Page 9 of Beloved Beauty

He leans back in his chair, stunned. “Hell. I wasn’t aware she felt that way. If I’d known, I wouldn’t have walked away so easily.”

Malie has a calm authority about her, one that only a mother can manage. Firm but loving. “Well, now that you know, it’s only fair she does, too. Don’t sit on that kind of truth, Elias. It has a way of slipping through your fingers if you wait too long. Ask your brother.”

Alex’s phone vibrates, and he glances down with a slight smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. “It’s Kye. He and Krishna want to meet for dinner tomorrow night. Says his missus is dying to meet the woman who has the power to tame The Wall.”

Malie studies Alex, and something in her expression shifts—perhaps her Malietoa senses are kicking in. “You’re still close with Kye?”

Alex nods. “We’ve stayed in touch.”

He glances at me, and I see it—only a flicker but enough. The hesitation. The weight of something he’s been carrying in secret. A truth sitting heavy in his chest.

He clears his throat. “There’s something I need to share with all of you.”

The room quiets in an instant.

Leilani’s eyes go wide. “Okay, this is giving serious baby announcement vibes. You’re pregnant, aren’t you?”

“Leilani,” Malie scolds, shooting her a look. “You can’t just blurt that out.” She hesitates. “Wait… are you?”

“Sorry to disappoint but no baby.” Alex reaches for my hand beneath the table, his grip warm and tight. “I’ve decided to go back to rugby.”

A beat passes. And another. Conversation stalls as everyone around the table glances from one face to another, trying to make sense of what Alex has said.

Alexander’s brow furrows. “I don’t think we understand your meaning exactly.”

Alex’s fingers tighten around mine. He takes a breath, steadying himself. “My ankle’s solid now. Stable. Getting stronger every day. I’ve been cleared by my doctor for full-contact training. I started working out again before we left the States. Nothing crazy but enough to get back into rhythm.” A pause. “David’s asked me to come back to the team.”

Malie’s smile falters, her concern evident as she places her fork down. “But, Alex... your duty as CEO? The family business?”

He sighs. “I tried, Tina. I really did. I wanted to make it work because I know what it means to you and Dad. But every day in that office is like trying to run through wet concrete. I’m not built for boardrooms and spreadsheets. My brain doesn’t work that way.”

He doesn’t say the word, but we all hear what’s to blame––dyslexia.

“I spend every day trying to decode emails and reports and contracts, and I’m failing. Not because I’m lazy but because I’m not wired for it.”

There’s a raw edge to his voice now, and still, no one interrupts.

“I’m not cut out to run the Sebring empire. But I know who is.” He turns toward Leilani, eyes certain. “It’s you, Lei.”

Leilani blinks. “Me?”

Alex nods. “You’re sharp and strategic. Your instincts are on point. You’ve already got your hands in everything. Everyone respects you. The staff adores you. I think deep down you’ve just been waiting for someone to hand you the reins.”

She lets out a breathy, surprised laugh. “I always assumed it would be you. Or one of the boys.”

Alexander nods, studying Leilani. “Is that what you want?”

She glances around the table, as if expecting someone to object. But no one does. “I never let myself hope for it—not really. I thought the job was always meant for someone else. But yeah… I want it.”

Alexander raises his glass, pride unmistakable in his voice. “It’s settled then. Our baby girl is the new CEO of Sebring Hotels.”

There’s a half second of stunned silence—and then everyone around the table lifts their glasses.

“To Leilani!” they say in unison, voices overlapping with laughter and love.

She clears her throat, her eyes glassy. “Well, damn. Guess I better buy a blazer.”

Laughter ripples around the table. Even Malie lets out a chuckle, her earlier concern softened.

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