Hired a Gigolo Got a Billionaire (Zoey and Christian) novel Chapter 143

Chapter 143

When I arrived at the café, Alex was already there, sitting at the same table as last time. He’d dressed up more than usual-hair perfectly styled, a crisp blue shirt, and that cologne he used to wear whenever he wanted to impress me. It was obvious he hadn’t come here just to talk.

“Zoey,” he said, standing up when he saw me. He leaned in to kiss my cheek, but I stepped back.

“Alex,” I replied coolly, sitting down without hesitation.

“You look beautiful,” he said, smiling with that mix of nostalgia and something that looked far too much like hope. “That dress looks perfect on you.”

“Thanks,” I said flatly, setting my bag on the table between us like a physical barrier.

“I’m glad you called,” he went on, leaning forward slightly. “I’ve been thinking about our last conversation, about everything we said. About us.”

“Alex,” I cut in sharply. “Let’s be honest here.”

He blinked, clearly thrown by my tone.

“I know Elise arranged the crash that nearly killed my husband,” I said, watching his expression shift. “I know she used your car to do it, and I know you only reached out to me because somehow, the two of you needed Christian out of the way to ‘deal’ with me.”

Alex’s face went pale, his eyes widening in what looked like genuine shock.

“What are you talking about?” he asked, his voice rising. “Zoey, that’s insane!”

“It’s not insane, Alex. We have proof.”

“Proof of what?” he demanded, leaning back like I’d just slapped him. “You think I’d ever hurt someone? That I’d use you like that?”

“I don’t know what to think,” I admitted honestly. “That’s why I’m here to find out if you’re a partner in this or just another pawn.”

“Partner?” he repeated, his voice tight with disbelief. “Zoey, I loved you. I still love you. Do you really think I’d ever be capable of something like that?”

“You cheated on me with my best friend,” I said coldly. “So frankly, I’m not sure what you’re capable of anymore.’

He flinched, like the words had hit him physically.

“That’s different and you know it,” he said defensively. “I made a huge mistake, the worst one of my life. But I would never try to hurt you or anyone close to you.”

“Then explain why your car was used to try to kill my husband.”

“I don’t know!” he exploded, running both hands through his hair. “My car was wrecked, I told you that. Elise crashed it, she handled the repairs-”

His voice faltered as the realization started to dawn on him.

“Alex,” I said gently, “think about it. Really think about everything that’s happened these last few weeks.” “No,” he said quickly, shaking his head hard. “No, that doesn’t make sense. Why would she-why would she do something like that?”

“Because she hates me,” I said simply. “She always has. And now that I’m married to someone powerful, someone wealthy-”

“This is crazy, Zoey. You’re being paranoid,” he said, his voice rising again. “Completely paranoid and-”

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