Chapter 4
675words
He freezes when he sees me. His blue eyes widen in shock. "Elise?"
I smile coolly from my seat at the head of the table. "Hello, Alexander."
His gaze darts between me and Marcus, who stands protectively at my side. Confusion and something else – pain? – flash across his face.
"You disappeared." His voice cracks slightly. "I searched everywhere for you."
"Did you?" I keep my tone light, professional. "How inconvenient that must have been for your new wife."
The color drains from his face. He takes a step toward me, but Marcus moves subtly between us. The tension in the room thickens.
"I can explain everything." Alexander's eyes plead with me. "It wasn't what you thought."
I open my portfolio with deliberate slowness. "We're here to discuss business, Mr. King, not personal matters."
His jaw tightens at my formality. Good. Let him feel a fraction of the pain I felt.
"These are my plans for the Riverside District." I slide documents across the table. "Nemesis Designs will occupy the main building."
Alexander doesn't even glance at the papers. "Five years, Elise. Not a word, not a trace."
"The remaining spaces will be leased to compatible luxury brands." I continue as if he hasn't spoken. "Construction begins next month."
He slams his hand on the table. "Damn it, Elise! Where have you been? Why did you leave?"
I laugh incredulously. "Leave? You threw me out, Alexander. You chose Victoria and your company over me."
Marcus steps forward. "I suggest you maintain a professional tone, King."
Alexander's eyes narrow as he looks at Marcus. "And what exactly is your role here, Lane?"
His gaze flicks between us, something dark and jealous flashing in his eyes. Before Marcus can answer, the conference room door opens. Leo runs in, followed by my apologetic assistant.
"Mommy!" Leo launches himself into my arms. "Patricia showed me the whole building!"
Alexander stares at Leo, all color draining from his face. Those identical blue eyes meet across the room. The resemblance is undeniable, yet Alexander's expression shifts from shock to something harder.
"Your son?" Alexander's voice is tight, controlled. His eyes dart to Marcus accusingly.
I hold Leo tighter, my protective instincts flaring. "Leo, this is Mr. King, a business associate."
Leo offers his small hand politely. "Nice to meet you, sir."
Alexander kneels slowly, taking Leo's hand. His eyes search the boy's face intently. "Hello, Leo. How old are you?"
"I'm five," Leo answers proudly. "Almost five and a half."
Alexander's jaw clenches visibly. He stands, shooting a venomous look at Marcus. "Five years. How convenient."
Marcus places a protective hand on Leo's shoulder. "Leo, why don't we go find that ice cream I promised you?"
Leo cheers and takes Marcus's hand. "Can we get chocolate chip?"
"Anything you want, buddy." Marcus leads him out, throwing me a concerned glance.
When the door closes, Alexander and I face each other alone. Five years of pain and questions hang in the air between us.
"So you and Lane." His voice drips with bitterness. "Didn't waste any time, did you?"
I gather my papers, needing distance from his intensity. "You have no right to judge my choices."
Alexander runs his hands through his hair, a gesture so familiar it hurts. "Did you leave me for him? Was he waiting in the wings?"
"You threw me out!" My calm facade cracks. "You discarded me like trash for Victoria Sullivan."
He flinches as if I've struck him. "I never stopped looking for you."
I stand, signaling the end of our meeting. "Well, now you've found me. Or rather, I've found you."
As I reach the door, his voice stops me. "I'm divorced now."
I turn slowly, meeting his desperate gaze with my coldest smile. "How unfortunate for Victoria."
His next words follow me into the hallway. "This isn't over, Elise. Not by a long shot."
