The Firefighter Returns as a Quintillionaire King novel Chapter 22

CHAPTER 22

Alex lay awake most of the night, staring at the ceiling of his new bedroom.

The kiss with Mia played on repeat in his mind her soft lips, the way she’d looked at him with such warmth and vulnerability.

But every time he closed his eyes, he also saw Lisa’s cold face, heard her dismissive words, felt the sting of her betrayal.

He was still married. Technically, legally married. And until Lisa signed those divorce papers, he was in limbo-trapped between a past that had destroyed him and a future he couldn’t quite envision yet.

The realization hit him hard around three in the morning: Lisa had never gone back to the apartment after their confrontation at the restaurant.

She’d left with Ben, probably gone straight back to work or to wherever Ben was staying. Which meant she’d never seen the divorce papers he’d left on the kitchen counter.

Of course, Alex thought bitterly. Even my attempt to end this marriage cleanly got screwed up.

He couldn’t wait any longer.

The uncertainty was eating him alive. He needed closure, needed to officially end this chapter of his life so he could begin to heal.

As soon as the sun rose, Alex showered, dressed in his cleanest clothes, and quietly left the apartment.

Mia’s bedroom door was still closed-she was probably sleeping in after the previous night’s injury and awkwardness.

Maybe that was for the best. He didn’t know what he’d say to her right now anyway.

The taxi ride to BaiShui Group’s headquarters felt interminable.

The building was a gleaming tower of steel and glass in the financial district, a monument to Lisa’s success and ambition.

Alex had only been here a handful of times during their marriage-Lisa had always kept her work life separate from their personal life. Now he understood why.

The receptionist in the lobby gave him a suspicious look as he approached, his crutches clicking against the marble floor.

“I’m here to see Lisa Warren,” Alex said. “I’m her husband.”

The receptionist’s eyes widened slightly-clearly she’d heard the gossip. “Do you have an appointment, Mr…?”

1/2

CHAPTER 22

+25 Bonus

“Carter. Alex Carter. And no, I don’t have an appointment. But she’ll see me. Tell her it’s urgent.

After a brief, whispered phone call, the receptionist directed him to the executive elevators. Twenty-third floor. Ms. Warren’s assistant will meet you there.”

The elevator ride felt like ascending to his own execution. When the doors opened, a young woman in a sharp business suit was waiting.

“Mr. Carter? Follow me, please. Ms. Warren is in her office.”

They walked down a corridor lined with floor-to-ceiling windows offering views of the city. Lisa’s corner office was at the end, its double doors imposing and official.

The assistant knocked once, then opened the door. “Ms. Warren, your… Mr. Carter is here to see you.”

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify