and disappearing down the corridor.

  One down.

  Two more to go.

  Tyson McRae. Celeste Worthington.

  Their reckoning’s coming.

  Chapter 5

  Magnolia Steel

  The moment we step inside, I’m wrapped in warmth—spiced air rich with ginger, cardamom, and something buttery and slow-cooked. Soft sitar music hums in the background, blending with the low clink of copper dishes.

  Alex squeezes my hand. “Krishna picked this restaurant. Says the place reminds her of home.”

  “I’m pretty sure I’ve found my new favorite place to eat.”

  We’re barely through the restaurant’s entrance when we spot them. Krishna waves us over from a cozy corner booth, grinning as though we’re already old friends.

  Warm-toned skin, espresso-dark eyes, and a crown of glossy waves tucked behind one ear give her a quiet elegance. No flash, no fuss. Simply the unmistakable radiance of a pregnant woman.

  She pushes back from the table and moves toward us with grace.

  “You must be Magnolia,” she says, wrapping me in a hug. “I’m Krishna—Kye’s better half.”

  “Definitely the better half,” Kye adds, rising with a grin. “Nice to meet you, Magnolia. I’ve been dying to meet the woman who managed to tame this guy.”

  Alex slides his hand across my lower back. “The truth? I never had a shot at not falling for this one.”

  “I’m glad to have another woman around. It’s all testosterone, all the time, when your husband is in this business.”

  Kye chuckles. “Excuse you, lovie. It’s been all pregnancy hormones around here, and I’m just trying to survive.”

  Krishna places her hand on top of her small bump. “All thanks to this one. Not even here yet and already running the show.”

  I smile, watching the way her hand lingers, protective and proud. I can’t imagine what it must feel like to grow a life inside you. To know every kick, every flutter is yours to protect. To love someone you haven’t even met yet with your whole heart.

  Pregnancy looks terrifying, and beautiful, and… maybe a little magical.

  We settle into the booth, and ditching all formality, Kye leans forward, resting his forearms on the table. “So, Magnolia—how was the big move? Settling in all right?”

  “It’s been a big change, but I love being here,” I say, turning to Alex with a smile. “The best part is I get to be with this guy.”

  Kye smirks. “He’s an all right kind of bloke, I suppose. What about the wedding? Set a date yet?”

  “No official date yet, but we’re looking.”

  “We’ve talked about six months,” Alex says, his hand settling warm and steady on my thigh beneath the table. “But I’m hoping for sooner.”

  Krishna grins. “Love that. Long enough to enjoy the planning, short enough to keep everyone from losing their minds.”

  Kye lets out a low chuckle. “So it is possible to plan a wedding without losing your mind? Good to know. We planned for something small—casual beach ceremony, family only. Somehow it turned into a four-piece string quartet, a guest list we lost control of, and a budget that still gives me hives.”

  Krishna shoots him a look, half amusement, half warning. “You mean the wedding that turned out perfectly?”

  He holds up his hands, grinning. “Wouldn’t change a thing. Just saying it’s nice to see a couple aiming for sanity.”

  Our drinks arrive—Kingfisher for Kye and Alex, a crisp riesling for me, and sparkling water with lime for Krishna. Kye lifts his glass. “To fresh starts, bold moves, and people who leap at the right time.”

  We toast, the soft clink of glass against glass ringing out under the mellow hum of sitar music.

  I know why we’re here.

  The rugby conversation is coming—it’s humming under Alex’s skin in the way he keeps flexing his hand, as if he’s working through the nerves in his palm. But Kye hasn’t rushed him. He’s opening up with discussing our life first, not Alex’s comeback.

  That matters to me. It says this isn’t only about getting a player back on the field. It’s about the person sitting beside me.

  We eat, passing dishes around. The butter chicken melts on my tongue. Krishna orders extra garlic naan and insists I take the last piece.

  Talk drifts from weddings to baby names.

  “We’re not finding out,” Krishna says, patting her belly. “Kye wanted to, but I told him there are so few surprises left in the world. Might as well let this be one.”

  “I’m on board now,” Kye says, though the twitch of a grin suggests it might not have come easily. “She banned gender reveal parties from day one. Said if anyone shows up with a confetti cannon, they’re uninvited to the christening.”

  The plates are cleared, and Kye leans back, folding his hands. His tone shifts, lined with purpose. “Talk to me about the surgery. How’s the ankle?”

  Alex sets down his beer, ready to talk business. “It’s solid. The surgeon said the procedure was a success. Physio’s gone better than I expected. I started light training in the States—range of motion, conditioning, building the muscle back. Still got a way to go, but Doc gave me the all-clear for full-contact drills.”

  Kye nods, processing. “It feels good this time?”