Chapter 84: Chapter 85

Chapter 0085 +25 BONUS “It is.” I nodded. “I feel ridiculous. On the one hand, I feel like I’ve gotten to know Alexander quite well, even if it’s only been a short time. What they’re saying just doesn fit with the man I know. But on the other hand, I know they’re probably telling the truth.

So, do I just hope he’s changed and move forward as if nothing happened?”

“Have you talked to him about it?” Elizabeth asked.

“Yes, of course,” I replied. “We’ve talked about everything He’s been very transparent. He admitted to dating all of these girls and told me there’s some truth to what they’re saying. But he insists he was young, foolish, and going through some things. That’s all he’s really said about it.”

“I don’t know if that’s reassuring,” Elizabeth said, thoughtfully. “But honestly, I don’t have much experience with romance. I think when it comes to things like this, you have to trust your own judgment. Don’t you agree?

“Maybe,” I said, sighing. “But maybe not. Look where my judgment got me with David.”

“What happened with David wasn’t your fault,” Elizabeth said quickly. “He used you. He was manipulative and greedy.”

“And according to all these messages, so is Alexander,” I said ruefully. “But it just doesn’t match the man know.”

“It’s been a while since Alexander’s dated anyone publicly, Elizabeth said. “Sometimes, with public figures, people from the past come forward to ruin your success or happiness. Maybe these women believe they’re being helpful, but their motives might be more selfish than they realize. Does that make sense?”

“Yes,” I said softly. “I think it does. I’m so glad I have you to talk to about this. It’s all so new to me, overwhelmed.”

, and I get “I understand,” Elizabeth said, offering me a reassuring smile. “It can be frightening to be the subject of so much attention and gossip. But you’ve got me on your side.”

I smiled at her, grateful for her friendship.

After Elizabeth and I parted ways, I went to Alexander’s office building. He had texted earlier in the day, asking me to stop by when I had the chance. A flutter of nerves grew in my chest; I wasn’t sure what he wanted.

When I entered the lobby, Alexander’s beta, August, was waiting for me.

August was tall, with a stern face and sharp eyes that seemed to scrutinize everything. He’d always been polite, but I could sense he didn’t entirely trust me.

“Welcome, Miss Rowan,” he said, his tone as neutral as ever. “Alexander is waiting for you in his office. I’ll escort you up.”

“Thank you, August,” I replied softly.

We stepped into the elevator, and as it ascended, a sense of unease settled over me. There was something about August’s presence that felt different today–his usual stone expression seemed tinged with something else. Was it smugness? I couldn’t tell for sure, but it put me on edge.

He led me down the hallway and opened the door to Alexander’s office. As I stepped inside, I saw Alexander sitting behind his desk, his usual bored expression replaced by something much more serious “Hello, Ella,” he greeted me with a tight smile. “Thank you for coming.”

“Of course,” I said, approaching him. “What is it you wanted to talk to me about?”

1/2 25 BONUS Chapter 0085 Without a word, Alexander pulled a stack of papers from his desk drawer and slid them across the desk towards me. Then, he held out a pen.

“I think it’s time we make this deal official,” he said, his eyes locking onto mine.

A knot tightened in my stomach as I stared at the pen in his hand, his expression unreadable. I didn’t need to see the papers to know what this was. But as I reached for the pen, a cold certainty washed over me–something had changed, and it was far more than just a contract.

And for the first time, I wasn’t sure if I was ready for what came next.