Chapter 14: Whatever It Took
An involuntary scowl etched on his face as he looked at the woman who had joined them—a woman with an aura that screamed control and confidence.
He watched Claire's smile brighten as the woman approached.
"You're here. You look even more beautiful in person than I've heard," Claire said, her tone turning soft and sweet.
The woman smiled graciously, her eyes locking with Claire's. "Thank you," she said, her voice smooth like silk. "It's nice finally meeting you, ma'am."
"Call me Claire, please," Claire said with a sweet smile of approval as she looked Vanessa over.
Alex's stomach tightened as Vanessa's attention shifted to him. She looked poised and elegant. Despite himself, he felt a jolt of recognition. Deep down, he already knew who she was from how she was interacting with Claire, but he just didn't want to admit it.
Please, not her, he silently begged. Let it be someone else. What was she even doing here? Had Claire asked her here to set them up? He mused, hoping that wasn't the case since he wasn't going to take it easy on Claire if it was true.
He sighed deeply, trying to take his anger when Claire said the words he dreaded hearing. "Alex, meet Vanessa King," Claire then turned to Vanessa, "Vanessa dear, this is Alex."
Vanessa smiled and then extended her hand toward Alex for a handshake. Alex just stared at it for a moment, feeling the weight of the situation pressing down on him. Vanessa King. The name echoed in his mind like a final sentence. She was here, and Claire had set the trap.