Semua Bab Chasing Back The Woman He Destroyed: Bab 201 - Bab 210

Alexander's POVI grinned, even as the fire in my chest grew more intense at his name. "Then I'll be staying in Sunderland."Her hand trembled on her lap. "Vincent is going to fight you.""I'm aware of that," I snapped. My voice was flat, but my jaw was clenched. "And I'm prepared."Tears glimmered in her eyes again, but this time a hint of hope wafted over them. "It would be pleasing to me if you might stay in my house."I leaned forward and rested my hand on hers. "Naturally I would." Her skin was ethereal, frail, but it was the strength of a mother."Breakfast, what would you like for breakfast?" she talked softly, as if she wanted to reward me for all the years she could not.I swallowed and edged back before the moment overpowered me. "I won't be able to stay in time for breakfast, but I'll be back this evening."She nodded, lips shaking into a smile. "Do come back.""I will," I promised. And then my curiosity got the better of me, and I asked, "Who's the girl downstairs? My step

Alexander's POV I let out a quiet breath, lips curving into the faintest smile. Testing me? Salvador has no idea how many trials I’ve already endured. From Vincent’s chains to the lies that almost buried me, I’ve been tested more than any businessman sitting in this room could imagine.“Then let him test me,” I said evenly, my voice carrying across the table. “If Salvador wants a direct meeting, he’ll get one. But I assure you all—when I walk out of that meeting, Novatech won’t be holding the cards. We will.”The board shifted, exchanging glances. Some smiled faintly, others nodded, reassured by the steel in my voice. Darla, however, kept her focus on me, and I could feel her silent approval.The chairman spoke again, clearing his throat. “Very well, Mr. Calloway. We’ll set up the meeting for tomorrow evening. In the meantime, there are local investors awaiting a word from you. Sunderland watches closely when someone of your stature arrives.”I leaned forward, pressing my palm light

Serena's POVI saw something out of the corner of my eye, annoyance, maybe relief, I don't know. "I don't care where you go," I told him flat out. "I don't want to see you. All I can do is take your calls for now.""Fair enough," he replied quietly, "I wasn't counting on anything more."I ran a hand over my face, trying to quell the tempest of thoughts. "Can I leave now? I have a flight to catch," I answered curtly.There was a silence, and I could detect a whiff of uncertainty in his voice. "You're… flying?" he asked.I said nothing. I hung up, letting the line die out between us. My chest tightened, the sting of his concern and mine blending into a wordless anger.I placed the phone beside me on the table, breathing quietly. Alexander's even, calm voice hovered above me, a specter. I did not want to see him, did not want to have anything to do with him, and yet. the fact that he would call to draw attention to himself, to care, enraged me more than I could ever admit.I took a sip o

Serena's POVGetting into the car, Damien spoke, his voice calm but with that unmissable authority. "Tomorrow, we will visit the Diamond Company. But today… today is a day of sightseeing, relaxing… and clubbing."Sophia and I exchanged wide-eyed glances. "Clubbing?" I inquired, an eyebrow raised.He smiled, looking back at us in the rearview mirror. "Yes. Sunderland has a nightlife you won't ever want to forget. If we're going to capture this city, we start with its citizens, and there's no better place to start that than where there is energy at its most potent."Sophia laughed, half-skeptical, half-thrilled. "I did not expect today to end in dancing in a nightclub."I nudged her gently. "Well, I guess we'll see whether Sunderland's nightlife is as lively as Damien says."Damien smiled quietly. "It's more lively. It's… seductive. But don't worry,I won't lose either of you."I leaned back in my chair, watching the street pass by. "You do make it sound like an exam," I said, joking hal

Serena's POVI glanced across at Damien, who discreetly nodded, indicating my turn. My hands fidgeted nervously in my lap."We're here," I began, attempting to be calm while my stomach was a mass of butterflies, "to learn Sunderland, understand the dynamics of the city, and make connections. My… associates and I want to be a part of this responsibly, learning from others who have made this city what it is."Mr. Caldwell's eyes remained on me, sharp and dissecting. "Integration," he repeated, as if testing the tone of my voice. "And responsibility. Do you know what that entails in a city such as Sunderland?"I swallowed and nodded. "Yes. It means being sensitive to who has power, who pulls whose strings, and how actions, no matter how subtle, can ripple through each level of society.".He allowed a brief smile, approving but cautious. “Precisely. Words are easy. Actions define reputation here. Sunderland is not forgiving to mistakes, nor is it kind to arrogance. Observe, learn, and alw