All Chapters of Watch Me Destroy You, My Ex-husband. : Chapter 31 - Chapter 40

Anastasia's POV "A weekend in Monterey?" I repeat into the phone, trying to keep the surprise out of my voice."For appearances," Alexander says, his tone professional despite the personal nature of the request. "We need to be seen together in romantic settings, not just business functions. My assistant has already arranged everything, a suite at the Carmel Beach Resort, reservations at several restaurants, and a private wine tasting."It's been three days since lunch with Liam and Marian, and I've spent most of that time trying not to think about how familiar Liam seemed to find me, or the way Marian watched me with barely concealed hostility."When?" I ask."This weekend. Friday through Sunday. I know it's short notice, but the Investors' dinner is in two weeks. We need to establish our relationship more firmly before then."He's right. A romantic weekend getaway will generate exactly the kind of press coverage we need— photos of us looking happy and in love, solidifying our image

Anastasia's POV Alexander nods, but doesn't move immediately. For a moment, we just stand there, hands still clasped, and the ocean behind us."Anna," he says quietly. "Whatever secrets you're keeping, whatever brought you to Los Angeles, whatever you're hiding, I want you to know that I... I'm glad you're here. I'm glad it's you."The confession sends a warmth through my chest."I'm glad it's you too," I whisper, and I realize surprisingly that I mean it.We walk back to the resort in silence, but it's different now. Something has changed between us, some invisible line has been crossed.Dinner is at an intimate restaurant overlooking the ocean. The food is good, the wine flows freely, and we talk in a way we haven't before. He tells me about Sam, about the joy his son brings him despite everything. After dinner, we walk back to the resort along the beach. It's darker now, Alexander's arm is around my shoulders, and I'm pressed against his side, stealing his warmth."Thank you for

Anastasia's POV The warmth in my chest expands, becoming almost painful. I feel so sorry for the poor boy, but I know I can't get close to him because getting close to him means getting closer to Alexander than I already am. It means putting my feelings first while my plans remain at risk. I can't let anything get in my way now. My throat tightens as I fall short of words and just respond with a bob of my head. Alexander continues, something like desperation dripping into his tone. "It would be good for him. Having a friend."He says, but I still don't respond. I have a lot of emotions bottled up inside of me already. We walk in silence for a while, both lost in thought. When we finally head back to the resort to prepare for the wine tasting, I realize that the morning has somehow felt more intimate than last night. Like we've shared something real and significant.The wine tasting is at a boutique vineyard about twenty minutes from the resort. As we pull up, I notice several othe

Anastasia's POV The drive back to Los Angeles feels unnecessarily long. Alexander keeps glancing at me with concern, clearly sensing that something has changed since last night. And he's right— everything has changed. In the span of a single text message, my carefully constructed world has been thrown into chaos.The words in the text message from last night keep echoing in my mind endlessly, accompanied by a rising panic I can barely contain."You're quiet," Alexander observes about two hours into the drive. "Having regrets about yesterday?"Yes. No. I don't know."Just thinking about work," I lie, forcing a smile. "The International medical tech presentation is coming up fast. I want to make sure everything is perfect."It's not entirely a lie. The Investors' dinner is in ten days. But that's not what's consuming my thoughts.Someone knows who I am. Someone is threatening to expose me in three days unless I stop... what? What do they want me to stop?"Anna." Alexander's hand cover

Anastasia's POV My phone buzzes with another message and my heart immediately stops. Is it the blackmailer again?But no. It's from an unknown number, but a different one. “We should talk. Tomorrow, 2 PM, Café Noir on Fifth Street. Come alone.”I track the number immediately, since it's not hidden. The caller is Jenkins. Liam's private investigator.So it is Liam who knows. Or at least, his investigator has figured something out. But why texting to see me? My hands shake as I type back: “Why should I trust you?”The response comes immediately: “Because I have information you need. And you have information I want. Fair trade. 2 PM. Don't be late.”I stare at the message, my mind racing. This could be a trap. Jenkins could be planning to record our conversation, gather evidence for Liam to use against me.But it could also be an opportunity. If Jenkins is willing to trade information, maybe I can find out exactly what Liam knows and what he's planning.I text back: “I'll be there.”Th