Alexander’s expression remained unreadable. “You were reaching for your phone.”“Yes,” Nahir responded without hesitation. “Then you suddenly lost your balance,” Alexander said, pointing at the table.“Yes.”“And somehow, you managed to hit the exact part of the table holding the food.”Nahir’s jaw tightened. “It was an accident.”Alexander gave a quiet laugh. “Of course.”Aurelia looked at Alexander. “Why are you questioning him like this?”Alexander turned toward her. “Because something doesn't add up.”“What?” Aurelia asked curiously.“Everything.”Aurelia fell silent.Nahir tried to regain control of the conversation before Alexander could push any further. “You've been suspicious of me since I walked through that door.”Alexander looked at him. “Shouldn't I be?”Nahir’s expression hardened. “What have I done?”Alexander didn't answer immediately. Instead, he glanced toward the food being removed from the floor and then looked at one of the waiters. “Is everything collected?”“Ye

Alexander leaned back in his chair, his composure almost unsettling against the growing tension in the room. “Well, I was expecting all of this.”His eyes swept across the lounge before settling on Nahir again. “That’s why I booked this place.”Nahir’s stomach tightened.Alexander’s expression remained almost indifferent, as though the entire confrontation had unfolded according to a plan he had prepared long before anyone else realized they were playing a game.“Nahir,” Alexander said, “why don't you tell her the truth?”Nahir was shocked for the first time; he couldn't look at Aurelia in the face. “I have nothing to tell her.”“Really?” Alexander’s gaze hardened. “Then tell her you planned to poison me.”Aurelia froze.Nahir’s face changed.Alexander continued before he could respond. “And tell her you wanted Clara eliminated before she could expose you.”Nahir’s expression tightened.Aurelia slowly turned toward him. “Nahir, what is he saying?”“He's lying.” Nahir countered.Alexan

Aurelia stared at him.That question had no easy answer. Alexander leaned back in his chair. “You were willing to let her believe I was dangerous.”He paused, allowing the words to sink in. “But the moment I asked her to taste the food, you panicked.”Nahir’s breathing became heavier. “You knew something was wrong.”Alexander’s gaze sharpened. “Because you knew exactly what was in that food.”Aurelia covered her mouth. “No…”Her eyes filled with disbelief. “Nahir wouldn't…”She stopped herself. The sentence died before she could finish it. She had said those words too many times.Nahir wouldn't lie. Nahir wouldn't hurt anyone. Nahir wouldn't betray her. But now, one by one, those beliefs were beginning to collapse beneath the weight of everything she had witnessed.Nahir saw it happening. He stepped toward her. “Aurelia, listen to me.”She immediately stepped back. “Don't.”Nahir stopped. “Aurelia…”Aurelia took a step back. “Don't come closer.”Her voice was barely above a whisper, b

Alexander looked at Aurelia again. “You clearly saw how he tried to stop you from tasting the food.”He paused, allowing the question to settle over her. “How did he know there was something wrong with it if he wasn't the one who compromised it?”Aurelia’s face went pale as she remembered Nahir’s expression.She remembered his sudden panic and the way he had insisted that she should not taste anything. She remembered how he had deliberately knocked the food from the table and then pretended it had been an accident.At the time, she had believed he was protecting her. Now, every one of those memories looked completely different.Alexander continued. “You also saw how frustrated he became when he realized Clara wasn't with me.”Aurelia’s eyes slowly widened. She remembered that too.The moment Alexander had walked into the lounge, Nahir had immediately looked behind him. He had searched the room with an intensity she hadn't understood at the time.He had been looking for Clara, and when

Aurelia stood up. “Without waiting for my answer?”Alexander looked at her. “You already gave me your answer.”Aurelia’s eyes filled with tears again. “I haven't.”“You did.” He turned toward the door.Aurelia took a step after him. “Alexander, please.”He stopped but didn't turn around. “My mind is made up.”Aurelia’s breathing became shaky. “If you refuse to sign, then I guess we will end this at the next court hearing.”Alexander finally looked back at her. His expression was calm. There was no anger in his eyes and no hatred in his voice. There was only finality. “Then we'll end it there.”He turned and walked out.Aurelia stood frozen in the middle of the lounge as the door closed behind him. She stared at it for several seconds, unable to move.Nahir remained behind her, but for the first time, Aurelia didn't turn toward him. Her eyes stayed fixed on the door through which Alexander had disappeared.The ruined meal remained scattered across the floor. The divorce papers were sti