Chapter 7

Seeing the faint smirk on Devan’s face, Alexa stared at him in shock, her expression filled with annoyance and disbelief.

“What do you think I gave him? Don’t think I’m that kind of woman—” Alexa couldn’t finish her sentence. Her face flushed red as she held back her anger. “Just wait and see tomorrow. I’m not the kind of woman you think I am.”

After speaking, Alexa turned her body away from Devan. But then she turned back and spoke again, “I did come to you for my own purpose, but that doesn’t mean I’m a cheap woman. And you’re the one who wanted to marry me—remember that.”

Devan stared at Alexa as she vented her anger. His eyes remained fixed on her back as she turned away again. His gaze was unreadable every time he looked at the woman who was now his wife.

**

The next morning.

Alexa still wore an annoyed expression because of Devan’s suspicion. Even during breakfast, she refused to look at him.

The dining room felt painfully silent, filled only with the sound of cutlery clinking against plates, echoing through the vast, cold space.

However, the silence didn’t last long when Alexa’s phone on the table began ringing continuously.

Her father’s name appeared on the screen, forcing Alexa to answer the call.

“Hello…” As she greeted him, Alexa noticed Devan’s cold gaze fixed on her, prompting her to continue, “What is it, Father?”

“Where are you? Why aren’t you at home this early in the morning?”

Her father’s thunderous voice from the other end made Alexa release a harsh breath. Avoiding Devan’s gaze, she answered lazily, “At my apartment. I need some time alone.”

“You useless child! Given all that luxury, yet you choose to live in an apartment!”

Alexa clenched her fist upon hearing her father’s insults. And her anger didn’t go unnoticed by Devan.

“I just need some time alone.”

“Enough. Whether you want to be alone or with someone else, I don’t care. As long as you don’t disgrace the Ivander family, do whatever you want.”

Alexa’s fist clenched tighter at her father’s indifferent words. And it was true—her father loved his wife and stepdaughter more than Alexa.

“And remember, don’t run away from your engagement to Ronan. I know you resigned from his company, and I don’t know what you’re planning. Just don’t embarrass the family!”

After all those harsh words, the call ended abruptly.

Alexa’s eyes welled with tears. It hurt deeply knowing that even her own biological father didn’t trust her or care about her.

After placing her phone back on the table and turning toward Devan, Alexa flinched when she saw the strange look in his eyes.

Quickly forcing a smile, Alexa said, “Sorry. My father was just asking why I left home. I can’t tell him, or my plan will be exposed.”

After speaking, Alexa immediately lowered her gaze to her plate, continuing her breakfast so Devan wouldn’t see the sadness reflected in her eyes.

Meanwhile, Devan still hadn’t looked away from Alexa. His gaze was deep and meaningful—especially after hearing her father’s raised voice on the phone, even though he couldn’t clearly hear what was being said.

**

At Ronan’s house.

Ronan was having breakfast with both of his parents.

Martha—Ronan’s mother—looked at him and said, “The preparations for your engagement party with Alexa are all set. I really can’t wait to see you two get engaged and then married.”

Ronan looked at Martha after hearing her words. He simply gave a small smile in response.

“Ron, Alexa is the diamond that has pushed our company even further forward. Treat her well—don’t create problems with her,” Daniel Alistair—Ronan’s father—said seriously after speaking.

“Of course,” Ronan replied shortly.

Daniel let out a harsh breath as he looked back at Ronan. “Since your uncle returned and started building his business here, Alistair’s position has been slightly pushed out of the ranks of the country’s leading companies. I don’t want to compete with him, but the business he’s building is the same as ours, and whether we like it or not, we will eventually have to compete.”

“Go to him. Persuade him, charm him, so your uncle won’t touch our company,” Daniel said with a serious gaze. “I heard that overseas, most companies that competed with him ended up bankrupt after he got involved. So even though we’re family, it’s possible your uncle would do the same to us if he feels threatened. So treat your uncle well.”

Ronan fell silent for a moment. His experience might not be as impressive as his uncle’s, but with Alexa by his side, Ronan was confident he could keep his uncle from interfering with Alistair’s company.

“Don’t worry, Father. I’ll do my best.”

Ronan sat in his car, parked in front of the garage. However, he didn’t drive off right away. Instead, he typed a message and sent it to Alexa.

[Alexa, can you accompany me this afternoon to meet someone?]

Ronan stared at the message he had just sent. Usually, Alexa would reply quickly—but this time, she didn’t.

“Is she busy?”