Divorced Heiress
Chapter 100

On the way to the Villa, I couldn't keep to myself for long everything that happened this day that seemed so long and heavy; starting with the call from Richman, the meeting we arranged with my lawyers to study the evidence, and the sudden disappearance of Alexander. He showed his frustration by hitting the steering wheel of the car, not exerting much force. I couldn't wait to tell him Abby's magnificent plan. And it was necessary to give her a reason to decide to sue me and thus contact the lawyer through Paul. What better than physical aggression right in front of her, with many people as witnesses. With Abby alone with her brother, she would take it upon herself to find out if he knew anything about Mr. Richman's plans or if he was involved in his disappearance.

I needed to get something out of him.

Alexander didn't seem happy with the plan, as he didn't like seeing me in that situation at all, and even less that I got hurt. And if he didn't stop the fight earlier, it was because of my request, but he did so when he couldn't bear it anymore.

-I just hope Paul doesn't take all this too seriously and decides to sue you for real. We know he is very capable of that and more, just to see you destroyed.- Alexander quickly gave his opinion, although I wasn't worried at all that Paul would decide to sue me. He would lose out with everything that is behind that good person facade.

-He won't, trust Abby... and me.- I said, shifting in my seat as I remembered a small but important detail.

I opened my mouth to talk about his brother's surprising appearance and his decision to partner with my company, but Alexander spoke up, interrupting any words that were about to come out of my mouth.

-And I do, but Sarah, you know that things could go wrong with one small misstep. Paul wouldn't waste any opportunity to deal a heavy blow to you and take advantage of it. If he's calm now, it's because he's enjoying his new toy, the company. Don't make it easy for him.- He spoke seriously, not taking his eyes off the road. We were almost at the villa.

-I don't know, Richman's disappearance doesn't look good at all. It's very strange. He wouldn't leave his cellphone on if he had disappeared, and if Paul made him disappear, the first thing he would do is destroy his phone so they can't locate him. If there's one thing the Dubois have shown, it's that they are very cautious and don't leave any direct evidence. I feel like there's something more behind all of this.-

I mused after Alexander's statement, and it made a lot of sense. But I wouldn't be sure of it, I didn't trust the Dubois at all.

Luckily, we had the lawyer's recording, even though it wasn't solid evidence, it practically affirmed that there were crimes involved, and the authorities would investigate thoroughly. Yes, that was what I was going to do, I wasn't going to sit idly waiting for the lawyer to keep his word.

I remained silent as Alexander parked the car, and when I saw Vincent's car parked a few meters away, I brought up the topic that I was about to mention before Alexander interrupted me.

-Alexis is in Paris.- I said directly, watching Alexander's reaction as I mentioned his twin, and his mouth opened pretending to be surprised.

-He has decided to partner with my company.- I blurted out as if he wasn't already aware, although I knew very well that Alexander had a lot to do with it.

-Really...?-

His acting was so bad that I had to interrupt him, I wasn't going to fall for the act that he didn't know anything.

-Alexander, tell me the truth, there's no need to pretend to be surprised.- I said accusingly, giving him a stern look.

I wasn't bothered by the fact that he involved his brother in my business, but that he lied to me deliberately. His expression changed immediately when he saw that it wouldn't be easy to deceive me, and he let out a sigh as he turned off the engine of the car. -I'm sorry, Sarah. I wanted to support you, but you didn't let me participate in any of your projects. I know your reasons very well, and I understand them, but I couldn't just stand by. This will be a good opportunity for both of us. You will achieve your expectations with the company, and Alexis will resume his life as an entrepreneur. I want the best for both of you. I hope you haven't been tough on him, he's not to blame for anything.-

I rested my head against the back of the seat as I took a deep breath. How could I be tough on Alexis? It was impossible. His life was just beginning, and I was excited to see his eagerness to succeed.

And I had no doubts that if he hadn't been in a coma for so many years, he would be reaching great heights at this moment, even higher than Alexander.

I understand Alexander's reasons and his point of view, he still felt guilty for his brother's accident, but I was helping him emerge, move forward, I was giving him a little push to go far, however, it would have been easier if he had told me from the beginning. But no, quite the opposite, he conspired with my cousin to take me by surprise in such a complicated moment in my life. With so many problems, it could have given me a heart attack.

Okay, I was exaggerating, but at least I would have been prepared to give him a warm welcome if he had told me that he wanted Alexis to have an opportunity in the business world on his own, I wouldn't have refused to go along. After all, he wasn't tied to my name. -I have accepted him as a partner, and I'm truly happy to see his progress and the desire he has to rebuild his life. By the way, who will stay at Lancaster Collection? You are here and he is too, you can't neglect the company at this point.- I changed the subject before becoming melancholic, as I began to remember the night I saw him for the first time, so happy and full of life.

