Chapter 21 She Blew It, Spectacularly
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Elena had overestimated Camille–again. The interview was almost done, everything had gone smoothly, until Camille dropped a bomb she couldn’t take back.
Alexander’s private life had always drawn attention. As CEO of Pinnacle Group, he’d never publicly dated anyone–not even a whisper of a relationship.
There were rumors, sure. Some socialite from Wexler Group had once chased after him relentlessly. ignoring her own family’s image. It didn’t go anywhere Alexander never even acknowledged her.
Elena had been warned when she took on the interview never bring up Alexander’s personal life. He hated it.
So she hadn’t planned to ask. Apparently, Camille hadn’t gotten the memo.
She leaned forward, eyes practically glowing with curiosity. Clearly, she had no idea the room temperature had dropped.
And sure, maybe it was a little unfair–Alexander was handsome, powerful, and undeniably magnetic. If she weren’t already married to Nathan, she might’ve given it a shot.
That is, until she noticed the way Alexander was staring at her.
His eyes were cool and unreadable, with a faint trace of amusement. Not the flirty kind. The kind that made your skin crawl.
Camille flushed immediately. He hadn’t said a word, but she knew that she’d screwed up. Before she could recover, his eyes slid past her and landed on Elena.
“Is everyone at Swiftline always this curious about other people’s private lives?”
His tone didn’t rise. It didn’t need to.
Elena stepped in. “Apologies, Mr. Kingsley. You don’t have to answer that.”
But Alexander adjusted his posture, then–surprisingly softened just a little. “I’ll answer it.”
Elena blinked. Camille, who had been holding her breath, lit up. She smiled again, sweeter than ever.
“Then… could you tell us what your ideal partner is like? I’m sure a lot of our readers are dying to know.”
She held out the recorder.
Alexander glanced at it, then said, calmly, “Let her ask.”
Camille’s smile froze. “…Excuse me?”
“Was I unclear?” he asked, still calm, almost gentle.
But the words hit harder than if he’d slapped her. Camille’s pride screamed at her not to show weakness, but her eyes still welled up. She swallowed it down hard.
“Do you have a problem with me?” she asked tightly.
“Yes,” Alexander said.
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09:50 Mon, Feb y
Chapter 21 She Blew It, Spectacularly
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Finished
Camille sucked in a shaky breath. “This is only our second time meeting. I don’t see how I could’ve offended you. I’ve been professional. I haven’t said or done anything inappropriate. What you’re doing now–it’s insulting.”
Alexander didn’t blink. “Your online reputation is too messy.”
He said it so seriously, so casually, like he was reading a weather report. He didn’t even spare her a glance. Elena couldn’t help it. A quiet laugh slipped out.
She knew exactly what he meant–he was talking about those shady headlines about Camille and Nathan, all over Twitter lately.
Camille heard it too. Her face flushed red, her jaw clenched, and when she heard Elena laugh, that was it.
She threw the recorder into Elena’s lap, eyes wet with fury, and stormed out. The conference room fell silent. Elena pressed the pause button on the recorder and wiped the smile off her face.
“We can skip that last question. Let’s move on.”
Alexander didn’t respond right away. Then he asked, “Why did you break off the engagement?”
Elena had just reached for her notes. She froze. She looked up at him.
“I don’t do emotional messes,” she said after a long pause.
She didn’t really dislike Alexander. In fact, the fact that he’d publicly humiliated Camille had won him a few points.
“She’s clearly had feelings for you for years,” Elena said softly. “If someone’s willing to stay by your side that long, maybe don’t let them down.”
Her voice lowered, bitter. “People like that don’t come around often.”
It wasn’t just advice for him. It was a reminder for herself. Because she wasn’t that lucky. She wasn’t the one someone stayed for.
Her lashes lowered, casting a soft shadow on her cheek. Her smile was faint, the sadness in it heavier than
words.
Alexander watched her. Watched the way her posture slumped, the way that weight pressed down on her shoulders.
She didn’t even realize it, but that image stuck in his mind.
By the time Elena looked back up, her expression had reset.
“I can’t walk away from the inheritance my adoptive parents left me. You know my situation. I have nowhere to go once I leave the Hawthornes. So I’ll do what I have to do to claim it. Since I’m the one backing out, I’m willing to pay a settlement. It’s your call how much.”
Alexander leaned back slightly. “And what if I say no?”
09:50 Mon, Feb 9
Sham Marriage Quit, Real Heiress Strikes Back
Chapter 22 Not the Answer She Expected
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
