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.

contacted me. They want 5 million dollars in return,” said

didn’t tell me that from the beginning? I’ll pay the damn money. I can’t believe

worried,” said Evelyn in an attempt to defuse

life, what if we give them the money and they don’t return her?” continued Alexander. The

good idea. We won’t

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

the hell could be more important than

not if you involve the police, Alexander. It’s

his arms to contain the building tension. The situation was unraveling, and he felt like a ticking

gaze. “Why did they

before he sighed, recognizing that withholding information wasn’t

getting Sophia out unharmed,” Sandro replied

patience wore thin.

question. I want to help her, but I need the whole

the time to keep quiet about what’s messed up

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

heavy and loaded. Alexander absorbed the information, his jaw clenching with

Alexander’s face, but it brought no comfort. Sophia was kidnapped because of Sandro’s

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