Chapter 23

"Are you saying Alexander once loved someone?" Lilly's voice was low.steady,yet tinged with disbelief.

Richard nodded, his expression darkening.(4)YeS,and she became the second reason he shut himself off from relationships. First, it was his mother. Then,it was...her."

Lilly leaned forward, her curiosity piqued.“Her?”

Richard's gaze grew distant as though he were reliving memories he would rather forget. "She was the woman he loved when he was 21. Back then, he was just a young man with big dreams, building his company from scratch. They met in college. Alexander gave love a chance, truly believing in it. He cared for her deeply, perhaps too deeply. But she betrayed him. And then, karma struck swiftly."

"Karma?" Lilly echoed, her intrigue deepening. “What do you mean by that?”

Richard hesitated, his jaw tightening before he spoke. "She fled with someone else. Took everything she could from him. But fate...fate had other plans. The private jet she escaped on? It crashed."

Lilly's breath hitched, the weight of his words settling over her like a heavy cloud. "So that's why he's like this," she murmured. Richard nodded gravely,"It's why he harbors such bitterness toward women. Why he vowed never to marry-until his grandfather's will forced his hand." The ride back home was a blur for Lilly. Her mind replayed Richard's words, trying to piece together the fragments of Alexander's past. Could that betrayal still haunt him after all these years?

At the hospital, the tests confirmed she was three weeks pregnant.Alexander, as expected, was swift and firm in his decisions.“You'll stop working until after the baby is born," he announced curtly, barely allowing her a moment to protest.

By the time she returned home, her thoughts had only deepened.She called Sarah to inform her about the work hiatus and reached out to Matthew and Michael to check on their investigation. Both assured her that progress was being made, with significant findings expected soon.

Later that afternoon, Lilly was startled awake by a knock on her door.Groggily, she got up and opened it to find Clara and a guard standing outside, thelatter carrying two large boxes.

"What's this?" Lilly asked, stepping aside to let them in.

“The boss sent these for you," Clara replied.

“And what's inside?"

"Luxury items," the guard explained without offering further details.

After they left, Lilly examnined the contents. Inside the boxes were meticulously chosen items: a pair of elegant heels, a limited-edition purse,and a stunning silver gown that shimmered under the light. The craftsmanship spoke of extravagance. Her phone buzzed, and Alexander's name flashed on the screen. “I assume you've seen the dress and other items," he said without preamble. "Be ready by 7 PM. The chauffeur will pick you up." "Where are we going?" Lilly asked, her tone wary.

"You'll see," hereplied before hanging up.

By 6:30 PM, Lilly was dressed in the silver gown, her makeup light yet flawless,her long hair cascading down her back. When Clara informed her that the chauffeur had arrived, she headed outside, where a luxury Bentley Mulsanne awaited her.

The drive was quiet, the city's lights casting fleeting shadows across her face."Where are we going, Frank?" she asked the chauffeur, trying to ease her unease.

“To Kane's 10-star hotel, ma'am,” he replied, his voice neutral.

The answer only heightened her curiosity-and her apprehension.

The hotel was breathtaking, every detail exuding opulence. As they parked in the underground garage, two bodyguards escorted Lilly to an exclusive restaurant within the hotel. She felt her heart race as she entered. The ambiance was luxuious, every detail curated for the elite.

At a table in the far corner sat Alexander. He glanced up from his phone.his expression as unreadable as ever. As Lilly approached, she felt the weight of countless eyes on her. She had always been confident, but here,surrounded by the most powerful and wealthy individuals in the country,she felt an unusual nervousness. Alexander stood as she reached the table and pulled out a chair for her.“It suits you," he said simply, his gaze lingering on her. "Why are we here?" she asked, trying to suppress the tension in her voice. "Look around," he replied, gesturing subtly. Lilly glanced around and noticed people whispering and sneaking glances in their direction. "I see people watching us. Is that why you brought me here?"

Before Alexander could answer, a waiter arrived, and they placed their orders.

As they ate, Lilly couldn't shake the feeling that Alexander was watching her more than usual. When she finally looked up, she caught hs intense gaze.

"Is there something on my face?" she asked, touching her cheek self-consciously.

For a moment, she thought she heard a soft chuckle-low and almost imperceptible. But when she looked again, Alexander's face was as impassive as ever.

She sighed, returning her attention to her food. Yet unease clung to her,gnawing at her resolve. She glanced around the room, her eyes darting over the crowd. Everyone seemed absorbed in their own conversations,yet she couldn't shake the sense that something was amiss.

"What is it?" Alexander's voice cut through her thoughts.

Lilly hesitated, unsure how to explain.“Can we...leave?"

Alexander studied her, his piercing gaze searching hers for an answer."Why do you want to leave?” Before she could respond, a voice broke through the hum of the restaurant,freezing her in place.

“Lilly.” Her blood ran cold. That voice-she knew it. Slowly. almost unwillingly.she turned.

"Albert?" Her voice was barely above a whisper, her hands gripping the table as her world threatened to tilt.