Page 43 of The Next Door Billionaire's Deception

I pause, contemplating that. Bluband wasn't in business with Emerald around the time they were hacked, but with my company, Vibrant.

Vibrant might well be next.

“Good observation. I should probably give you a raise.”

“If only, Mr. Burnes. If only.”

It’s 8 pm, and I’m in my study, working on my laptop, when I receive the notification from Alex.

FaceTime. I need to talk to you.

I open my FaceTime and dial him. After a short moment, we’re connected.

I’m met with a sorry sight. Alex stares into the screen with sunken eyes behind his glasses.

“Lex! What’s wrong? You look awfully tired! Talk to me.”

"I'm fine, Richie. It's just late, that's all. I've been trying you all day! I had to call Anna. What happened?”

I rub the corners of my eyes.

“Sorry about that. Forgot my phone at home.”

“Oh. Well, I had to talk to you.”

“I’m here now. Talk to me.”

“Alright, Richie. First off, how’s Melissa?”

I cough, beating my chest to control it.

“Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I’m fine. And, uh, so is your sister.”

“Yes. That’s what I want to talk to you about.”

I sit up. “Okay. What’s the matter?”

“How long have I known you, Richie?”

I raise an eyebrow. “What does that have to do with anything?”

He presses on. “How long?”

“More than two decades. Why?”

“You know how much I love family, yeah?”

“That’s not new to me, Alex.”

“Then I’m begging you, for the sake of our friendship, to watch over her. There are a lot of things happening lately, and I just need to make sure she’ll be alright.”

“Where’s all this coming from?”

“I’ll tell you, but please promise me first, Richie.”

“Hmm. Okay. You have my word. I won’t let any harm come to your sister.”

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