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Review responses:

MagicxMusicxMelody - The worst case is when the intruder interrupts a wedding, anniversary, child's milestone... you name it! Hydron can most definitely TRY to leave, but he won't get anywhere far.

cherry-tree-of-life - "Lighthouse mentality" is new to me! There will be a three-way argument between Alice, Hydron, and Zenoheld. You're half right—Hydron is standing (dangerously) somewhere, but not on a bridge... In fact, he's very close by.

CookieDecor22 - Blackmail photos never get old, either! Group dinner is always the best. I usually let the investigations take place behind the scenes so that the main plot keeps going. If Alice really wanted revenge, then she would've made the entire situation publicized than it already is.

Chapter 14: Lighten a Heavy Heart

xXx

"Your idea of dinner together was to eat instant noodles by the harbor...?"

Alice was waiting on a public bench and watched Shun return from a convenience store with two bowls of instant noodles, napkins, and disposable utensils. "I have urgent news for you, but I didn't want to eat indoors either."

"Some restaurants offer outdoor dining..."

"Not a good time to be around anyone else right now. I still have all those audio recordings from Zenoheld's meetings, but they won't mean anything unless he confesses. Also, Hydron has been silent for a week now."

"Katie also went off the grid after what happened yesterday, too. This is awful."

"Can you still clean up everything if you stepped in now?"

"This wasn't the outcome I expected from my original plan, but I'll do whatever I can to bring the company back on track. There's still no solid evidence that points the company car sabotage to a specific individual... But what if I try to get Uncle Zenoheld to confess to that by pretending to say that Hydron already confessed?"

"That might or might not work. Even if you pretend to tell him Hydron admitted to everything, Zenoheld could still deny it and say Hydron orchestrated everything himself. It wouldn't be the first time that Zenoheld let his son take the fall."

"You're right. I didn't think Katie was serious. She might still have evidence of money laundering and embezzlement with her, but none of the evidence will mean anything if it can't be presented in court. Where are you keeping the evidence that you found?"

"Trust me, it's in a safe place." After the pair finished eating their noodles, Shun asked, "Do you want dessert?"

"I'll go buy ice cream." Alice later returned from the same convenience store with honeydew popsicles, and the pair walked along the harbor. "Were you able to request an additional week off? I can't view the company calendar or any time-off requests right now."

"Not yet. I'm still thinking about it. I told Soon about my grandfather's situation, and she was very understanding. I finally understood why she was so stressed and burnt out when covering the front desk long term before you found me."

"I know... She's one of the most underrated employees in the whole building." She then looked up at the sky after seeing something fly across. "Was that a shooting star?"

Another shiny object flew across the sky. "That was another shooting star. You'd better make a wish now. I'll hold your popsicle."

"Um... okay!" The redhead held her hands in prayer position and closed her eyes. "I'm done... And now there's a third shooting star! Did I miss this memo on the weather report? Now it's your turn to make a wish!"

Shun did the same thing and continued walking afterward. "One of my wishes was for everything to return to normal at Testarossa Electronics."

"How is that personal to you?"

"You didn't know me at all when you hired me to be the new building receptionist. I rarely talk about my past, but you didn't mind any of it and told me to get work done by the end of the day. Since you gave me a second chance, I hope you get a second chance too."

"That... is the most selfless thing I've ever heard from anyone since my grandfather passed away. Thank you for sharing your honest thoughts, Shun."

"I should be thanking you."

The pair stopped talking out loud after they passed by a group of people performing dance covers on the street. The redhead finished her honeydew popsicle and walked away to find a trash can. Once we find justice for everyone who was wronged, then maybe I can finally move on with my life.

-x-x-x-x-x-

While at home, Zenoheld was sorting through mail and discovered many letters conveying the same message of overdue debts and asset collection. After the last letter was opened, his son suddenly called. "Hydron, where on earth are you?! I scheduled another appointment with our family lawyer to discuss the trial, but you never showed up and—"

"Father... I called to say goodbye."

