After the Divorce: Crushed on My Lawyer Ex-wife

#131 “Don’t Mistake This for Trust.”

Alexander’s nerves were on the edge the entire flight. The plane seemed to crawl through the air, and every passing minute only amplified his anxiety. He was heading to Vegas. Sophia was in trouble, and that gnawed at him with every passing mile.

The moment the wheels hit the runway, Alexander practically bolted out of the plane. He had to get to Vegas, had to make sure Sophia was okay. The airport hustle and bustle faded into a blur as he raced to meet Evelyn at the hotel.

When he arrived, Evelyn was there, wearing a mix of worry and relief on her face. Next to her stood a guy with an easy confidence, the kind that usually comes from being close to someone important. Sandro, introduced him, Kyle’s cousin, the one who’d been hanging around with Sophia lately.

Alexander’s jaw clenched at the mention of Kyle’s cousin. Jealousy, sharp and unexpected, twisted in his gut. He tried to push it down and focus on the situation at hand, but it lingered like an unwelcome guest.

“Alexander, meet Sandro. He’s been looking out for Sophia,” Evelyn said, a hint of gratitude in her eyes.

Sandro extended a hand, a polite smile on his face. “Nice to meet you. Wish it was under better circumstances.”

Alexander shook his hand, forcing a nod. “Yeah, me too.”

The three of them huddled in the hotel room, maps and hastily scrawled notes spread across the table. Evelyn briefed Alexander on what she knew, her concern evident in the furrow of her brow.

“Sophia’s smart, Alexander. I am sure she is handling the situation while we are searching for her,” Evelyn reassured him.

“I know, I just… Did the kidnappers try to contact someone?” he muttered, frustration etching lines on his face.

me. They want 5 million

didn’t tell me that from the beginning? I’ll pay the damn money. I can’t believe you didn’t catch on with this

we’re all worried,” said Evelyn in an attempt to defuse the

can’t risk Sophia’s life, what if we give them the money and they don’t return her?” continued Alexander. The tension in

idea. We won’t

not?” Alexander demanded, his frustration bubbling over. Sandro’s eyes, steely and unyielding,

could be more important than Sophia’s life?” Alexander

her back, not if you involve the police, Alexander. It’s one of their conditions, “Sandro countered, his tone heavy with the weight

building tension. The situation was unraveling, and he felt like a ticking

eyes bore into Sandro, a cold intensity in his gaze. “Why did they snatch

eyes flickering for a moment before he sighed, recognizing

The bottom line is getting Sophia out

patience wore

help her,

keep quiet about what’s

gang – the same gang that’s got Sophia. We’ve got some beef with them, business feuds, you know? Daniel saw Sophia with me and thought he could squeeze some cash out of me by grabbing her. Bringing in the cops will just stir the pot even

in the air, heavy and loaded. Alexander absorbed the information,

comfort. Sophia was kidnapped because of Sandro’s mess. Frustration boiled inside

your fault, damn it! Sophia’s paying for your mistakes,” he accused, his voice laced with