#Chapter 82: Worthy of Trust

Ella POV The air around us felt heavy after I answered Alexander's question. It was probably too much for me to admit, but it was the truth, and I couldn’t stand the thought of him—or anyone else—believing he’d taken advantage of me. The effects of the drug had been powerful, but I’d been fully aware of my actions, and I was grateful to have had Alexander there. It was better to have someone I trusted beside me. Alexander seemed struck by my words, though he did his best to hide his reaction. He shifted slightly on the couch, his gaze dropping for a moment before returning to mine, his expression serious. “Ella, there have been a lot of… unexpected consequences to our contract.” I nodded, understanding what he meant. Neither of us could have predicted how deeply entangled our lives would become once we agreed to work together. I certainly hadn’t anticipated David’s relentless interference. As difficult as it had been for me, it had also impacted Alexander’s life, something