Divorced Heiress
Chapter 89

project, and to make them proud of the good things I have accomplished in spite of this difficult period in our lives.

My mood had improved considerably, despite the ongoing problems with the Dubois. Just knowing that my parents were alive made everything else fade into the background. It motivated me to move forward with my new business, to give my best effort to my In addition, the closeness between Alexander and me added to this. He had become a great support during the toughest moments and a wonderful distraction from my problems.

Like right now, when I should be nervous about the meeting with the executives of L&J to start working on the brand's launch collection, but instead, I am lost in my thoughts, remembering every kiss, every caress, every sensation. I remember what we did while feeling more rational than ever, and it was me who took the initiative.

Unfortunately, our work schedules prevented us from having time for ourselves. Paul had been in a bad mood these past few days, and Alexander was making every effort to finish the collaboration as soon as possible to get rid of that miserable person. At this point, I began to reconsider the idea of him staying at the Villa for a few days.

Upon arriving at the new company, holding hands with Tristan and accompanied by Jack and Abby, we went straight to the boardroom. However, I took the opportunity to look at the staff, who had started working on the launch collection production on time, and they were making a great effort.

In the boardroom, Vincent, Sofia, the public relations specialist, and my star designer, Sapphire, were already there. Two more people were yet to arrive, but considering that the meeting was about to begin in ten minutes, they should arrive any moment. -Good morning, everyone.- I greeted each of them with a kiss and sat at the head of the table, leaving Tristan sitting by my side. He will probably fall asleep during the meeting, but I didn't want to leave him alone at home with Maga, given the tense situation. Everyone agreed and went back to their own tasks while waiting.

Sapphire approached to eloquently praise my navy blue lace dress and playfully joked with Jack without any shame. Abby couldn't come up with anything as funny as Sapphire's jokes.

Abby had her eyes fixed on her cellphone, and Vincent glanced at her while talking to Sofia about some topics we would discuss in the meeting. She was well-informed about everything related to the company; however, today I had prepared two big surprises for them all.

And as if I had summoned them, the door to the boardroom was knocked a couple of times. Without thinking twice, I got up to personally open the door for my two partners. -Welcome.- I hugged them both warmly, and they immediately returned the gesture. I heard a gasp of surprise behind me and let go when I heard Abby's voice.

-I can't believe it.-Abby said, leaving her cellphone on the table, looking incredulous at the two men. Did my prayers reach the heavens? They have sent me two angels directly from heaven. The work will be less burdensome with such partners.-

I almost burst out laughing at Abby's indiscreet words, although I knew very well that it was a joke since she had always treated them in that peculiar way, but her feelings had a name and surname. I discreetly glanced at Vincent and had to look away or I would end up bursting into laughter because of his expression.

He glared at Abby, even though she couldn't see it, while keeping his fists clenched on the table, ignoring what Sofia was telling him.

Abby continued teasing him about his indecent proposal, and Vincent seemed unable to bear her indifference. Honestly, it seemed absurd to me that he refused to take a risk for the first time in a serious relationship, especially with Abby, when his feelings for her were more than evident.

-The mischievous Abby. You'll also work with us, what great news.- Hugo, the youngest of the Lefebvre brothers, said. He didn't even bother hiding his admiration as he looked Abby up and down. Abby pretended to let out a shy laugh before hooking her arm around his and did the same with Bastian's arm. The latter exchanged complicit glances with Hugo.

-She is perfect for helping me.- Bastian mentioned that to Hugo, and it was undoubtedly a topic that none of us knew about since we didn't understand what he meant, or at least I thought that until...Vincent stood up from his seat and with a furious look, he addressed his younger brother.

-Don't you even dare, Bastian.- He warned, pointing his index finger at him, and all eyes turned to him with curiosity at his sudden reaction.

-These jealousies hurt me, they drive me crazy.- Sapphire hummed a song as she walked casually to her chair, earning a disapproving look from Vincent, who tried to hide it when they caught him staring at the ceiling.

-I'm interested.- Abby said, ignoring the words of the man who looked irritated and annoyed on the other side of the table, shaking his head with his hands on his hips.

-Let's talk after the meeting, okay?- She suggested.

-Count on it.- Bastian replied, winking at her. Hugo, who seemed to have understood the reason for his older brother's sudden reaction, sighed and looked curiously at Vincent before saying, -I sense that this is going to end very badly.- -Please, let's leave that topic for later and start the meeting.- I intervened to end the tense atmosphere that had arisen since my cousins' arrival.

Abby invited my cousins to sit, positioning herself between them, ignoring the daggers Vincent was throwing her way with his gaze. He sat back down with a tense jaw and a slightly flushed face.

The main points were discussed, the percentage of shares of each director and the positions each would hold from today onwards, as well as the preparations for the launch, where high-level executives and important fashion companies from around the world were invited. However, nobody would know who was behind L&J until the presentation itself.

-I have a surprise announcement. It's a decision that I made together with Sapphire, and it will set Doinel apart so that we are not associated with Paul and his collections. Our collection will not only consist of exclusive dresses; we will also include shoe designs, handbags, jewelry, and in the future, even fragrances.- I announced midway through the meeting, leaving everyone astonished by the information. Vincent shook his head in disagreement, and I looked at him as I played with a pen in my hand, waiting for him to express the reason for his refusal.

-Sarah, it's too risky. The risks would outweigh the benefits. We're just starting, and it's better to prioritize quality over quantity. He argued. I smiled, placing the pen on the table because I knew someone would share that opinion, but I had everything well planned out. -I have taken the time to thoroughly study the possibility of launching more than just exclusive dress designs. I'm pleased to inform you that I've partnered with the best and most famous designers in each area to start collaborating on each design. The investment is high, and there is also a margin of risk. However, considering it's a collaboration between prestigious brands, the margin of profit is advantageous.-

I tried to explain as best as possible, and even though Vincent didn't seem entirely convinced, the others agreed with my ideas.

