Chapter 13 "You Can Cook?"

• After a while, Alex made way to his younger brother's room. Knocking softly on the door, Alex waited for a while before Asher opened the door, his face pale and bruised, Alex's heart clenched with concern.
• Alex said, his voice soft with worry. "I came to check on you. How are you feeling?"
• Asher managed a weak smile, his eyes reflecting gratitude. "I'm okay, big brother," he replied, his voice tinged with pain. "Just a little sore, that's all."
• Alex's gaze softened as he took in his brother's injuries. "Let me take a look," he said, gently guiding Asher to the couch.
• As Alex examined the bruises and cuts on Asher's face, his jaw clenched with anger. Whoever had done this to his brother would pay, of that he was certain.
• "I'm going to find out who did this to you, Ash," Alex said, his voice firm with determination. "I won't rest until I do."
• Asher nodded, his eyes shining with gratitude. "Thanks brother, but there's no need, i will handle it myself!," he said, his voice filled with emotion.
• After making sure Asher was comfortable, Alex left his brother's room, his mind already racing with plans. He had to find out who was responsible for hurting Asher, and he had to do it fast.
• Arriving at Sterling Corporation, Alex wasted no time in summoning his assistant, Ryan Parker, to his office. As Ryan entered, Alex got straight to the point.
• "Ryan, I need you to pull up the CCTV footage from the school where Asher was attacked last night," Alex said, his voice urgent. "I want to know who was involved in the incident."
• Ryan nodded, his fingers flying across the keyboard as he accessed the security footage. Within minutes, he had the footage pulled up on the screen, and Alex leaned in to get a closer look.
• As they watched the events unfold onscreen, Alex's jaw clenched with anger. He could see a group of boys surrounding Asher, their faces contorted with malice as they attacked him. It was clear that Asher had been targeted, and Alex vowed to make those responsible pay for their actions.
• "Get me a list of everyone involved," Alex said, his voice cold and steely. "I want their names, their backgrounds, everything."
• Ryan nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. "I'll get right on it, Boss," he replied, his voice tinged with determination.
• Afterwards, Alex turned his attention back to his work, his mind already formulating a plan of action. Whoever had hurt his brother would soon regret crossing paths with Alexander Sterling.
• As the hours passed, Alex remained entrenched in his office, his focus unwavering as he delved into the myriad tasks that demanded his attention. Papers shuffled, emails sent, and phone calls made – each action a calculated step toward maintaining the success of Sterling Corporation.
• His phone buzzed intermittently with updates and inquiries, but Alex brushed them aside with practiced efficiency, his mind consumed by the task at hand. Time seemed to blur as he lost himself in the rhythm of his work, the hum of the city outside fading into the background.
• "Mr. Sterling, your 4 PM conference call is about to begin," Ryan's voice broke through the silence, drawing Alex's attention away from his computer screen.
• "Thank you, Ryan," Alex replied, his voice crisp and authoritative. "Patch them through."
• As the conference call commenced, Alex's demeanor shifted seamlessly from focused concentration to confident leadership. He fielded questions and provided insights with ease, his sharp intellect and quick wit commanding the attention of everyone on the line.
• "Excellent work, Mr. Sterling," one of the participants remarked as the call concluded. "We look forward to your continued partnership."
• "Thank you," Alex replied, his tone gracious yet poised. "I'll be in touch with the details."
• With the call concluded, Alex allowed himself a moment of satisfaction before diving back into his work. The day was far from over, and there were still deadlines to meet, deals to negotiate, and strategies to devise.
• As the evening sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow across the city skyline, Alex finally allowed himself a brief respite. He leaned back in his chair, stretching his tired muscles and reflecting on the day's accomplishments.
• "Another successful day," Ryan commented, entering the office with a stack of documents in hand. "You really outdid yourself, Mr. Sterling."
• Alex nodded, a sense of pride swelling within him. "We make a good team, Ryan," he replied, offering a small smile of appreciation. "Let's keep up the momentum."
• Alex turned his attention back to the task at hand, his mind already racing with plans for the days ahead. For in the fast-paced world of business, there was always another challenge waiting just around the corner.
• After office hours, Alex was going home but midway Alex found himself navigating the familiar streets toward Ira's apartment. The decision to deviate from his usual route home had been impulsive, driven by an inexplicable urge to be near her, to catch a glimpse of her presence even from afar.
