Chasing Back The Woman He Destroyed のすべてのチャプター: チャプター 231 - チャプター 240

Serena's POV"Yeah," Sophia said casually, though I could tell she was watching Ella's reaction closely. "It sounds like he thinks she'll 'balance things out' or whatever."Ella's mouth fell open, and her fork clattered onto the plate with a soft ring. "You're kidding.""I wish we were," I said. "But with Damien, there's likely already a done deal."The three of us just sat there for a moment in silence. The tension hung heavy enough to choke on.Then Ella laughed, a cold, derisive sound. "He's crazy. Why would he bring her of all people? After all of it?"Sophia shrugged. "Maybe he likes watching us squirm."Ella glared at me. "And you're just okay with this?"I shook my head. "Of course not. But what am I going to do? Chain him to the wall?"Sophia grinned. "Distracting thought.""Not helpful," I growled.Ella pushed her chair away, striding a step or two. "No, this is not about him being obstinate, Serena. Pristine coming here equals trouble. She only turns up wherever she does bec

Serena's POV"She isn't," I replied quickly. "At least, not until Damien chooses to ruffle things up again."Sophia crossed her arms and settled back in her chair. "Well, let us all hope your little conversation with him is successful, then. Because if Pristine appears on that doorstep tomorrow, I'm not waiting around for the fireworks.""You'll be here," I replied with a small smile.Sophia smiled back. "Maybe a little."Tension lifted for a moment. Ella tapped at her plate, clearly preoccupied, and Sophia began to pick at her phone. Then she looked up, voice having unwound. "By the way, Ella… did Sam get in touch with you at all lately?"Ella rolled her eyes and let out a groan. "No. Don't even start."Sophia's eyebrows flew upward. "What? I'm just wondering.""Huh-huh," Ella teased. "You're always just asking. Every time you say his name, you've got the look on your face."Sophia feigned indignation. "What look?""The devilish look," Ella said curtly.Sophia smiled guilelessly. "I

Serena's POVI leaned back against the chair and sighed. “Half the board will probably faint, the other half will question every decision I’ve ever made.”Sophia chuckled softly. “Sounds like a normal day for you, then.”I shot her a look. “You’re not helping.”“I’m just saying,” she teased. “You’re the woman who faced Alexander in court without flinching. A few cranky board members shouldn’t scare you.”That was different, I grumbled, rubbing my temples. "This time, they'll see me not as the mysterious partner who gives orders from behind the scenes, but as Serena, the one they never knew they were playing with.""And which," Sophia sat up on her elbow to remark, "is why it's going to be fun to watch."I smiled tiredly at her. "You have a sick sense of humor.""I've been so enlightened beforehand," she answered lightly.I looked at the closed bathroom door. Water still poured steadily behind it, its beat muffled by walls. "Ella doesn't have a clue tomorrow will be so complicated," I m

Alexander's POVI awoke and opened my eyes to morning light filtering through the drapes.I remained there for a moment, wrapped in the silence of early dawn. My phone clock flashed 6:00 a.m.There was a faint smile tugging at my lips. I couldn't remember the last time I slept so soundly. Maybe it was the peace after the storm, or maybe my body had just worn itself out fighting fatigue.Either situation felt strange, good, but strange.Militating myself out of bed to shower, my phone rang.The phone had already rung, breaking the silence rudely. I slowly picked it up and looked at the caller ID.Darla.I cleared my throat and spoke. "Good morning.""Morning, Alex," she responded cheerfully. "Did I wake you up?""Not especially," I replied, sitting up. "I'd already woken up.""Great," she said. "I called to let you know that I'm going to come and get you in a bit. I'll get your mom, too, while I'm passing by."I touched my eyes and smiled halfheartedly. "Alright. What time?""Uh… " she

Alexander's POVI thought about ignoring him again. But whatever was brewing inside me, maybe irritation or curiosity, made me swipe the answer button."Hello," I said in a monotone voice."Why have you been ignoring my calls?" Vincent's deep voice on the phone, its frosty tone, that unfazed calm that conceals a storm brewing inside.I leaned against the bed, massaging the back of my neck with my other hand. "Because I don't have a good reason for choosing them."There was a silence, and then a gentle laugh. "I take it you've met your mother?""Yes," I said, gazing at the ceiling. "And what, are you going to start missing her now?""Good heavens, no," he replied, his voice sharp and icy. "I just called to give you warning, don't listen to everything that woman says. She's a master manipulator."I couldn't help but laugh at that. "I don't fault her," I replied softly. "She learned from the master, you."He fell silent once more, but I could almost hear the faint hiss, the repressed irr