-Vincent, if we're going to be tied down, at least we'll fight so that the CEO of Doinel suffers from the direct competition that L&J will provide. We won't make it easy for him. We can't let him have his way and enjoy what doesn't belong to him. The fight is fought by fighting, and I need the support of each one of you to achieve our objectives, despite the risks involved in starting from scratch.- I said.

Sapphire smiled from ear to ear at my words and nodded eagerly. -I love challenges, and I won't let this one slip through my fingers. You have my full support. She declared.

After Sapphire's support, everyone responded positively, and Vincent, after thinking about it for a while, reluctantly nodded his head.

-Alright, we'll give him a fight so that he doesn't have the power he so desperately desires. We'll face whatever comes our way. You have my unconditional support.- He said. I smiled pleased with his response and closed the surprise topic, moving on to the designs. As I predicted, Tristan had fallen asleep, and Jack offered to stay and watch over him so I could go without worries to check on the progress of the designs. Sapphire guided us to her workshop, where she showed us the process of the first collection. I was so focused on one of the dresses that I got excited in my place and dropped the garment from my hands when I felt arms wrapping around my waist from behind.

Just by smelling that exquisite fragrance, I knew who the intruder was who dared to interrupt me.

-That dress would look perfect on the most beautiful fairy. The red highlights your beautiful and delicate skin.- He spoke sweetly in my ear, causing a shiver to run through me from my back to my neck, making my skin tingle in its wake.

-No, I'm mistaken. Do you know how it would look even better? In my hands, when I take it off before making love to you. He whispered, and I opened my eyes in surprise, thankful that he said it in a whisper that only I could hear, as the others continued to focus their attention on each garment that Zafiro was showing them.

-Alexander!- I whispered shouted when I turned to look at his smiling and charming face. I rubbed my fingers on my forehead as I discreetly glanced at the others, praying that no one had heard the obscenities he whispered to me.

-What are you doing here?- I asked, confused, although I couldn't help but feel happy to see him after several long days without his presence or company. It had only been a few days, but I missed him.

-I'm sorry if I interrupted you, but I found a good excuse to escape from Doinel and stop seeing that bastard's triumphant face. You can't imagine how hard it is for me to contain the desire to punch him.-

I laughed at his confession and took him by the arm to distance ourselves from the others and speak without anyone listening.

-And may I know what excuse Mr. Lancaster found to escape from those vipers? They can't be very nice to you, right?-

A smile appeared on his lips and his eyes locked onto mine, looking at me with satisfaction and tenderness.

-Do you think I care if they're nice to me?- He replied with a question that answered itself. -And of course, Mrs. Lancaster can know. In fact, she has a lot to do with you, Sarah Lancaster.-

I looked at him amused by how he called me, and his smile widened as he passed his hands over my waist, pulling me closer to his firm body.

-I'll stay at Villa Doinel for a few days to take care of my beautiful girlfriend and my wonderful son.-

I was astonished when he finished speaking, and I didn't know if it was because he was informing me that he would stay at my house or because he referred to me as his girlfriend. Although I had considered the idea of him staying at home several times, I wasn't completely convinced, maybe I was afraid of living together again and things not turning out as I expected.

Plus, it would be a very drastic change for Tristan, and he knew it. A playful laughter escaped my mouth, and his smile disappeared from his face due to my reaction. He raised an eyebrow, waiting for me to finish laughing.

-Okay, okay, I almost fell for the joke. Come on, tell me the truth. What excuse did you come up with?- I asked when my laughter subsided, maintaining a playful smile, which disappeared when I saw Alexander looking at me without the slightest hint of amusement. -No, Alexander, tell me you're joking.-

-I've never spoken so seriously in my life. Darling, it's not the first time we'll be living under the same roof, and now it will be even better because Tristan will have his parents together as it should have been from the beginning. He'll love having both of us with him. It had to happen at some point, and this is a good opportunity because I also need to take care of my family. It's not up for discussion. I have my suitcases in the car and came to wait for you to go home. Where is Tristan? Did you leave him with Maga?- I stood frozen in place, unable to process what Alexander was telling me. It was unexpected, he didn't even warn me before coming and he dropped the bomb without any warning.

I thought about it carefully, and what he said had some truth to it. This situation would come up at some point considering we were giving each other a chance, and Alexander preferred it to happen sooner rather than later, as my son and I were exposed while my parents were away without any good news, which was uncertain. Before I could even give him an answer, my phone rang in my hand, snapping me out of my thoughts.

I looked at the screen, and my brow furrowed as I saw that the incoming call was from an unregistered New York number. My heart raced at the thought that it could be my parents trying to communicate with me, and I answered without hesitation. -Hello?- I spoke, hoping to hear the voice of my mother or father, but that idea vanished when the deep voice of a man answered me.

-Am I speaking with Ms. Sarah Doinel?- I furrowed my brow again, completely confused because I didn't recognize that voice from anywhere, no matter how hard I tried to remember.

-It's her, who is this?- I asked seriously, and Alexander looked at me worried.

There was silence on the other end of the line, and when I was about to hang up thinking it was some prankster who just wanted to bother me, I heard a voice that left me frozen in my place.

-Hello? Sarah?- It was Rachel's unmistakable voice, I could recognize it anywhere. Not even the slightest sound came out of my mouth, even though I wanted to respond to her unexpected call. -If you're listening to me, I want you to know that I've thought it over and made a decision.-

I heard her sigh from the other end, and my soul returned to my body when I finally reacted, looking at Alexander with surprise.

-I'm going to confess.-