• Parking his car beneath her apartment building, Alex sat in silence for a moment, his gaze fixed on the illuminated window that hinted at her presence above. He could feel the weight of the day slowly melting away as he watched her silhouette move gracefully against the backdrop of her apartment.
• In Ira's arpartment, she was just going to kitchen to have some water but as she glanced out of her window, the city lights casting a soft glow on the streets below. A little Movement caught her eye—a figure standing by a car, bathed in shadows. Frowning, she leaned closer, squinting to see through the darkness. Recognition dawned as she realized it was Alex. Her heart skipped a beat, a mixture of surprise and curiosity coursing through her veins. With a quickening pulse, she reached for her phone, dialing his number. "Alex?" she called out softly, her voice carrying through the night.
• Lost in his thoughts, Alex was startled when his phone buzzed in his pocket, jolting him back to reality. It was Ira calling.
• "Hello?" Alex answered, his voice betraying a hint of surprise.
• "Alex, is that you?" Ira's voice came through the line, tinged with curiosity.
• "Yeah, it's me," Alex replied, his heart racing at the sound of her voice.
• "I thought I saw someone outside," Ira continued, her tone cautious. "Is everything okay?"
• Alex hesitated for a moment, grappling with his conflicting emotions. "I... I just wanted to check on you," he admitted finally, his voice soft.
• There was a moment of silence on the other end of the line before Ira spoke again. "Well, why don't you come up?" she suggested, her voice warmer now. "We can talk face-to-face."
• Alex felt a surge of anticipation at her invitation, but he hesitated, unsure if he was ready to take that step. "I don't want to intrude," he said, his voice tinged with uncertainty.
• "You're not intruding, Alex," Ira assured him, her voice gentle yet firm. "I want you to come inside."
• Alex disconnected the call and stepped out of his car. Taking a deep breath, he made his way toward the entrance of the apartment building, his heart pounding in his chest.
• As he reached the door, it swung open, revealing Ira standing on the other side, her eyes shining with warmth and welcome.
• "Hi," she said, offering him a smile. "I'm glad you're here."
• Alex returned her smile, feeling a sense of peace wash over him in her presence. "Me too," he replied simply, stepping inside and closing the door behind him.
• And as they stood together in the quiet embrace of Ira's apartment, Alex knew that he had made the right decision. For in that moment, with Ira by his side, he felt a sense of belonging that he had never known before.
• Alex began, his voice warm with concern. "Have you had dinner yet?"
• Ira shook her head, a sheepish smile playing on her lips. "Not yet, I was just about to order dinner" she admitted, feeling a pang of hunger at the reminder.
• Alex's eyes lit up with an idea. "Why don't we cook at home?" he suggested.
• Hearing A;ex, Ira hung her head down and said "I don't know cooking"
• Alex replied "You can't, but i can, I can make us something."
• Ira's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "You can cook?" she asked, a hint of disbelief in her voice.
• Alex grinned. "I know my way around a kitchen," he admitted. "And I'd love to cook for you."
• Ira couldn't help but be touched by his offer. "I don't have any groceries, though," she confessed.
• "No problem," Alex replied, his tone reassuring. "We can go pick some up together."
• And with that, they set off to the grocery store.
• Once they had gathered all the necessary ingredients, they returned to Ira's apartment, where Alex wasted no time in getting to work. With practiced ease, he chopped vegetables, seasoned meat, and stirred pots, his movements fluid and confident.
• Ira watched in awe as he worked, a sense of admiration swelling within her. She had never seen this side of Alex before, and she found herself falling for him even more with each passing moment.
• As the aroma of their meal filled the air, they set the table and sat down to eat, their conversation flowing easily between them. And as they savored each bite of their delicious meal, Ira couldn't help but feel grateful.
• And as they lingered over dessert, their laughter mingling with the soft strains of music playing in the background.
• After their enjoyable evening together, Alex reluctantly prepared to take his leave. Standing by the door, he turned to Ira with a warm smile.
• "Thank you for dinner, Ira," he said, his voice filled with genuine gratitude. "I had a wonderful time."
• Ira returned his smile, feeling a sense of contentment wash over her. "It was my pleasure, Alex," she replied, her tone sincere.
• As Alex reached for the doorknob, he turned back to Ira with a soft smile. "See you soon," he said, his words carrying a promise of future encounters.
• With a warm glow in her heart, Ira watched as Alex made his way down the hallway, his departure leaving her with a sense of anticipation for the next time they would meet.