Whispers of Fortune

confession about the fire and its lasting impact on him replayed in her mind constantly. It had been a rare moment

ark, was grow

story for weeks," he barked during their m

acts she had gathered were compelling: the fire,

s the full picture-the threads connecting his p

id finally. "When it's r

tapping his pen against his des

the story of a man haunted by his past but determined to create better future.Determined to learn more about Alexande

ase. She hesitated before dialing, unsure how to approach the conversat

l Torres. How

" Emma began, he

Alexander Hale. I was wondering if you'd be willing to share yo

his privacy," Isa

re what I c

understand him. His work, his motivations... the things that ma

orrow at 10 a.m.," Isabel said at last. "B

abel was a gatekeeper to Alexander's world, and if an

uarters. The lobby was a testament to modern elegance, with marble floors, m

a private meeting room. In her tailored suit and perfe

ut meeting you," Isabel began as

ioned you recently. Th

surprised. "He

a smile. "He said you were persistent-and per

ttered or unnerved. She took out her

exander's relationship wi

d she leaned back in her chair.

ew up under constant pressure to excel, to be perfect. His mother, Clara,

ael?" Emm

ere Alexander was driven, Michael was kind. They balanced each other. Lo

what

re compassionate. The philanthropy you see today-that's Michael's legacy. Ale

notebook, her respect for Alex

asked. "The allegations of

stakes, and he's the first to admit that. But

quick to believe the worst

s words. Alexander's story was one of contradict

confront Alexander directly. She called

s voice cool but curious. "To

to you," Emma sa

at the Hale estate tomorrow at 7 p

ling mansion on the outskirts of the

h in knots. A butler led her through the grand halls to Alexander's s

, turning to face her

piecing together your story-the fire, Michael, your phi

sed an eyebro

dy. "Why you work so hard to make amends for mistakes that weren't entirely yours.

t shut her out. But then he sighed and sat down in one of

his voice low. "Because I've seen what happens

ers. He didn't care who he hurt as long as he

the world sees you

bitter smile. "I've made enemi

kly, I don't care what people think of me,

n deflection. But what she found was raw honesty-a man who ca

telling me th

iercing. "Because I think you'll t

ng fundamental had shifted between them. Alexander wasn't just her subject anym

ly remain objective. She didn't have an answer yet. But she knew