Alpha's Regret After the Divorce by Christina novel Chapter 240

Chapter 240

Kira’s POV

I sat stiffly in the passenger seat of Rocco’s SUV, mechanically scrolling through the research facility blueprints on my tablet. The silence between us was suffocating. Twenty minutes had passed since we’d left the mansion, and we’d barely exchanged ten words. Rocco’s eyes remained fixed on the road ahead, his knuckles white against the steering wheel. I stole occasional glances at his profile, noting his clenched jaw and the unreadable emotion flickering in his eyes.

I tried to focus on the mission, studying the facility layout. The building appeared to be a standard research center, but according to Rebecca’s intel, it contained a secret sublevel where crucial data on neural transmitter research might be stored.

“Find anything useful? Rocco suddenly asked, his voice unnaturally even.

“Nothing special, I replied, matching his controlled tone. “Just standard blueprints. Rebecca mentioned there might be underground facilities not shown in the official plans.”

He nodded and fell silent again. I turned to look out the window, watching the forest blur past us. The dense greens momentarily calmed me, but the peace was quickly shattered by flashes of last night–Andy’s lips touching mine, Rocco standing in the doorway, the sound of the teacup slipping from his hand. I closed my eyes, trying to banish the memory.

Rocco’s usually impeccable driving was off today. He nearly missed a turn, swerving sharply and causing me to grab the door handle to steady myself.

“Sorry,” he muttered, eyes still fixed ahead.

The car’s communication system suddenly crackled to life, Rebecca’s voice breaking the silence: “Rocco, Kira, I have updates from all teams. Andy’s group has reached the warehouse perimeter and deployed surveillance. They’re reporting unusual security activity, more than normal. Jennifer also contacted me–there’s suspicious movement around the pharmaceutical plant.”

I pressed the talk button: “Understood. We’re about 20 minutes from the research facility. Stay in touch and notify us immediately of any developments.”

“Copy that. Stay safe.” Rebecca signed off, and the car plunged back into silence, even heavier than before.

I felt Rocco’s gaze briefly land on me before returning to the road.

“Last night…” he finally said, his voice low, “you and Andy… is that serious?”

The question caught me off guard. I hadn’t expected him to address it so directly. I considered my response, deciding honesty was best.

I’m not sure what stage we’re at,” I said slowly, “but yes, it’s serious.”

mates.

Rocco was silent for a moment. After navigating another curve, he finally spoke: “I owe you, Kira. Protecting you is the only way I can make amends.”

I couldn’t help but scoff: “Now you want to protect me? After everything that’s happened?”

“I know you won’t believe me,” his voice carried a hint of regret, “but I can’t let you face danger alone again.”

I sighed deeply. “I don’t need your protection or your redemption, Rocco. What I need is honesty and respect.”

He didn’t respond, but I saw his jaw tighten further.

We finally reached our destination–a modern research building hidden among thick trees. From the outside, it appeared to be an ordinary science center, but I immediately noticed the unusual high–level security measures–infrared sensors, concealed cameras, and electronic

locks.