Semua Bab THE HEAT BETWEEN US : Bab 161 - Bab 170

He poured us both a glass of wine, studying me carefully before speaking. "How have you been?" I let out a dry laugh. "You don’t get to ask me that." His jaw tightened, but he didn’t argue. "I’ve been looking into obstetricians in Manhattan. The best of the best—whatever you need." My heart lurched, but I forced my face to remain blank. "I don’t need your help." "You’re carrying my child, Alex. That makes it my responsibility too." "Funny, because you didn’t care about responsibilities when you were busy chasing Natasha." His entire body tensed. "I told you—I made mistakes." "Yeah? Well, some mistakes cost too much to fix." Silence. He took a slow sip of wine, his gaze never leaving mine. "What will it take?" I frowned. "What?" "For you to believe me. To give me a chance." I exhaled sharply, gripping my glass tighter. "That’s just it, Chester. I don’t want to give you a chance. I don’t need to believe you. I’ve already moved on." Something dark flickered in his

ALEXANDRIA POV I was in the middle of a meeting when my phone blew up with notifications. Adrienne’s urgent text popped up first: "Alex. Turn on the news. NOW." Dread coiled in my stomach as I grabbed the remote and flipped to the business channel. Chester’s face filled the screen, standing behind a podium at a press conference. His expression was calm, composed. But his next words sent shockwaves through my entire body. "I’m moving the Blackwood's Cooperation’ headquarters to Manhattan—permanently." The reporters exploded with questions. "Does this have anything to do with your ex-wife, Alexandria Lexington?" Chester’s lips quirked slightly. "Ms. Alex isn’t just my ex-wife. She’s the woman I love. And I’m not leaving Manhattan without a fight." Gasps filled the room. I felt my entire world tilt. This wasn’t just a private battle anymore. Chester had just turned our war into a public spectacle. And now, the world was watching. I stood frozen in my office, my phone

The color drained from her face for a split second before she recovered. "Oh, Alex. Always so dramatic." I watch Chester’s gaze snapped to her. Sharp. Furious. Good. Let him see exactly who she was. I tilted my head. "You’re right. Almost dying in a staircase accident orchestrated by my husband’s mistress is such a trivial thing." Gasps rippled through the nearby guests. Natasha’s smirk faltered. Chester s jaw tightened. "Alex—" But I didn’t give him a chance. I turned to the crowd. "Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a charity to support. Unlike some, I actually care about something other than my ego." Then, without another glance, I walked away. And for the first time in a long time… I felt like I won. ******* CHESTER BLACKWOOD POV Natasha barely had time to process her humiliation before I grabbed her wrist and yanked her aside. She gasped. "Chester—" "Enough." My voice was lethal. "You shouldn’t have come." She recovered quickly, her eyes flashing with fake innocenc

"You can tell yourself that all you want," he murmured. "But we both know the truth." I turned on my heel. "We’re done here." "Alex." His voice stopped me. For a second, I hesitated. For a second, I almost turned back. But I didn’t. Instead, I forced my feet to move, stepping into my car, and slamming the door shut. I had to shut him out. Because if I didn’t—he’d find a way in. ******* CHESTER BLACKWOOD POV She was running. Again!. I clenched my fists, watching her car disappear down the street. For weeks, I’d played by her rules. Let her shut me out. Let her build her defenses. But tonight? I changed the rules. And I wasn’t stopping. I pulled out my phone and dialed Andrus. "Boss?" "Prepare a press release," I said. "I want a statement out first thing in the morning." He hesitated. "What kind of statement?" I smirked. "The kind that makes it impossible for Alex to ignore me." ****** ALEXANDRIA POV By the time I got home, my phone was blowing up. Ava had sent ove

The night of my business launch, I stood at the center of the event, surrounded by flashing cameras, luxury-clad investors, and Manhattan’s elite. This was my night. My future. And nothing—nothing—was going to ruin it. Until I saw him. Chester Blackwood. Tall. Unbothered. Infuriatingly confident. Dressed in a midnight-black suit, he strode in like he belonged there—like he owned the damn room. My heart slammed against my ribs.Oh, hell no. I stormed toward him, ignoring the whispers and the press who were already snapping photos..I forced a smile—because I would not make a scene. Not here. Not tonight. "What the hell are you doing here?" I hissed under my breath. He smiled. Smug. Relaxed. Completely in control."I’m here to support my wife," he said smoothly. I stiffened. "I’m not your wife anymore." His gaze dropped deliberately to my stomach. "Are you sure about that?" My breath hitched. He wouldn’t—he couldn’t— "Chester," I warned. He leaned in, voice dropping. "Re