Chapter 29

Christiana’s POV

As I walked out on Alex, I felt the adrenaline still pulsing through my veins. My mind was racing, every step I took laced with determination and a little bit of satisfaction. The satisfaction that I had finally put Alex in his place.

I refused to let him drag me back into that tangled web of manipulation and regret. He had discarded me like trash years ago. I wasn’t about to let him waltz back in and disrupt the life I’d rebuilt brick by brick.

As I reached the hallway leading to my office, Grace, my ever–loyal PA, was leaning casually against the doorframe, arms crossed, and a knowing smile tugging at her lips. She had clearly been eavesdropping, and the look on her face said it all.

“Well,” she said, pushing herself off the wall as I approached, “that was a masterclass in shutting someone down. You really put your ex–husband in his place, Christiana.”

I exhaled sharply, still trying to calm the storm inside me. “He needed to hear it. He thinks he can just come back into my life, make a few changes, and suddenly everything’s forgiven.”

Grace’s eyes glinted with admiration, but there was also that protective edge in her gaze. “Alex Alistair or not, you handled that perfectly. The old Christiana might’ve been swayed by that ridiculous charm of his, but not this version of you.” She nodded approvingly. “He didn’t know what hit him.”

I smirked at her words, though deep down, it was hard to shake both the anger and disbelief still swirling inside me. “He still thinks he can control things, Grace. He thinks he can show up, flash that arrogant smirk, and everything will just go back to how it was.

Grace laughed, a light, teasing sound. “Oh, I think he knows better now. He didn’t see it coming–the way you shot down every excuse he tried to throw at you. If he thought he could just wave away what he did to you and start fresh, he’s in for a rude awakening.”

I shook my head, my tone sharpening, “I want nothing to do with someone who threw me away like I meant nothing. And now that his life is falling apart, suddenly I’m supposed to care? He chose to listen to everyone but me, he let others manipulate him and destroy what we had. And now he’s crawling back with regret like it’s supposed to fix things.”

Grace’s expression softened for a moment, her voice quieter as she spoke. “He’s realizing, far too late, that he lost the best thing he ever had. But you know what, Ma’am? That’s his problem, not yours. You’ve built something incredible here. You’re thriving, and that rattles him. He can’t stand that you don’t need him.”

“Exactly,” I said firmly. “I’ve worked too hard to let anyone–especially him–drag me down again.”

I’m loving this fierce, no–nonsense side of you. Alex tried to be all ‘mysterious billionaire” and

in that thought. “He’s used to getting his way, always. But not with

playful gleam in her eyes. “You know, I’m actually kind of glad Daniel was there to witness that little showdown. It was like a scene straight out of a movie–two powerful men squaring off over a strong woman who isn’t about to let either of them tell

dramatic image she painted. “Daniel handled himself well, didn’t he? I have to give him credit.

you actually going on that date

different. He’s respectful, charming, but not pushy. And it’s nice talking

who sees you for

are

at her, grateful for her words. “Thanks, Grace. I just want to move forward, keep focusing on what I’ve built. Alex and his games don’t have a place in my life

E

Chapter 29

a satisfied nod.

walked into my office, the remnants of my confrontation with Alex still echoed in my mind. He could try to claw his way back into my life all he wanted, but it was too late for that. I was done playing his games, done letting his presence

it was Daniel or anyone else, I wasn’t going to let Alex–or anyone else

was the least he deserved after throwing me away like I was nothing. The tables had turned, and now,

how it was

the soft chime of a message notification. I glanced at my phone, half–expecting it to

something, even if it’s just a snack. Looking forward

at the screen, a faint smile tugging at the corners of my lips despite everything. There was something about his message that felt…genuine. Simple, thoughtful, and

with the same heavy baggage that had suffocated me in the past. And that smiley face at the end of his text–who knew

my mind: “You deserve someone who sees you for

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255