Chapter 48
Sophia just wanted to ask Alex politely–just as her grandfather had advised—about who he really was.
It dawned on her that she’d been prejudiced against him from the start, never giving him a fair shot. Maybe there was still something worth salvaging.
But did Alex have to make everything so damn difficult?
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“Alex, I get it–you hate me for divorcing you, and now you’re parading your new arm candy around to rub it in my face. Do you realize this is exactly why I left you?” Sophia didn’t hold back.
“My mistake, huh?” Alex raised an eyebrow, feigning ignorance.
“I gave you countless chances to redeem yourself, but you were too clueless to get it!” she snapped, her patience wearing thin.
“A chance?” Alex looked genuinely puzzled.
IT
“Can’t you see? I tried to talk to you in private, but instead, you flaunt your ego and make everything worse, Sophia’s tone was icy. Her CEO pride wouldn’t let her back down, especially not with Jasmine hanging off his arm like that.
“So let me get this straight–I’m wrong before, and I’m still wrong now?” Alex chuckled bitterly.
“You never respected your ex–wife when I asked for your understanding!” Sophia fired back, her eyes flashing with anger.
“Fine,” Alex sighed.
“But you need to understand that respect is a two–way street. Do you think by tossing me a ‘chance‘ now, we’d just waltz back into marriage? You didn’t even give me a heads–up when you divorced me. Let’s drop the charade. You never liked me to begin with, so why keep pretending?
Sophia’s face hardened.
Truth be told, she didn’t know what she wanted anymore.
Initially, she despised the marriage, but when her grandmother pushed for the divorce, she hesitated.
Now, after her grandfather’s advice, she was starting to regret her hasty decision.
But her stubborn pride wouldn’t let her admit it.
“Alex, do you seriously think a loser like you can win Sophia back? Keep dreaming,” Chris butted in, seizing the opportunity.
He’d been eyeing Jasmine the whole time, thinking she was a significant upgrade from Sophia.
He cursed himself for missing out on such a stunning woman.
Eager to impress jasmine, Chris continued, “Alex, this lady beside you might not know you’re a nobody, but we do. You’re just a broke con artist who preys on women for their money. Pathetic.”
Before Alex could reply, Chris shifted his attention to Jasmine.
“Miss, I’m Chris Roland. In case you haven’t heard, I’m one of Vancouver’s elite–wealthy, influential, the whole package. Trust me, I’m far more reliable than this clown. You’d be better off ditching him before he takes advantage of you.”
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Chapter 48
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Jasmine, despite her lifelong illness, was sharp from managing her family’s business behind the scenes,
She was far more astute than she let on.
“Oh, is that so?” Jasmine feigned surprise, glancing at Alex “He doesn’t strike me as a poor man. Maybe you’re mistaken.”
“No mistake,” Chris insisted quickly.
“His ex–wife can vouch for it. He’s a total nobody with nothing to his name. I bet everything he’s wearing is a cheap knockoff, just trying to impress you.”
Jasmine clutched her chest dramatically.
“Oh my goodness, Alex! But, well… I’m just a lonely woman without a boyfriend, and he’s all I’ve got. I can’t possibly leave him You know, it’s just so sad being alone at an event like this.”
She sighed, her eyes turning wistful. “If only there were a great gentleman like you—the top–tier, wealthy Chris Roland–but alas, you’re already engaged. What can I do but stick with this gentleman here?”
She winked subtly at Alex, who had to suppress a laugh.
The only word that came to mind when he looked at her was “vixen.”
Chris felt his heart race. He realized this captivating woman was hinting that he had a choice to make her or Sophia.
He knew all about Sophia; aside from her looks, her family’s wealth had taken a nosedive, especially after he siphoned off a good chunk of the Lancaster fortune.
This woman, however, was clearly in a different league.
Just comparing their dresses was enough to tell.
Hurriedly, Chris said, “Don’t worry, miss. I’ll rescue you from this con artist. I’m sure Sophia will understand. Right, Sophia?”
“What?” Sophia’s voice wavered with disbelief.
“We have to help this lady out, save her from Alex the scammer. At least we’d be doing something worthwhile.” Sophia’s eyes widened, shock washing over her.
Was Chris actually suggesting she step aside so he could be with this woman? Was the next step him proposing to her?
Had she misheard? Or had she just never realized who Chris really was?
