Divorced Heiress
Chapter 56

That my father considered carrying out the project in New York left me really perplexed. Alexander mu it left a bad taste in my mouth for what Paul brought to light.

e begged on his knees and that wasn't even enough for my father to even consider it, but I was relieved that thanks to my cousin, he reconsidered, although

Tristan was so deeply asleep that I preferred not to wake him. I made sure his bed was secure and, with Vincent, we left the room to join the dinner that was about to begin. Before descending the stairs, Vincent stopped me to talk.

- Sari, whatever Paul is plotting, just act normal. He might get alarmed and we won't know what he's Of course, Alexander had already arrived and we barely greeted each other with a "Good evening." I w My father invited us to enter the dining room when Maga announced that the table was already set. I Relaxed, I silently ate my dinner while my father exchanged some words with the new partners, althou The man with blue eyes tensed when my father asked a question. -How did the idea of building your own company come about?-

I nodded, agreeing with his plan, and we resumed our path to the living room, where everyone was already gathered. what he would come up with to persuade my father.

didn't leave my cousin's side for a second, as I felt he was the only person, apart from my parents, whom I could trust. spoke more with Julian than with Alexander.

the age of twelve, when his parents died, he was completely alone. It wasn't until his half-brother, who is nine years older, took care of him that he was able eamed of having her own clothing brand.

ave been for him to lose his parents and continue on his path without their love, without the warmth of family, without their advice. On the other hand, I felt

It turned out that the young entrepreneur started from the bottom, grew up in a very humble family, a to graduate from university with honors and start his own company in memory of his mother, who alw The brief summary of his life really moved me. My heart ached at the mere thought of how difficult it happy for him because he never deviated from his path, and through him, his mother's dream was co Suddenly, I felt satisfied that his brand was part of the project, although he had earned it with his briliant proposal and the quality of his brand. There was no doubt that he was a capable, intelligent, and audacious man.

ue.

s life. It seemed that he, too, was touched by his tragic childhood. sip of his water glass.

s half-brother's firm.

-What does your half-brother do?- Vincent joined the conversation, interested in knowing more about -He's a lawyer, he has his own law firm. I dare say he's the best in New York.- He replied after taking th My eyebrows raised as I remembered that he had recommended a law firm for my case. Now I knew it When I lifted my gaze, I met a pair of honey-colored eyes looking at me as if I were the only person at Once dinner came to an end, my father ordered wine for everyone. We toasted and he began his talk about the project, highlighting some terms and conditions, talking about the line we were going to launch with our designer Patrick, the times set in the contract, the quality of the materials, and finally, he touched on the topic we had been waiting for.

ole. I quickly averted my gaze with indifference and continued to enjoy the dinner, pretending he wasn't present at this meeting.

-I considered Lancaster's proposal to start the project in New York. He himself has offered us his extensive facilities.- My father said, and I looked at Alexander, who had the corners of his lips slightly curved in an almost nonexistent smile.

He was probably thinking that my father would approve that idea.

On the other hand, Abby was more than surprised by the recent news, and Paul immediately tensed.

-But, Mr. Doinel, the signed contract specifically states that it will be in the original company, that is, in Doinel. Everything is ready to receive the representatives and assigned workers from both companies. We can't change everything at the last minute because of a proposal from one of the parties.- Paul disagreed with the topic. He placed his empty glass on the table and looked at Alexander with a displeased expression, and the latter didn't fall behind and returned his gaze with annoyance. The tension in the atmosphere was more than evident, however, my father remained undisturbed.

-Of course, Paul, you're absolutely right, that's why, here and now, I inform you that the project will continue as planned in Paris. Doinel will be leaving in two days and we will be expecting the collaborators on the scheduled date.- My father announced his final decision, and Alexander immediately stood up from his seat, looking incredulously at my father.

I quickly glanced at Vincent and caught him looking at Paul, who had let his guard down after hearing my father's last word.

-Mr. Doinel...- Alexander was about to complain, but my father interrupted him.

-I appreciate your offer, Mr. Lancaster, but I have priorities. Are both parties in agreement?- My father looked at Alexander and then at Julian, who had been silent, listening attentively to everything my father was saying.

