Chapter 3

Gavin's arrival instantly cast a gloom over the room, but he seemed oblivious to how unwelcome he was. He sank into the seat opposite Alexander, grinning as his gaze lingered on the gifts clutched in everyone's hands. "Chérie Shenae? That's a well-known brand. But none of you seemed to realize that I was the one behind it." A thick wave of disbelief settled over the room. Audrey had once driven the Hephers to bankruptcy and blacklisted their family name across the nation. So, how could he possibly be the one who founded a luxury brand like this? "Yeah. My family hit a rough patch back then. But then I met my wife. Two years ago, she poured tens of billions of dollars, called in every favor, and worked herself ragged just to build this company for me. And not just this one. She gave me 26 companies." As the words left his mouth, Gavin's eyes flickered toward Audrey for just a split second before coming to rest on Alexander, his lips curling into a mocking smile. Alexander's breath hitched. He remembered a time two years ago when Audrey had been unusually overwhelmed. At the time, she'd explained that her company was expanding into overseas markets, leaving her swamped with work. But the reality, he now knew, was far different. She had poured every ounce of her energy into helping Gavin establish his businesses. The thought sent a sharp pang through Alexander's chest, so intense that it even made his old surgical scar ache. Without thinking, he pressed a hand to his stomach. "What's wrong, honey? Are you in pain?" Audrey was instantly on her feet, her expression tightening with worry. "I'll call the doctor." Gavin sneered. "Alexander, how does a grown man manage to be so dramatic? You always look like you're halfway to the grave." The instant the words escaped his lips, Audrey's face hardened with fury. Without hesitation, she struck Gavin sharply across the cheek. "Shut your mouth and get out, or I swear you'll lose the privilege of speaking altogether." Gavin raised a hand to his stinging cheek, sniffed his palm, and smirked. "Fine, fine. I'm leaving. There's no need to get so worked up over nothing." The moment he stepped out, the tension in the private room seemed to ease, its energy lifting. But Alexander's expression stayed unnaturally pale. Audrey gripped his hand anxiously. "Honey, what's wrong? The doctor will be here any minute." Alexander pushed her away. "I'm fine. I need to use the restroom. Stay here." The moment he crossed into the hallway, Gavin blocked his path, sneering. "Don't flatter yourself thinking you're special just because Audrey took a swing at me for you. We already have two children together. "Surrogacy or not, they're still our flesh and blood. Her heart already belongs to me. Care to test it? Watch how fast she comes running if I say the kids are running a fever." Alexander stepped back into the private room to find Audrey visibly agitated. She rushed to him, pressing a hurried kiss to his cheek. "Honey, there's an emergency at the office. I've told the manager to put everything on my tab. Enjoy your time with your friends." Alexander caught her wrist and said, "You promised you'd stay with me today. Don't go. Please." Audrey met his calm gaze, and an unexpected surge of panic tightened her chest. Somehow, she felt that she might lose something irreplaceable if she walked away now. But Gavin had told her that the kids were sick. They were her own flesh and blood. No matter how conflicted she felt, she had to go to them. In the end, she pried Alexander's fingers off her, one by one. "Honey, I swear I'll come back to you tonight, okay?" Alexander drew in a deep breath. So this was it. Audrey's heart was slipping away, after all. Half an hour later, Gavin sent him a video. Even though Alexander already knew what it would show, his fingers trembled as he tapped to open it. In the video, Gavin pulled Audrey close and murmured, "I can't stand being apart from you for even a second. The only reason I went to the reunion was because I missed you so much. But then I saw how cozy you and Alexander were, and I burned with jealousy. "That's why I lashed out like that. And then you actually hit me for him? Audrey, you're pregnant. How could you let yourself get so worked up over him?" Audrey's lips curled into a small, satisfied smile, her pleasure at his words clear as day. She fetched a warm towel and pressed it to his swollen cheek. "Enough. You're the one who picked a fight with Alexander in front of everyone. But fine. I admit that I also went too far today. Name what you want. It's on me to make things right." "Well… the kids' birthday is coming up. How about giving them that island you just bought?" Audrey frowned. "No. That's for my child with Alexander." "How can it be his? We were together the entire month you got pregnant!" Audrey pulled a face. "Don't be ridiculous. It's Alexander's. There's no doubt about it. And the only child I'd ever carry is his." A shadow crossed Gavin's face briefly, then he grinned again. "I talked to a psychic, and guess what? That island's energy perfectly matches our kids' birth charts. It's supposed to bring them amazing luck. And you did promise to make it up to me! Come on, my queen. Pretty please?" This time, Audrey agreed. A triumphant smirk curled Gavin's lips as he turned to the camera. Then he sent another voice message. "See? Even if she promised it to you, she'll still give it up the moment I ask. You lose." Alexander sat dazed, phone in hand. He remembered Audrey pressing a warm towel to his injuries after his part-time job, her touch easing the pain. Now he knew that those caring gestures weren't special. She'd do the same for any man. Exhaustion weighed on Alexander, but he knew everything would be better once he was free of Audrey. Tomorrow, he would finally leave.