Alexander’s POV

I reach into my bag, take out some wads of 100-dollar bills, and hand them to Michael and his colleagues. “Thank you all for tonight.”

They respond with delighted thanks, tipping their heads slightly and smiling. I take a small cake from the staff member who left earlier, counting the candles stuck in it to ensure they number up to twenty-four.

“Goodnight, Mr. Thorne.”

“Goodnight,” I respond. With that, I shut the door. The automatic lock clicks immediately. And I ...