"I'm not done talking! Don't you know how expensive legal fees are? If only you listened to me and not acted on your own, then this wouldn't have been—" The blond caller hung up abruptly. "How dare he continue to disobey me!" Zenoheld then called the company building's main line and waited several minutes on hold. "What took you so long to answer?! Your customer service is awful!"

"I could hang up right now and send you to the end of the queue again," Shun replied. "Don't bother looking for Katie. She called out sick again. Something about panic attacks, but not my—" Suddenly, he saw a crowd of bystanders on the sidewalk directly in front of the front entrance. "One moment, there's a disturbance outside..."

Among the crowd was Soon, who saw the raven-haired receptionist step outside. "Thank goodness you're here! I just returned from my break and saw the crowd. Hydron is standing at the edge of the building roof!"

Shun looked up and saw the blond CEO standing on top of a large cardboard box, lowering the railing height to only his waist. He immediately ran back to the phone on his desk. "Your son is on the company building's roof and looks like he might jump."

"I beg your pardon?!" Zenoheld hung up immediately and left his house, while the raven-haired receptionist sent a building-wide alert about Hydron being on the roof. Shortly after, the elderly shareholder arrived at the roof furiously. "Son, what the hell are you doing here?!"

"Father, this is too much. I don't want to be CEO anymore."

"That's because Alice framed you for murder using that audio recording at your inauguration!"

While the pair continued arguing, Shun stepped outside to look up again before texting Alice. "EMERGENCY. Hydron and Zenoheld are arguing on the company roof."

Seconds later, the redhead replied, "On my way."

The blond CEO was now sitting dangerously on top of the railing. "No matter how hard you push me to be the best, nobody accepts me for who I am. Alice had to clean up my mess from when I accidentally leaked information to a competitor. Spectrum Solar chose Alice's proposal over mine. Nothing good happened after I became CEO. What's the point?!"

"The point is that I'm teaching you how to fight for what you want in life. Nothing is ever free or comes with no caveats. I've been paving the way for you since you were born, but I can't do it forever. Acquiring Testarossa Electronics is only the first step. If you want to achieve more in life, then you need to set your expectations higher."

"Then what's the point of paving the way for me to acquire this company when you want me to acquire other things afterward?"

"Do you want Alice to boss you around for the rest of your life here?"

"Of course not! But at least she knows what she's doing. Even though I suddenly became CEO, I still can't be perfect enough to meet everyone's expectations. This is exhausting!"

"Nonsense! Get rid of those senseless employees and find new people who will actually listen to you. Then you can convince the public that you deserve and are perfect for the CEO position."

"No, you won't." Appearing at the roof entrance was Alice. "Hydron, did you finally decide to stop hiding from everyone and all your problems?"

"Alice, you stay out—"

"No, you and Uncle Zenoheld were supposed to stay out of this. You had no right to seize a company that was never yours to begin with. You envied Joe for achieving much more on his own than you ever could, which led to the argument where he later fell down the stairs to his death. You thought you could pin the accidental leak on me since I oversaw that project back then, but I traced it back to you. The police now have evidence proving that Uncle Zenoheld sabotaged Linus's company car. What if you took that car to your meeting and died in Masquerade's place instead? Did you ever think about that?!"

Zenoheld's face turned pale immediately. "What evidence are you talking about?"

"Your first sabotage attempt was replacing the security guards at the 'Mission and Vision' banquet with literal gangsters to kidnap and possibly kill me. Then you sabotaged Shun's motorcycle and sent the same gangsters to attack his grandfather. How many times did my grandfather look the other way when he suspected that you were behind all the foul play? I'm done being kind. You don't deserve to play victim or jump off the roof after everything you did, Hydron." While Alice paused to catch her breath, police sirens echoed from ground level. "I don't remember calling the police when I rushed here."

"You didn't. I did." Katie suddenly appeared on the roof while gripping her phone tightly. "After hearing that Hydron might jump from the roof, I immediately called the police after I left the urgent care center. Zenoheld is the mastermind behind everything, Alice."

