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.

5 million dollars in return,”

from the beginning? I’ll pay the damn money. I can’t believe you didn’t catch on with this information.” Alexander hit

we’re all worried,” said Evelyn in an

life, what if we give them the money and they don’t return her?” continued Alexander. The tension in the hotel room was thick enough to cut with

won’t involve the police,” Sandro

Sandro’s eyes, steely and unyielding, met Alexander’s.

be more important

you involve the police, Alexander. It’s one of their

bubbling beneath the surface, crossed his arms to contain the building tension. The

bore into Sandro, a cold intensity in his gaze. “Why did they snatch her out of nowhere? And why the hell did they call you? What’s your connection

eyes flickering for a moment before

getting Sophia out unharmed,” Sandro

patience wore

want to help her, but I need the whole

time to keep quiet about

following. “We had a run-in with a thug named Daniel a few days back. He’s probably tied to this 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.

the air, heavy and loaded. Alexander

but it brought no comfort. Sophia was kidnapped because of

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