New beginning: Billionaire love story

Chapter 286 “You’re coming with me.”

Alexander was not in the mood for games. His fingers punched in the private investigator's number like they had a score to settle, and the moment the line connected, he didn't waste a second. No pleasantries, no chitchat, just straight to business. "Find Lisa Thompson. Now."

The PI didn't argue and didn't ask questions. He recognized the tone in Alex's voice, the kind that told him he'd better move fast if he didn't want to end up on the wrong side of his boss's temper. The PI got to work, and Alex sank into his chair, leaning back, staring at the ceiling, trying to make sense of his swirling thoughts.

"That bitch! I really have enough of her."

What could Lisa possibly be thinking? After everything that had gone down between them-everything she'd done to him and to Claire-why was she pushing her luck?

Ten minutes passed-though it felt like an eternity-before Alex's phone finally buzzed. His PI had the goods.

"She is at a restaurant on West 22nd. I'm texting you the location now," the PI said, his voice trembling slightly as if he were afraid Alex might reach through the phone and throttle him if the information wasn't delivered fast enough.

"Good. Keep me updated with her location." Alexander replied curtly and hung up without another word.

In one fluid motion, Alex pushed back his chair, jumped to his feet, and stormed toward the door. As he crossed the lobby, he dialed his head bodyguard.

"Meet me at the private docks. Now. Have the team ready." he ordered, his tone sharp and unforgiving.

"Will do, sir."

shut, and peeled out, heading straight for Lisa's location. He didn't care if he hit a few speed bumps-literal or metaphorical-on the way. The streets were mercifully empty, which gave him free rein to push the gas pedal to the

screeched to a halt as he parked, and he stepped out, scanning the place like a hawk looking for its prey. He walked in, the buzz of conversation and clinking silverware filling the air, but his eyes were locked on one thing-a

calm and collected

his presence, Lisa suddenly turned in his direction. Her eyes widened in

exclaimed, standing up from her chair with a forced cheerfulness. She walked toward him, trying to place her hands on his chest,

she could even touch him,

like

her voice light, but Alex could see right through her. The fake innocence wasn't going to work

about to fall for whatever act she had rehearsed this time. Instead, he leaned in just a bit, still holding her wrist, and said, "You're coming

of confusion etched on her face. "Let me grab my purse." Lisa grabbed her bag quickly and the next thing she

the passenger door and gave her a look that made it clear there was

ever the

her mind, this was just another part of her plan. Maybe Alex was finally coming back

his face stone-cold, saying nothing as he started the engine and peeled out of the

to see me. I would

and focuses

thick, like a storm cloud brewing between them. Lisa couldn't take it anymore. She leaned over, trying to act

asked

phone, glancing down at it like he was waiting for something. Before she could ask again, he pressed a button, and the ringtone filled the car. But it wasn't

coming