Chapter 22 - A run for his life

At the Johnson's place. Justin walked into the living room where he noticed Emily staring blankly at the TV, he couldn’t relate to her pain but at least he could comfort her. he took a seat beside her and placed a hand on her shoulders. "Hey, I'm so sorry about what happened last night," Justin said, his voice filled with concern. "I had no idea Alex was capable of something horrible and nasty like that." "I'm fine, Justin. Really, I just knew and I don’t have to live in webs of lies anymore," she said trying to play it cool. Justin looked at her and was skeptical. "You're not fine, Emily. You're hurt and angry, and you have every right to be." Emily sighed and leaned into Justin's shoulder. "I just feel so stupid, Justin. I should have seen it coming." Before he could reply, Emily’s eyes could no longer hold her pain and tears anymore. She let it all out. Justin wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close. "You're not stupid, Emily. You're just... trusting. And that's not a bad thing. Alex is the bad thing, he is a fool for letting such a rare gem like you go." Just then, Mr. Johnson walked into the room with a serious look on his face. "Justin, I need to talk to you about the assignment I sent you to do…..” Then he notices Emily crying. His expression became soft immediately. He knew she would be scattered no matter how tough she tried to be. Justin nodded and stood up, pulling Emily up with him. "What's going on, sir?" he asked. Mr. Johnson hesitated, glancing at Emily before answering. "It's about Alex. I've been investigating him for months, and I think I have enough evidence to prove that he's involved in some shady dealings." Emily's eyes widened in surprise. "What kind of dealings?" she asked cleaning her tears. Justin's face turned grim. "Fraud, Emily. Alex has been embezzling funds from his company and laundering them through offshore accounts." Emily's eyes went wide with shock. "Why... why did he do it?" she asked, feeling stupid for not seeing the signs earlier. Justin's face turned sympathetic. "I think he did it because he's greedy, Emily. And he's been getting away with it for so long that he thought he was above the law." Mr. Johnson nodded in agreement. "We need to take him down, Justin. And we need to do it now." Justin nodded, a determined look on his face. "I'm on it, sir. I'll make sure that Alex pays for what he's done." Alex's phone rang nonstop as clients and business associates called to cut ties with him. He was furious and frustrated, feeling like his world was crumbling around him. Emilia tried to calm him down, but Alex was having none of it. He was too far gone, his anger and resentment boiling over. In a fit of rage, Alex slapped Emilia across the face. She cried out in shock and pain, stumbling backward. Victoria, Emily's stepmother, rushed into the room, her face pale with concern. "Alex, what's wrong with you?" she shouted, rushing to Emilia's side. Alex's eyes narrowed, his chest heaving with anger. "Mind your own business, Victoria," he spat. But Victoria stood her ground, her eyes flashing with anger. "You're going to regret this, Alex," she said. "Emilia is carrying your child." Alex's eyes widened in shock, his face paling. He stumbled backward, his mind reeling with the implications. Then his face twisted in denial. "That can't be my child," he said, his voice shaking with anger. "I used protection, every time." Victoria's eyes narrowed. "Are you sure about that, Alex?" she asked, her voice dripping with skepticism. Alex nodded vigorously. "Yes, I'm positive. I always use condoms. There's no way Emilia could be pregnant with my child." Emilia's face fell, her eyes filling with tears. "You're denying your own child?" she whispered, her voice trembling with hurt. Alex's expression softened slightly, but he still looked unconvinced. "I'm just saying, it's unlikely," he said. "We always used protection." Victoria sighed, her expression stern. "Alex, even with protection, there's still a chance of pregnancy. And considering Emilia's condition, I think it's highly likely that the child is yours." Alex's face turned red with anger and frustration. He didn't want to believe that he was going to be a father, especially not with Emilia. Not in this state at the moment. He felt trapped and cornered, and he didn't know how to escape. Later that evening, Alex sat in his study, his mind racing with thoughts of escape. He couldn't bear the thought of facing Emilia, Victoria, or anyone else again. He needed to get out of the country, and fast. He picked up the phone and dialed his secretary's number. "Rachel, it's Alex. I need you to make some travel arrangements for me." Rachel's voice was professional and efficient. "Of course, Mr. Johnson. Where are you looking to travel to?" Alex hesitated for a moment before answering. "Somewhere with no extradition treaty. I don't care where just make it happen." Rachel's tone didn't change, but Alex could sense a hint of surprise. "Yes, sir. I'll make the necessary arrangements. When do you need to leave?" "As soon as possible," Alex replied. "I'll be packed and ready to go within the hour." Rachel's voice was calm and collected. "Very well, sir. I'll have everything ready for you. But, if I may ask, is everything okay? You sound a bit... distressed." Alex's laughter was harsh and humorless. "Everything's fine, Rachel. Just make the arrangements and keep your mouth shut. Do you understand?" Rachel's tone was icy. "Yes, sir. I understand perfectly." Alex hung up the phone and began packing his bags. He knew he had to move fast before anyone else found out what he was planning. He was going to disappear, and no one was going to stop him. As he packed, Alex's mind was racing with thoughts of the future. He knew he'd have to start over, and build a new life for himself. But he was ready for that. He was ready to leave his old life behind and start fresh. The doorbell rang, and Alex knew that Rachel had sent a car to take him to the airport. He grabbed his bags and headed out the door, ready to start his new life.