"Young lady, how dare you betray us?! Do you realize that you'll incriminate yourself as well?!"

"I don't care. I'm partially responsible for everything that turned out today, and I can't bear the guilt or panic attacks anymore. I'll turn myself in if it means I can stop you two from doing any more harm." The roof door opened again as Shun led the way for the police to arrest their suspects. "There they are..."

"I'm not saying another word without my lawyer," the elderly shareholder declared as the police handcuffed him.

The police then handcuffed and escorted Hydron, but he resisted and stopped in front of Alice. "You and Masquerade always ignored me since we were kids. Don't you know there will be consequences when you side with outsiders instead of family?"

"You don't understand. My grandfather, parents, brother, and I never ignored you. Your father refused to let us interact with you. His greed and ambition created the person that you are today. You'll have plenty of time to reflect and repent now."

The police officers took the blond CEO downstairs and then handcuffed Katie, who also had words to say to Alice. "Are you feeling better now? I genuinely meant to ask that, not as sarcasm."

"At least you finally understand what's happening. I don't know how to thank you."

"You don't have to thank me or even accept my apology. I finally realized what I did was wrong and decided I wasn't going to protect or enable them anymore. I want this mess over as much as you do."

Once the officers took everyone they needed away, only Shun and Alice remained on the roof. "It's over, Alice. I know how upset you were about everything, but the police arrested Hydron again and now both Zenoheld and Katie too."

"We were all surprised when Katie approached us at the restaurant saying she wanted to help me and even provide evidence. I'm even more surprised that she called the police and turned herself in. I still have a chance to convince Hydron to plead guilty, but there's no way Uncle Zenoheld will ever admit his fault or make amends."

"Even if those three were all arrested, the police still need to process everything. The last thing you need is for any of them to go off the grid after paying for bail. What will you do now?"

"If only there was a way for me to come back and clean up everything in one sweep and—" After pausing in the middle of her sentence, the redhead's eyes turned white, followed by her falling to the ground.

"Alice, what's wrong?" Seeing that the redhead didn't respond despite loud calling, Shun immediately called for medical assistance. Please don't tell me you're about to die too...

-x-x-x-x-x-

"I'm so glad you're awake! You had us all worried, Alice!"

Chris was the first person the redhead saw upon waking up in a hospital bed. "What am I doing here? What time is it?"

"You're in the hospital! Shun said you two were in the middle of talking when you suddenly collapsed. That was yesterday afternoon. Now it's noon the next day."

"So, I spent the night in the hospital? What happened to me?"

"The doctors said you were anemic and low on blood sugar. Did you skip lunch or something? Shun did say he asked you to come to the building immediately when he saw Hydron on the building roof. "

"Oh no... And that was all yesterday? Did the others tell you what happened?"

"Nope. I had warehouse duty yesterday and requested today off to be with you. But did Hydron really try to jump from the roof?"

"He obviously didn't succeed, but the police didn't even need to negotiate with him. Uncle Zenoheld was there when I arrived. He must've talked some sense into Hydron. Then I said some unpleasant things. Katie later arrived on the roof and told us that she called the police. She also said she turned herself in because of her involvement in the rigged CEO election and sabotaging Linus's company car."

"She actually admitted to all that? Does love really conquer all?"

"I told her a long time ago that everything she did for Hydron was at her own will and most likely won't be reciprocated. Look at where the three of them are now. Katie called out sick several times due to panic attacks and worrying that the truth would come out."

A knock echoed on the door, prompting Chris to look out the window. "Shun's here. I'll let you two talk while I ask the front desk for updates."

"Sounds good." After the amethyst-eyed blonde left, the raven-haired receptionist took the former's seat. "I didn't think you'd leave the front desk."

"After everything that happened, Soon was more than happy to cover for me again. You really overworked yourself this time, Alice. How much sleep and food did you skip prior to today?"

"The police told me that their case against Hydron and Uncle Zenoheld for sabotaging the company car is almost complete. The fact that Katie turned herself in might complicate the investigation since the police need to verify her statements and reassess who's exactly responsible for what."

