Chapter 279
Alexander’s fingers stopped midair, his glass hovering just above the table. He stared into the amber liquid, his eyes deep and unreadable, almost pitch black.
He sat in silence for a few seconds before finally speaking. His voice was low, with a hint of self-deprecation. “So what if she knew p>
Bruce Ward’s brow furrowed, clearly not happy with that answer. “At least she’d know you still care. You skipped your own engagement party for her. Isn’t that proof enough p>
Alexander gave a bitter smile, then tossed back his drink in one swift motion. As the empty glass left his lips, he found himself lost in memory, staring through the glass like he could see the airport all over again. Natalie’s silhouette faded into the distance, swallowed up by the crowd. He remembered how much he’d wanted to run after her, to tell her the truth, to explain that things weren’t as she thought. But he hadn’t moved. He didn’t have a single reason she’d believe.
He never told Natalie he was at the airport, and he didn’t show up to his engagement party. Later, he blamed it on a last-minute crisis with the Emberfall deal, saying he had to handle it himself. It sounded convincing enough. Gabriel Ramirez had been furious at first, but once he heard it was urgent business, he let it go. He just told his people to keep things quiet in the press. He consoled Camila, promised to make it up to her when the wedding came. As for the guests, they sent someone to explain. The whole engagement mess finally died down.
But Charlotte Roberts wasn’t fooled. That night, she called Alexander into her room.
“There was nothing wrong with the acquisition,” she said, cutting straight to the point. “You missed your engagement because Natalie flew to London today and you went to the airport, didn’t you p>
Alexander hesitated, then decided not to lie. “Yeah p>
Charlotte just nodded. “An old friend of mine came all the way back just to see your engagement. She ran into Natalie at the airport. She saw you, too.” The friend had been at
Alexander and Natalie’s wedding years ago. She would recognize them anywhere.
“Alexander, you’re still in love with Natalie, aren’t you p>
He didn’t say anything, but Charlotte could see the sadness in him. She let out a sigh. “You didn’t appreciate her when you had the chance. Now you regret it. Maybe you and Natalie Just weren’t meant to be. Laila’s having your child now. You should treat her right, and let Natalie go p>
Back at the bar, Bruce poured him another drink, snapping Alexander out of his thoughts.
“She doesn’t need to know,” Alexander said, his tone flat. “It ended a long time ago. Even if she found out I went to the airport, nothing would change p>
Bruce opened his mouth to argue, but he knew Alexander was right. Natalie knowing wouldn’t change anything. Alexander and Camila had a child on the way. That was the truth. There was nothing left for Alexander except to watch from a distance.
Bruce sighed and gave his friend’s shoulder a squeeze. He didn’t say another word. He just lifted his glass and clinked it against Alexander’s. “Let’s just drink p>
They kept drinking late into the
night. By the end, Bruce was sprawled out on the sofa,
completely out of it. Alexander.onet
the other hand felt even more awake. He asked someone to call Bruce’s driver, told the bar manager to keep an eye on him, and left.
Forty minutes later, the door to the private room opened. But it wasn’t Bruce’s driver
who walked in. Thɪs chapter is updatᴇd by.net