Chapter +25 BONUS Its nothing like that , Alexander said .
We had a casual relationship .
I was clear from the start that I didnt want anything more , but she did , so in the end we parted ways .
I could feel a knot forming in my stomach .
So , you just ditched her ? I asked softly , not sure if I wanted to know the answer .
There was a long pause .
He said nothing at first , and that surprised me .
I had expected some witty remark or light- hearted deflection , but instead , he seemed genuinely to be considering my question .
I thought about all the old rumors , the whispers from the past when Alexander had been called all sorts of cruel names .
In the original timeline , Id heard them all .
But relationships end poorly all the time , and bitterness often follows .
How much of it should I really take seriously ? Still , I knew Nadia wouldnt be the only one .
There were more women out there , more stories waiting to be told .
This was only the beginning .
Well ? I asked , my tone softening as I searched his face .
s that what you do when women are no longer useful .
to you ? Is that what youll do to me ? Youre different , his gaze finally met mine , and something raw flickered in his eyes .
Why ? I asked , my heart picking up speed .
His eyes searched mine , as if he were looking for the right words .
I waited with bated breath for him to answer , but instead , he looked away .
You know Im not going to hurt you , he said quietly .
This is just business .
My reputation in that regard is stellar , so you have nothing to worry about .
I bit the inside of my cheek .
I was so stupid .
I had been taken in by my own acting .
Alexander was absolutely right ; we were just business partners , and when it came to that , his reputation was untarnished .
I could obviously trust him .
I forced a smile onto my face .
Youre right , I said softly .
Im sorry I doubted you .
He lifted his eyes to mine , and for a moment , I saw relief wash over his face .
Im glad to hear it .
I knew you .
would understand after David .

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The business relationship between us is far more stable than any romantic relationship could be .
A bitter taste filled my mouth .
After my experience with David , I realized that a romantic relationship was far too messy and made one too vulnerable .
So who was it that led Alexander to that realization ? Every time I thought I was getting to know him a little better , he said something that made the space between ust feel impossibly large .
It always seemed to be growing further away rather than closer to me ..
He was right , though .
I couldnt allow myself to make the same mistake twice not when the stakes were so high .
The only thing that mattered now was handling this scandal before it damaged his reputation .
With that thought in mind , I steeled myself .
I had to focus on the task at hand , to navigate this treacherous situation with precision and care .
As much as I wanted to lean into the connection we were building , I couldnt afford to forget why I was here .
The weight of our circumstances pressed down on me , reminding me that the game we were playing was one of survival .
But that doesnt change the fact that this is only the beginning , I added More people will come forward .
Your have to be prepared for that .
+25 BONUS Chapter D01 You sound confident about that , Alexander said .
I am , I replied .
Its only natural .
The public is so focused on you right now Its going to cause people with grudges to come forward .
They wont be able to stand hearing others speak positively about you .
Alexander smirked slightly .
If I didnt know any better , Id swear you could see into the future .
My heart skipped a beat at his words , and a jolt of pante coursed through me .
I couldnt lose sight of the fact that I had my own secrets to keep .
Alexander wasnt the only one hiding things .
It was all the more reason to keep my distance from him , no matter how hard that was to do .
Chapter 0032 +25 BONUS Chapter 0082