"What difference does it make? They all hurt you with their actions. You should be happy that this nightmare is over."

"But I feel like something's still missing. Would we still be in this mess if Testarossa Electronics closed down instead?"

Shun stared blankly before responding. "I'm not hearing things, right? This is your grandfather's legacy you're talking about."

"If Hydron and Uncle Zenoheld weren't extended family, then Grandfather wouldn't have been so generous with them. Blood isn't always thicker than water."

"Did you know that phrase actually originated from—"

"It's just a proverb, Shun. I'm more serious than that."

"Then I have a serious question for you... Will Testarossa Electronics still forever be yours to oversee for as long as you're not retired?"

"What do you mean? I'll always keep Grandfather's legacy alive."

"You told me Zenoheld despised and envied you because you're a girl who achieved more than what Hydron ever achieved. Can you still keep the company afloat no matter what life throws at you?"

"If I can survive this mess in the present day, then I'm prepared for anything in the future, although the idea of a 'family business' might end with my generation, given everything that went wrong with Hydron and Uncle Zenoheld."

"But what about me?"

"What do you mean? You played a crucial role in my plan to reclaim what was stolen from me. I still can't thank you enough for everything."

"Actually, let me remind you that you said you took me in as a receptionist so that I could gain skills and experience for better opportunities ahead. In reality, I think you were subconsciously planning revenge as early as when Joe died and conveniently found me to help you."

"Wait... what?! I'm sorry if I made you feel uncomfortable while you were employed here. If you want to resign, then—"

"Alice, I never said I was going to resign... at least not within the immediate future. You need at least half a year to restore Testarossa Electronics to what it was before Hydron took over. I'm not leaving until everything's back to normal."

"To be honest, you remind me of Katie. You deserve better than the front desk, but I didn't know you very well back then, and I urgently needed a new receptionist. If you like staying there, then I'm fine with that. However, I have a business trip offer that I'd like you to consider."

"Where are you sending me?"

Suddenly, Chris knocked on the door and asked, "Alice, are you free?"

"Yes, what happened?"

The blonde cousin entered the room with Billy, who waved at everyone. "Remember me? I'm Billy Gilbert from Bayview Police. I was wondering if you're alert and oriented enough to answer some questions, Alice."

"Is this about Hydron, Katie, and Uncle Zenoheld? Sure, I'd love to help." Chris left immediately, and right after Shun stood up, the redhead whispered, "The offer isn't urgent, so I'll tell you next time."

"Alright. Take care of yourself. Let us know when to pick you up."

"I will." I know exactly what you want to ask me, but I'm not ready to address that question yet... not until all cases are closed with satisfactory resolutions.

-x-x-x-x-x-

After discharging the hospital following another overnight stay, Alice returned to Testarossa Electronics the next morning to clean up. Mylene and the other shareholders waited in the lobby to greet the redhead. "Good morning, Miss Gehabich. On behalf of the Board of Directors, we are unconditionally giving you the rights to Testarossa Electronics once again."

"Unconditionally? That sounds too good to be true."

"There is nothing to fear." The bluenette shareholder handed an orange folder to Alice. "Everything is written here. You are more than welcome to reprise your role as interim CEO again, or even rise to official CEO if you wish. We believe that your return to the company will be in everyone's best interest to restore the company's glory."

"I couldn't have said it better myself. Thank you for still believing in me to the very end."

"No, thank you for your unwavering leadership. We'll be in touch."

After the shareholders left the company building, the redhead went to her office on the third floor and unlocked the door. At least no one changed the locks. She logged onto her work computer and was delighted to see that her credentials were active. Now I need to restore everyone to their original job positions. At least there were no new hires since Hydron took over. I'll need Soon's help to expedite this.

Alice turned on the television to watch the local news. "Following the arrests of and charges against Hydron and Zenoheld Gehabich for various felonies, stock prices for Testarossa Electronics rose again for the first time since Hydron Gehabich was proclaimed the new CEO. Sources say that Alice Gehabich has reclaimed her position as the actual CEO following administrative leave, but we haven't independently confirmed this yet."

