Alex had finally gotten Lisa’s location, and without wasting a moment, he instructed his driver to head to the police station. As his Bentley pulled up in front of the station, Alex took a deep breath and stepped out, gazing up at the imposing building.
Walking inside, he was greeted by the receptionist. “Good afternoon. How can I help you?” she asked.
Alex’s expression remained stoic as he approached. “I need to see Lisa Thompson.”
The receptionist called over a police officer who walked up to Alex. “Who are you to her?” the officer asked, flipping through some documents on his desk.
Keeping his demeanor cold but managing a slight smile, Alex replied, “Just an old friend. I’d like to have a word with her.”
The officer stared at Alex for a moment before nodding. “You’ve got five minutes. Not more.”
“Understood,” Alex said, nodding in acknowledgment.
The officer instructed another policeman to take Alex to see Lisa Thompson. The officer nodded and gestured for Alex to follow him. As they walked, Alex stuffed his hands in his pockets, his mind racing with what he would say. The walk was short but felt longer with the officer's bored tone breaking the silence.
“Don’t pull any stunts, or you’ll be in there with her.”
Alex nodded. “I just want to talk.”
The officer unlocked the cell, and Alex stepped inside. Lisa, who was curled up in a corner with her head down on her arms, looked up. Her eyes widened in shock, and she stood up quickly.
“Alex?”
Alex regarded her coldly. “Hello, Lisa.”
Lisa didn't like the coldness in his voice, but she didn't care at the moment. The fact that Alex was visiting her gave her a flicker of hope. She stepped closer to him, her voice hopeful.
“Are you here to free me?”
Alex laughed, a harsh sound that made Lisa flinch. “Did that stunt earlier go to your head?”
Lisa was confused. “What do you mean?”
Alex began to walk around the small cell, his eyes never leaving Lisa. “I know about your so-called suicide attempt.”
Lisa's eyes widened. She hadn't expected Alex to know about that. “I...I didn't...”
Alex continued, circling her like a predator. “You hurt Claire, not once but twice, physically. Did you think I wouldn't find out?”
Lisa shook her head frantically. “I didn't do it purposely! Claire made me do it!”
Alex let out a chuckle that sent a shiver down Lisa's spine. He took a step closer, his voice dripping with venom. “Don't you dare blame Claire for your actions, Lisa. If you keep this up, I will ruin your life.”
Tears glistened in Lisa's eyes, and one rolled down her cheek. “Alex, don't you care for me anymore?”
Alex rolled his eyes. “Drop the crying act, Lisa. Everything that's happened is because of you. If you hadn't pulled that stunt from the beginning, none of this would be happening.”
Lisa's shoulders sagged, and she tried to defend herself. “I was scared, Alex. I didn't know what to do.”
Alex looked at Lisa in disbelief. He couldn't fathom how someone like her could exist—a person who never wanted to take responsibility for her mistakes. “You know what, Lisa? You need to stop messing with Claire. If you do it again, you’ll really regret it.” His words were filled with anger and hatred.
But instead of feeling remorseful, Lisa got angry. She wiped her tears away furiously and snapped, “Why do you care so much about Claire? She doesn't even care if you’re alive or dead!”
Alex was silent for a moment, then he replied calmly, “I don’t need Claire to care about me. What matters is that she’s safe and happy.”
Lisa clenched her fists and gritted her teeth. “You love me, Alex, not Claire.”
Alex’s response was cold. “I did love you, Lisa. Past tense. But not anymore.”
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