Part 3The Secret CEO's Brother

Three days later, it was the company's New Employee Welcome Gala.

I hadn't planned on going. A fired employee attending his own welcome party sounded like a joke.

But Jenny's calls nearly blew up my phone.

"Aiden, are you really not coming?"

"Come on, come on! The food is free anyway, don't waste it!"

Looking at my pale face in the mirror, the refusal on my lips was swallowed back.

Maybe I should go. To see how Caleb accepts everyone's congratulations as the victor.

Before I could decide, an unexpected call came in. It was my sister, Elena.

"Aiden, where are you?"

Her voice was familiar, slightly tired but steady as always.

"Home. Elena, aren't you on a business trip in Europe? Finished so early?"

"Changed plans, just landed." She paused, a hint of a smile in her voice. "I have a surprise for you tonight. To celebrate our Aiden's successful employment, I prepared a gift."

My heart sank.

"What surprise?"

"Not telling you yet. Get ready, wait for me to pick you up."

Before I could ask more, she hung up.

I stared at the dark screen, an ominous feeling rising in my chest.

Meanwhile, at the Starfall Hotel ballroom, the scene was lavish and bustling.

Elena, in a perfectly tailored gown, attracted everyone's attention the moment she stepped in.

Her appearance froze the air for a few seconds. No one expected the elusive big boss to attend a small new employee welcome party.

Ignoring the executives trying to chat her up, her cold gaze scanned the room, searching for someone.

Once, twice.

She frowned slightly.

Aiden wasn't there.

Her gaze finally landed on the reception desk, on a familiar figure—Jenny.

She knew Jenny. Aiden had mentioned she was his only friend at the company.

Elena strode over with her long legs.

"Hello, Ms. Vance!"

Startled, Jenny nearly knocked over her champagne. She stood straight, greeting her nervously.

"Where is Aiden?"

Elena got straight to the point. Her voice wasn't loud, but it carried undeniable pressure.

"A-Aiden... he..." Jenny's eyes panicked instantly, dodging her gaze.

"He... he's not feeling well today, so... so he didn't come."

Elena stared at her, unconsciously twisting the ring on her finger.

"Not feeling well?" She repeated, tone unreadable.

"I spoke to him on the phone minutes ago. He didn't say he was unwell."

Jenny's face turned white instantly. Her lips trembled, unable to utter a word.

Her reaction explained more than any words could.

Elena's heart sank. She realized something was wrong.