Page 7 of Cruel Hero

Alexander Hawthorne was not what I expected when I first heard about Olivia’s engagement. He is charismatic, intelligent, handsome, and completely enamored with my sister.

It’s still strange to see my reserved sister so openly affectionate, so vulnerable with someone who isn’t family. Olivia has always been the pillar of strength, the one who keeps her emotions in check, but with Alexander, she seems… softer. Happier. Head over heels for Alexander, who effortlessly fits into our social circle.

I hesitate in the doorway, unsure whether to retreat or announce my presence. Before I can decide, Alexander looks up, his piercing gray eyes locking onto mine. “Couldn’t sleep either?”

I shake my head, stepping into the room and pulling my robe tighter around me. “No. Too much on my mind.”

He nods and gestures to the chair across from him. “Join me? I could use the company.”

I make myself a cup of tea and sit down across from him, the warmth of the mug seeping into my hands. The kitchen is quiet except for the soft hum of the refrigerator and the occasional tap of Alexander’s fingers against the keyboard. He closes his laptop and sets it aside, giving me his full attention.

“What are you doing up so late?”

“I didn’t want to disturb Olivia’s sleep, but I need to catch up on tasks I missed from taking a few days off work.”

Alexander, the senator’s only son and heir to a real estate empire and political dynasty, holds the position of COO at Hawthorne Group.

“How are you settling into your new job? You recently moved back to Empire Heights, right?”

He nods. “It’s been quite a change, but I like the job. If only my father would stop breathing down my neck every step of the way,” he adds with a rueful smile, though I catch the flicker of frustration in his eyes. He leans back in his chair, running a hand through his dark hair.

“Did he pressure you into the position?” I stir my tea absently. The warmth of the mug does little to stave off the chill that seems to have settled deep in my bones.

Alexander exhales slowly, his gaze drifting to the window where moonlight spills across the kitchen floor. “You could say that. It’s expected of me, you know? To step into my father’s shoes, to uphold the Hawthorne name. There’s not much room for choice when you’re born into a family like mine. What really bothers me is being compelled to fill a role that’s already predetermined without having much of a say.”

“And Olivia?” I venture carefully, watching his expression. “How does she fit into all of this?”

A soft smile tugs at the corners of his lips, and for a moment, the tension in his shoulders eases. “Olivia… she’s different. She makes me feel like I can be more than just a Hawthorne. Like I can be myself.” His voice is quiet but earnest, and I can see the sincerity in his eyes. “She’s… everything.”

I’m struck by the depth of his feelings for my sister. It’s rare to see someone so composed, so controlled, let their guard down like this. I take a sip of my tea, the warmth spreading through me as I consider his words.

“She’s lucky to have you,” I say. “And you’re lucky to have her. She’s stronger than she lets on, you know. She’s been through a lot.”

“I know. And I admire that about her. She’s resilient, but she doesn’t have to carry everything alone anymore. Not while I’m here.”

I smile faintly, though a pang of envy tugs at my heart. It’s not that I begrudge Olivia her happiness—far from it. But seeing them together, so sure of each other, only highlights the uncertainty in my life.

“How about you, Tiffany? You’re about to inherit a significant portion of Carter Corporation. That’s no small responsibility,” Alexander says, his tone shifting to something more serious. “Are you ready for it?”

I glance down at my tea, the steam curling upward in delicate wisps. “I don’t know,” I admit quietly. “I’ve been trying to prepare myself, but it’s… overwhelming. Uncle Dean left behind a legacy that’s as much a burden as it is an opportunity. And with everything that’s happened…” My voice trails off, my thoughts drifting to the shadowy figure I thought I saw at the funeral.

“You don’t have to do it alone, you know. Olivia and I are here for you. The board will support you once they see your commitment.”

“Well, I don’t trust the board,” I say bluntly, my fingers tightening around the mug. “Not after what happened with Uncle Dean. They turned a blind eye to his dealings for years. How can I trust them to have my best interests at heart now?”

“You’re right to be cautious. But you’re not Dean, Tiffany. You have a chance to change things, to steer the company in a new direction. You just need to promote someone who shares your vision. Someone you can trust implicitly to help you navigate the board’s politics and enact the changes you want to see.”

“And who would that be?” I look at Alexander with a new sense of curiosity, my brow furrowing slightly. He could be the answer I’ve been looking for. “Would you consider taking the CEO position at Carter Corporation?”

“Me? I’m flattered you’d consider it, but my hands are full with Hawthorne Group. Besides, I’m not qualified for it.”

“You’re not,” I agree. “But you’re smart, driven, and you know how to navigate the corporate world better than most. You’ve been groomed for leadership your entire life, even if it wasn’t in the way you wanted. This could be your chance to prove to your father—and to yourself—that you’re more than just his heir. That you can lead on your own terms.”

The plan is bold, almost reckless, but it’s the only one that makes sense to me. I can’t trust anyone on the board, not after everything that’s come to light about Uncle Dean’s dealings. But Alexander? He’s family now—or he will be soon enough. And more importantly, he loves Olivia, so he’ll do whatever it takes to protect her and, by extension, me. That’s a kind of loyalty I can rely on.

Alexander’s gray eyes search mine, his expression unreadable. Then, slowly, he leans back in his chair, his fingers drumming lightly against the table. “You’re serious.”

“Deadly. I don’t trust anyone else. You have the skills, the connections, and the drive. And you’re already invested in this family. I can’t think of anyone better suited to help me steer Carter Corp out of this mess.”

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