Alex was slightly stunned as he saw Claire's lawyer entering her office. “Your lawyer?” he said, his surprise evident.
Claire, clearly annoyed, responded, “Yes. Now, Alex, it’s best if you leave.”
Alex frowned, his irritation growing. “We haven't finished our talk, Claire.”
“There is nothing more to talk about,” Claire replied firmly. She called out, “Matthew.”
Matthew, understanding her unspoken request, moved to escort Alex out. This only made Alex more irritated. “I know the way out,” he snapped, brushing past Matthew.
Matthew closed the door behind Alex, leaving him in the hallway. Alex sighed deeply, muttering to himself, “I can't be involved in what Claire's doing.” He pulled out his phone and decided to call Lisa, determined to have a word with her.
Inside Claire's office, she moved to the couch and offered a seat to her lawyer, Mr. Ronald. They sat on opposite sides, a coffee table between them.
Mr. Ronald adjusted his glasses and looked at Claire attentively. “What can I help you with, Ms. Peterson?”
“I want to sue someone,” Claire stated, her tone resolute.
Mr. Ronald nodded, pulling out a notepad. “Alright, and what are you suing this person for?”
“Defamation and violation of privacy,” Claire answered, her voice steady and cold.
Mr. Ronald looked up, his expression serious. “Who is this person?”
“Lisa Thompson,” Claire said coldly.
Her lawyer nodded in understanding. “Okay. Do you have evidence to support your claims?”
Claire nodded. “Yes, I have collected enough evidence to prove both defamation and invasion of privacy.”
Mr. Ronald leaned forward, pen poised over his notepad. “Let's go over the details. Start with the defamation. What exactly did she say or do?”
Alex sat back at his desk, staring at the phone in his hand. He hesitated for a moment before dialing Lisa's number. It didn't take long for her to answer, her small voice barely audible through the line.
“Alex?” Lisa's voice quivered slightly.
“Lisa,” Alex said firmly, “there's something I need to ask you.”
On the other side, Lisa felt a knot of anxiety tightening in her stomach. She played nervously with the hem of her shirt, her fingers trembling. “What is it, Alex?”
Alex's tone was unyielding. “What was the terrible mistake you made?”
Lisa's mind raced. She knew she couldn't lie to Alex again—he wouldn't help her if he caught her in another lie. But telling him the whole truth was also out of the question. She took a deep breath, trying to sound genuinely upset. “I can't tell you, Alex. It's... too complicated,” she said, faking a sob.
What came next took her by surprise. “Were you the one behind the post about my marriage with Claire?” Alex asked coldly.
Lisa's mouth gaped open, and she stammered, struggling to find words. “I... I...”
Alex raised his brows, waiting for her response. “Well? Was it you?”
Lisa's heart pounded in her chest as she searched for an explanation. Finally, she whispered, “Yes, it was me.”
Alex sighed harshly. “I can't believe you're trying to manipulate me into believing you're the victim, Lisa. I can't believe I even answered your call, knowing it would be another lie.”
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: New beginning: Billionaire love story (Claire and Alex)