She then checked every single text message and email. Nobody's reached out to me so far. I don't think the Board of Directors or other shareholders would dare say anything after what happened to Hydron and Uncle Zenoheld. She let the news play in the background while replying to overdue emails.

A few hours later, the police station called her cell phone. "This is Alice. How may I help you?"

"Hey, it's Billy! The state prison just told me that both Zenoheld and Hydron would like to speak with you individually when you're free. Are you comfortable with that? You also have the right to decline."

"Let me check my schedule." The redhead glanced at a wall calendar before asking, "Is it possible for me to visit both of them on the same day during different time slots?"

"Uh... Let me call the state prison right now to ask..."

After finishing the hour-long phone call, she finished more housekeeping tasks when a group of people knocked on her office door. "Surprise!"

"What are you all doing here?!" After seeing Dan, Runo, Baron, and Chris all peeking through the windows, Alice unlocked the meeting room next door for everyone to gather. "Aren't you all tired from a whole day of warehouse work? And you all brought a lot of bubble tea and pastries... How am I supposed to eat dinner later?"

"Consider this an early and unconventional choice of dinner tonight," the brunet replied. "We're glad that we're all back to where we were."

"Has anyone seen Shun?" the blonde asked. "He usually stays late, but if he left early, then that's—"

"You didn't think I'd stay on Alice's first day back?" The raven-haired receptionist suddenly appeared in the hallway with a huge bakery box. "I had to pick this up."

"Don't tell me we all bought the same thing," Baron complained. "Alice will be sick from eating sweets for days."

"Actually, this is a bit different..." Shun placed his box on the table and revealed a large, two-layered black forest case. "But sugar rush and sugar crash will be inevitable. Congratulations on returning, Alice."

"Thank you, Shun. I definitely need to start over from scratch once everyone settles back into their original positions."

"Now that you're back from administrative leave, do you still need to fly overseas for that trip you told us about?" Runo asked.

"I'm glad you mentioned that because I need to change my plans now that I'm the actual CEO. I might not be able to work directly with you on designs anymore after I restructure the company, but my door is always open if you need help."

After more chatting and eating, Shun asked Alice, "Does the business trip offer you mentioned have anything to do with visiting MGL Semiconductors overseas?"

"It does, but your trip won't replace my trip. Gunz is still holding onto Masquerade's items while I try to reschedule time off to visit their work building and Masquerade's personal lawyer. On the other hand, you'll be shadowing him and various employees for a couple of weeks."

"Why me? Is this an internship?"

"Yours will be a legitimate business trip with all expenses paid by me, unless you can't travel due to personal reasons or an expired passport. Don't worry about the front desk."

"My passport is still valid, but I need to explain this to my grandfather. When is it again?"

"It's one and a half months away to accommodate Gunz's schedule. This business trip will definitely open your eyes to a whole new world."

"Everything I need and want is all here, but since you're the one making the offer, I'll take it."

"Perfect! You won't regret this!"

Me: Happy Thanksgiving to everyone who recognize and celebrate it on the fourth Thursday of November! This chapter was definitely an emotional roller coaster, but things aren't quite over yet. Everything will be resolved in the final chapter coming soon!

Runo: Meanwhile, people are already playing Christmas music.

Me: It's not that big of a deal. I won't be shopping that much this year, so I probably only hear Christmas music on 1-2 occasions between now and Christmas (obviously no more Christmas music after Christmas, but you never know).

Chris: Baron's asking if we can retention bonus for Christmas.

Baron: Not me! She brought it up first when after we grabbed out desserts to-go!

Me: Uh... That's up to Alice! The most I can do is relay the message. The next/final chapter will feature Alice's final conversations with each of Hydron and Zenoheld, a "welcome back" interview, and Shun's turn to check in for a flight at the airport!

Dan: Shun's leaving?! Since when?!

Me: Whether he's leaving or not will be revealed on New Year's eve!

~ Irene - 'Like A Flower' ~