Chapter 8
Author: Rissa
last update2026-04-07 02:24:03

"Jason, leave," Chloe said. Her voice was shaking, but it wasn't with fear. It was with anger. "You brought a fake investigator with fake papers into my home to insult my husband. You’re the one who looks like a criminal right now."

"I'm trying to save you!" Jason yelled. "Can't you see? He’s brainwashed you! A guy like him doesn't just happen. He’s a plant! He’s working for someone who wants to destroy the Miller family!"

"If anyone is destroying the family, it’s you," Alex said, stepping into Jason’s personal space. Jason flinched and took a step back. "You’re so blinded by your own ego that you can't see what’s right in front of you. You think I'm a loser because I don't wear a five-thousand-dollar suit? That’s your mistake. And it’s going to be a very expensive one."

"Are you threatening me?" Jason hissed. "I'll have you arrested for trespassing!"

"This is my wife’s house, which makes it my house," Alex said. "You're the one trespassing. Silas!"

Suddenly, Silas appeared from the shadows of the hallway. No one had even heard him come in. Jason jumped about a foot in the air.

"Yes, Young—I mean, Mr. Reed?" Silas said, catching himself just in time.

"Show these gentlemen the door," Alex said. "And make sure they don't come back without a police warrant. If they try, call the firm’s legal team. I want a restraining order on Jason Miller by tomorrow morning."

"Wait, what legal team?" Jason asked, looking confused. "You don't have a legal team! You don't have anything!"

Silas grabbed Jason by the arm. His grip was like iron. "This way, Mr. Miller. Please don't make me use force. It’s been a very long day, and I'd hate to ruin my suit."

"Get your hands off me!" Jason yelled, but Silas moved him toward the door like he was a child. The investigator followed quickly, looking like he wanted to vanish.

The door slammed shut, and the foyer went silent. Chloe leaned against the wall and let out a long breath. She looked at Alex, her eyes wide with a million questions.

"A restraining order?" she asked. "Legal teams? Alex, how do you know how to do all that? And where did that guy Silas come from? He’s not a regular butler. I've seen secret service agents who aren't that fast."

"I've got a lot of friends, Chloe," Alex said, walking back toward her. "I told you, I've spent a long time being invisible. You meet a lot of people when no one is looking at you."

"I don't know what to believe," Chloe whispered. "Jason is an idiot, but he’s right about one thing. You aren't who you say you are. You’re not just a guy from a warehouse."

"I'm exactly who I say I am," Alex said. "I'm the man who’s going to make sure you never have to deal with Jason’s crap again. Isn't that enough for now?"

Chloe looked at him for a long time. She looked at his simple t-shirt, his cheap sneakers, and then at the calm, powerful look in his eyes. She reached out and touched his arm. "I'm scared, Alex. I'm scared that when I finally find out the truth, I won't know who you are at all."

"You'll know," Alex said, covering her hand with his. "I'm still the guy who makes a mean grilled cheese. That’s the only part that matters."

Chloe leaned her head against his shoulder. "I hope so. I really hope so."

Alex held her for a moment, feeling her heart beating against his chest. He felt a surge of protectiveness he’d never felt for Sarah. He looked at the closed door and narrowed his eyes. Jason had crossed a line tonight. It wasn't enough to just take his company. Alex wanted to watch him crawl.

*Ding!*

[Mission Triggered: Total Humiliation. Bankrupt Jason Miller’s private investment fund within 48 hours. Reward: Advanced Hacking Skills and 10% increase in Chloe’s affection.]

Alex smiled into the dark. "Forty-eight hours? I think I can do it in twenty-four."

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