-I agree.- Julian was the first to respond. He seemed to have no problem with any decision, and this was his golden opportunity. Of course, he would agree to any change that would benefit him.

Alexander remained silent for a few seconds, and his gaze landed on me as he sat back down. I felt overwhelmed by his expression, it wasn't mocking or annoyed, no, it was more than that, it was one of concern, leaving me confused and completely stunned by his unexpected reaction.

-I also agree. He finally said, before my father moved on to the next topic.

When my father ended the meeting, I said goodbye to everyone before going to Tristan's room, as Maga had informed me moments before that he had woken up from his nap.

Being alone with my son, I looked at him tenderly, admiring how big, beautiful, and talkative he was now. Time went by so fast, it felt like yesterday when I first held him in my arms.

I responded to everything he said until he fell silent, looking behind me and smiling from ear to ear before shouting with great excitement.

-Ales!- I quickly got up from the sofa next to his bed and looked in the direction where my son was looking, meeting Alexander's honey-colored eyes.

Damn, what was he doing here?

-Who let him in?- I asked annoyed by his audacity to come here without consulting me first.

-Your father.- He responded, and I frowned at his answer and looked at Tristan, who got off the bed and ran to hug Alexander's leg. The latter picked him up in his arms. -Little one! You're so big today, did you grow while you were sleeping?-

-Yes! I'm big, right, Mom?- Tristan looked at me from his father's arms, and I gave him a smile, nodding my head.

-It seems like it's very late for your visit.- I said, pretending to smile for Tristan's sake, not wanting him to notice how much Alexander's presence at this hour bothered me.

-I just came to say hi to my son, I hope there's no inconvenience with that.- He replied before kissing Tristan's soft cheek.

Only then did I realize that I wasn't being empathetic with him. In two days, I would be leaving for Paris with Tristan, and I didn't know if Alexander would be able to visit him. Today, we were both so busy that it was impossible to find a time for him to be with his son. Now he was just saying hello, it wasn't a big deal.

-I'll give you your space.- I said, crossed my arms, and settled on the balcony. I was far away but attentive to everything.

I didn't miss any detail. Alexander sat where I had been sitting before and played with the dinosaurs his son gave him. I couldn't deny that it was a very tender scene. I would have never imagined seeing the coldest man of all melted like that with the little version of himself.

I took the opportunity to check my phone messages while they enjoyed each other's company. My lawyer informed me that the vipers had already hired their lawyers, and the trial would take place tomorrow.

It was a relief to know that because I was worried that the trial would be delayed, and I would have to stay in New York for longer, neglecting my responsibilities and my family.I was not aware of how much time had passed when I heard faint footsteps behind me. When I turned around, I was surprised to see Tristan asleep and Alexander approaching me.

- Are you leaving already? - I asked in a low voice so as not to disturb Tristan. It's late and I prefer him to keep sleeping until tomorrow.

- Yes He replied simply. And as I was about to pass by him to guide him to the door, he stopped me by taking my arm with his long fingers. - We need to reach an agreement for Tristan. Do you realize that you're going to separate him from me again? It's not fair, I'm his father, and I don't want to miss any more stages of his life.

I looked at his hand as if his touch burned me and I pulled away abruptly.

Of course I knew, but there were other options for both of us to enjoy Tristan without me having to stay in this city.

- I can't stay, Mr. Lancaster. You more than anyone know how serious a contract is, and more than that, my father's word. But can we talk about this later? It's very late and not the right place, how about tomorrow? - He seemed to agree and nodded his head. - Then, tomorrow it is - I continued on my way to the door, and just as I was about to open it, Alexander called me. - Sarah...-

I turned to look at him and his gaze stopped on my face for a few seconds. I raised an eyebrow, waiting for him to speak, but all he did was suddenly close the distance between us, and his lips pressed against mine, taking me by surprise.

My body tensed up and the urge to punch him until exhaustion bubbled inside me, and I was not able to give in to something as stupid, disgusting, and inappropriate as a kiss from him.

I pushed him away with all my strength, moving his face away from mine, and slapped him on the cheek, causing his face to turn.

I ran my hands over my lips, feeling like I was about to throw up the dinner he had just eaten.

Why the hell did he do that?

Was he drunk?

- Do not kiss me again. You have no idea how repugnant it makes me feel.-