ALISSA'S POV

We walked into the mansion, our footsteps echoing in the grand marble foyer. The chandeliers overhead cast a soft glow on the polished floors and ornate walls, but the opulence of the surroundings did nothing to ease the tension.

Inside, Gabriel, my dad's right-hand man, waited at the base of the grand staircase. Gabriel had served my dad for decades, his loyalty unwavering and his skill unmatched. He was a man of precision, a strategist who balanced my dad's raw power with calculated intellect. He was also there when I experienced those training, he helped me trained me sometimes and also helped wrap up my injuries. He was one of the few people that I trusted.

When he saw me walk in, his usually stern face broke into a rare smile.

"Ma'am," he greeted, his tone warm but measured. "It's good to have you back."

My expression softened slightly.

"It's good to see you, Gab," I replied, my voice steady. "I told you to just call me by my name, calling me ma'am makes me look as if I'm an old rich lady"

Gabriel chuckled. "Alright Alissa" "It's good that you're back forever this time"

Gabriel's gaze shifted back to me, and there was a glint of pride in his eyes. "I've know about what you've accomplished, Alissa. I'm sure that the family's future is in very capable hands."

I inclined my head, my calm demeanor unwavering. "I learned from the best."

Gabriel's smile widened slightly. He had always admired Alissa's ability to remain composed under pressure, her sharp mind, and her quiet determination. She was her father's equal in every way that mattered, and her return marked the beginning of a new chapter for the De Leon empire.

As we moved deeper into the mansion, my dad led the way to his office, a grand space filled with dark wood furniture and shelves lined with leather-bound books. He poured himself a glass of whiskey and gestured for me and Gabriel to sit.

"Now that you're back for good, Alissa, it's time to talk about your role," dad began, his tone serious.

I leaned back in my chair, my eyes never leaving my father's. "I'm ready."

Gabriel watched the exchange with interest. He had always believed that Alissa was destined for greatness, but seeing her now, poised and resolute, he knew she was more than ready to step into her role. She wasn't just Alexandro's daughter. She was his heir.

For the next hour, they discussed plans, operations, and alliances. I listened intently, my sharp mind absorbing every detail. Gabriel occasionally chimed in, his insights adding depth to the conversation. By the time they finished, it was clear that my return was not just a homecoming—it was a signal to the world that the De Leon family was stronger than ever.

As the meeting concluded, Gabriel stood and extended his hand to me. "Welcome home, Alissa. The family's lucky to have you."

She shook his hand, her grip firm. "Thank you, Gabriel. I will never let m dad down."

Alexandro watched the exchange with a rare expression of satisfaction. He felt a sense of peace. His empire was in capable hands, and his legacy was secure.

"I'm hosting a grand ball after a month of you settling, I want the whole world to know that my heir has returned" Alexandro proudly said.

"Okay papa" Alissa said and turned to go out of the office. After sometime Gabriel left the office too.

3RD POV

As Alissa and Gabriel left the office, Alexandro poured himself another glass of whiskey and sat back in his chair. Outside, the guards remained vigilant, but the atmosphere had shifted. Alissa's presence had redefined the balance of power within the mansion.

She wasn't just a daughter returning home. She was a force of nature, a calm yet deadly storm poised to shape the future of the De Leon empire. And with her father's guidance, Alissa was ready to take her place as the queen of their dark world.

ALISSA'S POV

I slipped into my room, shutting the heavy oak doors behind my with a soft click. The soft, familiar scent of lavender and old leather welcomed her.

Dropping my coat onto a chair, I reached for my phone. Asher's name was already at the top of my recent calls. I hesitated, my fingers brushing over the screen. For all my strength and sharp edges, Asher had a way of softening her in a way no one else could. With a deep breath, she pressed call.

The line barely rang once. "Alissa," he said, his deep voice low and urgent. "You're finally calling. I've been waiting"

I smiled softly, my heart doing a little flip. "I'm in my room," I murmured. "Figured I should call and let you know I made it."

"You have no idea how badly I needed to hear your voice," he admitted, his tone a mixture of relief and something deeper—something raw. "I've been counting the minutes since you left."

"Minutes?" I teased, kicking off my boots and curling up against the pillows. "You sound like you missed me or something."

"Missed you?" He scoffed lightly, but his voice was warm. "Alissa, I've been miserable. Every second you're not near me feels like a century."

My breath hitched slightly, the sincerity in his words catching me off guard. "You're such a smooth talker," I said, trying to keep my tone light, but the emotion in my voice betrayed me. I really don't know what he does to me, this emotions which I feel are all knew.

"It's not talk," he said firmly. "You mean everything to me. Do you know how hard it was to let you leave? To let you walk into that lion's den without me?"

"I had to come alone, plus you have a huge empire to run too" I said softly, gazing out the window at the moonlit vineyards stretching endlessly beyond the villa. "This is my home, Asher. I am my father's heir after all."

"I know," he replied, his voice gentler now. "But it doesn't stop me from worrying. You're not just the girl I like, Alissa. You're my heart, my reason for everything. If something happened to you..."

"Nothing's going to happen," I interrupted, her tone firm but tender. "I'm careful. You know that."

"I know," he said, exhaling deeply. "But you're also stubborn and fearless, and sometimes that scares me more than anything."

I chuckled softly, the sound easing some of the tension between them. "I'll take that as a compliment."

"It is," he said, his voice softening. "You're the strongest, most extraordinary person I've ever known. But even the strongest need someone to lean on. Promise me you'll call if you need anything. I'll drop everything—no matter where I am, no matter what it takes—to be by your side."

My chest tightened, his words wrapping around her like a cocoon. I know it' hasn't been long since we dated but my feelings right now, it feels like we have dated since a long time "You always know how to make me feel invincible," I said quietly. "But I promise. If I need you, I'll call. My dad is also here by my side"

"That's all I ask," he said, his tone tender. "Just don't forget that you're never alone, Alissa."

The weight of his words made my throat tighten. I didn't trust myself to respond right away, so I simply whispered, "Thank you, Asher."

"I mean every word," he said, his voice full of an emotion I couldn't get . "Now, get some rest. You've had a long day."

"I'll try," she replied, her voice lighter now. "But I'll probably just lie here thinking about you."

"You better," he teased, a smile audible in his tone. "Because I'll definitely be thinking about you."

She laughed softly, the sound genuine and light. "Goodnight, Asher."

"Be careful, okay?" he urged. "And remember, I love you." my heart skipped a beat, it was actually the first time I heard him say that.

I hesitated, the words settling like a warm blanket around me. "I know," I said finally, my voice almost a whisper. "I love you too."

Asher sighed, his relief palpable even through the phone. "Come back to me in one piece."

"Always," I said, ending the call before my emotions could betray me further.

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