Please Come Back, My Love novel Chapter 127

Chapter 127-

Elena: POV

The smile on Alexander’s face was warm. Too warm for someone I’d only met once in a hospital room, after Richard Morrison had tried to assault me.

“Alexander,” I said carefully. My voice came out flat.

Mom’s hand tightened on my arm. You know him?”

“We’ve met,” I said. Didn’t elaborate.

Alexander’s gaze shifted to Mom. Something flickered across his face-recognition, maybe. Or surprise. His smile became gentler, more respectful.

“Mrs. Josephine,” he said, extending his hand with a slight bow of his head. “It’s been far too long.”

Wait. What?

2

Mom’s face went pale. She took his hand with both of hers, her posture straightening into something almost formal respectful, deeply deferential.

廳

“Mr. Alexander,” she said quietly, her voice carrying genuine warmth mixed with the careful respect of someone addressing their superior. L.. I didn’t expect

to see you here, sir. You look well.”

“As do you,” he replied warmly, holding her hand a moment longer than necessary. “I hope life has been treating you kindly.”

I looked between them. “You two know each other?”

Mom’s laugh was soft but nervous. “Oh, it was years ago. When I first worked at the estate.” She clasped both hands in front of her, the gesture automatic. “You were just a boy then, Mr. Alexander. Look how accomplished you’ve become.”

A boy? Sir?

That meant she knew him when he was a kid.

Alexander’s expression softened with what looked like genuine fondness. “You were always too kind to me, Mrs. Josephine. I remember how you used to sneak me extra cookies from the kitchen.”

୮

A real smile crossed Mom’s face for the first time. “You were always so polite. Please, Mrs. Josephine’ and “Thank you, Mrs. Josephine. Such good manners.

His eyes were still on me though. Not in a creepy way-more like he was trying to solve a puzzle. Like he was looking through me at someone else.

It made my skin crawl,

“What brings you both to West Palm?” he asked, his tone respectful but curious.

I felt Mom’s posture shift slightly.

“I moved here recently,” Mom said carefully. Elena is just visiting me, sir.”

“I see.” He nodded slowly. Then, with careful politeness, he said, “I’m here on business. Arthur asked me to review some properties he owns in the area.

1/2

MA

3:04 pm

Chapter 127

Portfolic assessment.”

Arthur. Of course

My chest tightened. I should’ve known. Even here, a thousand miles from New York, the Sterling family had their goddamn fingers everywhere.

“So you work for the family business? I asked, even though I already knew the answer was no.

He shook his head respectfully. “Not directly. I have my own firm private equity, based in London. But Arthur still values my input on certain investments.”

London. That explained the faint British accent I’d noticed at the hospital.

“Must be nice,’ I said, unable to keep the bitterness out of my voice. “Being valued.”

His expression grew concerned, genuinely sympathetic. “Elena, I heard about what happened. The divorce. The… loss. I’m deeply sorry.”

Of fucking course he knew.

I felt my walls slam up. “I don’t want to talk about it.”

3

“Of course,” he said gently. “I understand completely.”

from Mom cleared her throat softly. “Elena, sweetheart, maybe we should-” She glanced at Alexander with that same deep respect. “We shouldn’t keep you your important business, Mr. Alexander.”

“Actually,” Alexander said with genuine warmth, “I was about to grab lunch. There’s an excellent Cuban place nearby. Would you both do me the honor of joining me? It would be my pleasure.”

No. Hell no.

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