Chapter 54: Am I not allowed to be possessive of what’s mine?

Kael couldn’t take it.

The decision itself wasn’t unusual. Anyone who loved his family would do that. But something about the way Soren spoke made Kael deeply uncomfortable.

Soren wasn’t talking like a man planning for the future. He sounded like he was preparing to leave.

"Alright." Kael hesitated before saying, "But. You are still young and healthy. There is no reason to rush into writing a will right now."

"Life is uncertain," Soren said solemnly. "No one can tell what might happen the next second."

He had faced the worst.

In his past life, an accident had crippled him, leaving him confined to a wheelchair. With Tahlia around, anything could happen.

And he had not forgotten her mysterious boyfriend who had helped her destroy him.

Soren still didn’t know the full extent of their conspiracy, but he had no intention of allowing history to repeat itself.

This time, he would secure Elowen and Seraphina’s future.

"I want to make sure my wife and daughter will be taken care of," he continued. "As long as I’m alive, I’ll protect them. But what happens if something happens to me suddenly? What if I’m involved in an accident and don’t survive?"

"Sir, please... don’t say that. Nothing will happen to you." Kael grew uncomfortable. "There is no reason to talk as though you are about to...

Before he could say further, the door knocked and interrupted him.

"Mr. Vale." The secretary stepped in. "Sir, Mr. Alex is here. Shall I send him in?"

Soren nodded. "Send him in."

"Sure, sir." The secretary left.

Kael stood there still, troubled by their conversation.

He had worked for Soren long enough to know that his boss never made major decisions without a reason. If Soren wanted to transfer his fortune to his wife and write the will urgently, there had to be something he wasn’t telling anyone.

Something must be troubling him.

The door opened, and Alex entered.

Kael glanced at him. "I’ll leave now."

He gave a small nod at Soren before leaving.

"Good morning, Soren." Alex sat down across from him. "You called me so urgently? Is everything all right?"

Soren pushed a folder across the table toward him. "I’m transforming my private island into a luxury destination. The plan has already been approved. We will be starting the development soon."

Alex opened the folder curiously.

"It’s a massive project that requires substantial investment," Soren continued. "I want you to join me. I’m offering you thirty percent profit share."

Alex studied the file, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "The project looks promising," he mumbled thoughtfully. "I am in."

"But I have one condition," said Soren, his tone turning cold and businesslike.

Alex’s expression froze. "What condition?"

"Until the development of the island is complete, you can’t invest in any other business venture." Soren’s voice left no room for argument. "If you are planning of investing in any new projects, abandon that idea."

Alex considered the condition.

He had already agreed to Theron’s business proposal and promised to invest his money in the Eden District project. Going back on his word now didn’t sit well with him.

He gave Soren an awkward smile. "I might take one or two small projects. That won’t affect this one. Don’t worry. I won’t let you run short of funds. Start the development."

"I am very clear about my terms," Soren said almost immediately. "When I say you can’t invest in other ventures, I mean exactly that."

His expression morphed from commanding to far more intimidating.

"I offered you this opportunity because of our long-standing business ties. If you can’t accept my terms, I’ll find someone else."

Alex fell silent, his hesitation evident.

"Thirty percent of the profits," Soren added. "Think about it. I have never offered anyone such a generous share before."

Alex couldn’t afford to pass up such a lucrative opportunity because of his promise to Theron.

Compared with Soren’s massive island development, the Eden District project seemed insignificant. Besides, Soren was offering him double the profit share Theron had promised.

Alex wanted to accept the offer. But a nagging suspicion stopped him from agreeing immediately.

"Are you doing this to stop me from funding Theron’s project?" he asked, his suspicion clear in his eyes.

Soren went still for a moment.

That was precisely why he had imposed that term. He had no intention of allowing Alex to invest in Theron’s venture and help him spread his business in that city.

But he wouldn’t admit it.

"You are overthinking this," he replied, his tone flat. "I didn’t even know you were planning to invest in Theron’s project. I imposed that condition because this island development will require a huge amount of capital. I don’t want the project to stall halfway through because of the lack of funds."

Alex’s suspicion started to wane.

’Perhaps I’m overthinking it,’ he thought. ’Soren won’t interfere with Theron’s business because of their personal issues.’

He picked up the pen from the pen stand. "Alright. I am in."

He signed the documents. "I’m not investing in any other projects until this one is finished."

He smiled as he put the pen down.

Soren pulled the folder back toward him and checked the signed documents. An almost imperceptible sigh of relief escaped him.

"By the way... Did you fight with Theron that night at the party?" Alex asked.

Soren raised an eyebrow as he met his gaze.

"Did you hit him?" Alex added.

Soren cocked his head. "What did you expect me to do? He came back with a purpose. He openly challenged me to take my wife away from me. And you expect me to stay calm?"

Alex couldn’t say anything.

Soren wasn’t entirely wrong. No man would tolerate it.

"This is not what I mean," Alex started carefully this time. "I ran into him in the hallway that night. His face was bruised. So I wanted to check..."

"Yes, I hit him," Soren said before Alex could complete his sentence. "He crossed the line. He dared to stop me when I was taking Elowen home."

Alex’s lips parted widely. He struggled to process that Theron had gone that far.

"Look, I understand why you are angry, but you can’t keep fighting with him," Alex said after some time. "I talked to him. I told him to stop pursuing Elowen. And I believe he will give up the idea of chasing her."

Even as he said that, Alex doubted that Theron would listen to anyone.

He had seen the determination in Theron’s eyes. A man with that kind of resolve wouldn’t stop at anything until his goal was fulfilled.

"It’ll be good if he comes to his senses and stays away from my wife," Soren said coldly. "Or I won’t hesitate to destroy him."

Alex watched him for a while with confusion and questions in his mind.

"We all thought you were in love with Tahlia. Everyone believed you would marry her sooner or later. But no one expected you to become so possessive of Elowen."

Soren leaned forward, his hands flat on the table. "She is my wife." His voice lowered an octave. "Am I not allowed to be possessive of what’s mine?"