Chapter 198 Visiting the mastermind
Alex had finally gotten Lisa's location, and without wasting a moment, he instructed his driver to head to the police station. As his Bentley pulled up in front of the station, Alex took a deep breath and stepped out, gazing up at the imposing building. Walking inside, he was greeted by the receptionist. "Good afternoon. How can I help you?" she asked.
Alex's expression remained stoic as he approached. "I need to see Lisa Thompson."
The receptionist called over a police officer who walked up to Alex. "Who are you to her?" the officer asked, flipping through some documents on his desk.
Keeping his demeanor cold but managing a slight smile, Alex replied, "Just an old friend. I'd like to have a word with her."
The officer stared at Alex for a moment before nodding. "You've got five minutes. Not more."
"Understood," Alex said, nodding in acknowledgment.
The officer instructed another policeman to take Alex to see Lisa Thompson. The officer nodded and gestured for Alex to follow him. As they walked, Alex stuffed his hands in his pockets, his mind racing with what he would say. The walk was short but felt longer with the officer's bored tone breaking the silence.
"Don't pull any stunts, or you'll be in there with her."
Alex nodded. "I just want to talk."
The officer unlocked the cell, and Alex stepped inside. Lisa, who was curled up in a corner with her head down on her arms, looked up. Her eyes widened in shock, and she stood up quickly. "Alex?"
Alex regarded her coldly. "Hello, Lisa."
Lisa didn't like the coldness in his voice, but she didn't care at the moment. The fact that Alex was visiting her gave her a flicker of hope. She stepped closer to him, her voice hopeful. "Are you here to free me?"
Alex laughed, a harsh sound that made Lisa flinch. "Did that stunt earlier go to your head?"
Lisa was confused. "What do you mean?"
Alex began to walk around the small cell, his eyes never leaving Lisa. "I know about your so-called suicide attempt."
Lisa's eyes widened. She hadn't expected Alex to know about that. "I...I didn't..."
Alex continued, circling her like a predator. "You hurt Claire, not once but twice, physically. Did you think I wouldn't find out?"
Lisa shook her head frantically. "I didn't do it purposely! Claire made me do it!"
Alex let out a chuckle that sent a shiver down Lisa's spine. He took a step closer, his voice dripping with venom. "Don't you dare blame Claire for your actions, Lisa. If you keep this up, I will ruin your life."
Tears glistened in Lisa's eyes, and one rolled down her cheek. "Alex, don't you care for me anymore?"
Alex rolled his eyes. "Drop the crying act, Lisa. Everything that's happened is because of you. If you hadn't pulled that stunt from the beginning, none of this would be happening."
Lisa's shoulders sagged, and she tried to defend herself. "I was scared, Alex. I didn't know what to do."
Alex looked at Lisa in disbelief. He couldn't fathom how someone like her could exist-a person who never wanted to take responsibility for her mistakes. "You know what, Lisa? You need to stop messing with Claire. If you do it again, you'll really regret it." His words were filled with anger and hatred.
But instead of feeling remorseful, Lisa got angry. She wiped her tears away furiously and snapped, "Why do you care so much about Claire? She doesn't even care if you're alive or dead!"
Alex was silent for a moment, then he replied calmly, "I don't need Claire to care about me. What matters is that she's safe and happy."
Lisa clenched her fists and gritted her teeth. "You love me, Alex, not Claire."
Alex's response was cold. "I did love you, Lisa. Past tense. But not anymore."
Lisa couldn't accept the fact that Alex had moved on. "I still love you very much, Alex. Even after everything, I still love you and would take you back."
Alex shook his head. "Forget about me, Lisa. If you don't, you'll drive yourself crazy."
He turned around, ready to leave the cell, but Lisa suddenly hugged him from behind, her tears flowing freely. "I don't want to let you go," she cried, holding him tightly.
Alex was shocked and tried to break free from her embrace. "Lisa, why did you choke Claire?"
Lisa froze, not saying a word. Alex pressed on, "Why did you post that photo about Claire and me getting married online? I let you stay at the penthouse to think about your mistakes, not to go through my personal stuff." Lisa remained silent, her grip on Alex loosening.
"Lisa," Alex said, disappointment evident in his voice, "you've let me down repeatedly."
Those words hit Lisa hard. She loosened her grip further, and Alex stepped away, turning to face her one last time.
"You only love my money, Lisa. Not me."
With that, Alex walked out of the cell without giving her a second glance.
Lisa stood there, her tears flowing unchecked, feeling the weight of Alex's words. She sank to the floor her sobs echoing in the small cell She had always believed that Alex would come back to her, but now she realized how wrong she had been.
After exiting the police station, Alex didn't have the mood to head back to work. As the CEO, he knew it didn't really matter if he showed up or not, so he decided to go to his usual club instead. He got into his car and told his driver where to go. novelbin
During the ride, Alex's mind drifted back to the conversation he had earlier with Lisa. It had been intense, and dealing with someone as stubborn as her was never easy.
He sighed, leaning back in his seat,
feeling the weight of the day pressing down on him. Soon, they arrived at the club. Alex made his way inside, heading straight to the VIP section. He grabbed a large bottle of whiskey, not bothering with a glass, and started chugging it down.
For hours, Alex stayed in the club, zoning out as the alcohol numbed his thoughts.
Eventually, his best friend Christian arrived. Seeing Alex in such a state, Christian raised his brows in concern.
"Alex, what happened to you?" he said referring to his lip cut and the already bruised cheek.
Alex looked up, his eyes slightly glazed from the alcohol. "It's been a rough day, Chris." Christian took a seat beside him. "Tell me what's going on."
Alex sighed and began to explain. "It started with Lisa. She wanted to commit suicide."
Christian's eyes widened in shock. "Lisa? I can't believe she'd do something like that."
Alex nodded. "Yeah, it was pretty bad. And that's not all. She's hurt Claire physically, not once but twice."
Christian's expression turned serious. "What? How did she hurt Claire?"
"She choke her and according to Matthew, Claire punched Lisa." Alex said, taking another swig from the bottle.
"And what about you, huh? Care to explain about the bruised lips and cheek?"
"That is all on Claire trusted advisor." Alex said sarcastically.
"How's Claire doing?"
Alex chugged the alcohol again before answering. "She's okay, but she's got those bruises."
"You should visit Claire, maybe buy her something to show you care."
Alex shrugged, feeling a bit hopeless. "I don't know, Chris. Claire doesn't even want to see me unless it's about work."
Christian leaned forward, his tone more serious. "Alex, if you like Claire, you have to fight for her. Don't give up easily."