-Don't worry about that, besides, Alexis won't stay for long, he needs to continue with his therapies and treatment. He wants to move forward, to recover and conquer the world. I've always said he's the better one of us, and he proves it every day.- I smiled with warmth at how well Alexander spoke of his brother despite the circumstances.

The vague question of how it would have been if Alexis hadn't had that tragic accident crossed my mind, but I quickly dismissed it. I wasn't interested in knowing.

The sound of my cellphone interrupted my thoughts, and I looked at the screen with a glimmer of hope that it was lawyer Richman. However, it wasn't, but it didn't diminish my optimism when I saw that it was the lawyer handling Rachel's case. -Lawyer, good day, do you have good news for me?- It was the first thing I asked, trying to stay positive and praying for a piece of good news amidst all the chaos. I needed it urgently.

-Ms. Sarah, I have the best news for you. Mrs. Duncan has signed up for the witness protection program, so we already have a scheduled date for her testimony. In five days, Mrs. Rachel will be confessing everything.-

My eyes widened in disbelief at what I was hearing. Was this real? Did I finally have good news? I was so used to everything going wrong that I couldn't fully believe what the lawyer was telling me.

-Five days? Are you joking? I quickly did the math, still looking amazed and incredulous, and soon realized that it was the same date as the launch of my company. Damn.-

-Of course not, you know me, Ms. Doinel, I wouldn't joke about something so delicate. In five days, we will have the testimony. We'll just be waiting for the arrest warrants for the accused, and Rachel will be released from prison thanks to her cooperation with a new identity, a new life.-

A wide smile adorned my face, and I had to clear my throat to dispel the knot that was slowly forming. The excitement overwhelmed me, I didn't even know if I could speak without difficulty. This news had changed my day.

-Is it necessary for me to be present?- I asked, thinking about how important that date had become. If I went to New York, I wouldn't be able to be present at the launch of my brand. And if I focused on the launch, it would be impossible to get to New York on time. I held my breath, praying for a miracle.

-It's your choice, it's not your obligation. We, as your lawyers, will handle the proceedings.-

I let out a sigh of relief as I felt each and every one of my muscles starting to relax, as if a great weight had been lifted off me.

-Thank you very much, lawyer.- I ended the call without fully processing the information, without fully believing it and without wiping the smile off my face. The only thing I could think of at this moment was that Rachel wouldn't do the same as Richman, that she wouldn't abandon the ship after getting on board, leaving fears aside.

-Did the lawyer show up?- Alexander's voice reminded me that I was still in the car with him and I nodded my head, but quickly shook it as I realized he was not talking about the same lawyer.

-No, but I don't think we need him. Rachel is going to testify in five days.- I said directly, before letting out a sigh of relief and getting out of the car without waiting for a response from him.

Upon entering the house, I was greeted by a cheerful Tristan who ran from the couch and hugged my legs. I didn't hesitate for a second to lift him up in my arms and spin him around, causing him to burst into laughter.

-Mom, look at Uncle Ales.- Tristan's words stopped me in my tracks and I paid attention to the pair of men sitting on the couch where Tristan had been moments ago. Alexis was looking at us as if he had just witnessed the best scene of his life, and Vincent was arranging the toy dinosaurs scattered on the floor.

What was he doing here?

-Alexis, you're here, I...- Alexander's cheerful voice made me stop and I saw him more animated than before, maybe because he was seeing his brother again, combined with the good news I gave him in the car. Alexander hurried over to Alexis, who stood up from the couch to embrace him, before engaging in a pleasant conversation.

-Sarah, I wanted to see Tristan, so I brought him, hope you don't mind.- Vincent informed me as he approached me, but my eyes couldn't stop looking at that scene of two identical men exchanging words. Anyone could confuse them, but for some reason, I knew which one was which, and it had nothing to do with one being paler than the other, or one using a cane and the other walking naturally.

-It's fine, I don't mind.- I said, taking my eyes off the pair of dark-haired men and focusing on Tristan, who was curiously watching his father talk to his uncle.

-Did you have fun? Did you learn a lot from Maga?- I asked my son, grabbing his attention, and he nodded enthusiastically.

-What happened with the lawyer? And why do you come with your hair in a mess and a red cheek? Don't tell me Alexander...-

I shook my head before they finished the sentence, as it was far from the truth and almost ruined my good mood with the mention of Richman.

-The lawyer disappeared.- I blurted out and his expression of frustration mirrored Alexander's.

-But, I have good news.-

-The one you were crying for has arrived. - Abby's lively voice captured everyone's attention, including Tristan's, who slipped out of my arms and ran to hers. -My little one, I missed you too. She said tenderly as she held him in her arms.

-Abby Steele.-