Alexander had always kept a tight leash on his emotions. But now, he was coming apart at the seams–rage bubbling beneath the surface, ready to erupt.
A loud crash echoed through the office, followed by a furious roar that made the secretary outside jump in fright.
She clutched the documents in her hands, too scared to knock.
“Give those to me.”
Sophia appeared out of nowhere, plucking the files from the secretary’s trembling grasp. “I’ll take them in. Go handle something else.”
The secretary nodded gratefully, like she’d been given a second chance. “Thank you, Miss Bennett.”
Sophia smiled. She’d grown used to this–breezing past everyone like she belonged. Alexander had made it clear she could go wherever she pleased, even into his office without knocking.
She pushed open the door–and froze.
Alexander sat behind his desk, pale and wild–eyed, staring at his phone like it had betrayed him. Blood
stained the cuff of his shirt, dripping slowly from a gash on his hand.
“Alex, what the hell are you doing? Hurting yourself now?” Sophia’s voice came out sharp, but her confidence
faltered under the weight of his glare.
He looked up, eyes red and cold as ice. She instinctively took a step back.
“You told me not to show up at the banquet, and I listened,” she said, trying to keep her tone even as she
crossed to his desk and dropped the files. “But let’s get one thing straight–you’re divorced from Emily. So
why the surprise party? Why keep dragging her back into your life?”
She folded her arms. “I’ve told you before. If we’re together, it’s all or nothing. I’m not sharing you with some pathetic woman from your past. If you can’t let her go, we’re done.”
She turned away, expecting him to stop her like always. Beg, even. He never let her stay angry for long.
But this time, the silence was unnerving.
When she glanced back, Alexander was already on his feet, no softness in his expression. Just cold, raw fury.
Before she could take a step back, he closed the distance between them, his presence overwhelming.
“You don’t have to feel sorry, I-” she started, but the words died in her throat as his hand closed around it.
“You really think you measure up to her?” His voice was low, venomous. “You were only ever tolerated because I allowed it. Strip that away, and you’re nothing.”
Chapter 11
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His grip didn’t tighten much, but his words hit harder than any blow.
Sophia’s heart pounded in her chest. She tried to keep her voice steady. “If I’m so beneath her, then why did you come after me? You don’t need to humor me–just let me go.”
A slow, twisted smile curled at his lips. “You think you get to walk away? You were part of my game. That means I decide when it ends.”
Sophia’s stomach dropped. For the first time, she saw it clearly–he wasn’t just angry. He was unhinged. But the power and prestige she’d gained from being at his side… she couldn’t let go of that now.
“I–I didn’t mean it,” she stammered, her voice softening. Her eyes welled with tears as she looked up at him, but within seconds, she broke eye contact. That hollow look in his gaze was too much to bear.
He finally let her go. She stumbled backward, collapsing onto the floor, gasping.
“Get out,” Alexander said flatly, his tone devoid of warmth.
Sophia scrambled to her feet, brushing herself off. “You’re obviously in a bad mood. I’ll come back later.”
Just as she turned to leave, a knock came at the door.
“Sir,” the assistant called through the door, voice tense, “we’ve found everything. About Mrs. Harrington.”
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Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.

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