Chapter 101 101
Xavier's pov
It's been a week since I spoke to Maisie's contact.
His name is Kensington. He’s a lawyer. I looked him up online after our conversation night and I must say I was impressed. The man had a winning streak. Had never lost a single case in 15 years of his career. That was the kind of person I needed now. A winner and this man was it.
I sat behind my mahogany desk staring blankly at the skyline stretching beyond the glass walls of my office.
The sun had risen hours ago. I hadn't moved from my chair. My fingers tapped slowly against the wood surface, my mind replaying the conversation from yesterday morning.
My phone had buzzed gently on the desk, the ringtone pulling me from my thoughts. I reached for it. It was a call from Mr. Kensington, the man Maisie said would help.
I straightened up immediately. Picked up the call. "Good morning, Mr. Kensington.”
“Top of the morning to you Alpha Xavier.” The lawyer's calm voice came through. “I trust you slept well?”
I let out a laugh. “Not particularly.”
“That’s understandable,” Kensington replied. “I believe we're very close to resolving your situation.”
I leaned forward , tightening my phone. “How do we do that?”
“Well,” he cleared his throat. Continued. “The only way for you to regain control of your company is to challenge the legitimacy of the transfer.”
My brows pinched in confusion. “How do we do that?”
“We claim coercion.” The man said.
My eyes narrowed. “Go on.”
Mr. Kensington continued. “We'll tell the judge that Miss Chloe had forced you into transferring your assets. That you were. Pressured into signing the documents. We'll also argue that you were not acting of your free will.”
I leaned back slowly. “Will the judge believe that?”
“If we send it properly then yes. The judge will believe us.” Kensington said calmly like he'd done this a thousand times.
It sounded easy. I still had my doubts. “You sure?”
“Yes. It'll be more plausible if we include her ex-lover, Jason. We'll say that Chloe and Jason were working together to intimidate you and that they even threatened you.”
I swallowed hard. “And the jury?”
“He'll sympathize with you. When you'll portray yourself as a grieving partner and as someone who loved Chloe but was secretly suffering under her control they'll have no choice but to support you.”
I stared at the glass wall ahead of me, my heart aching. I loved Chloe. Can I do this to Chloe?
Kensington went on regardless of my silence. “You’ll give your testimony, Alpha Xavier. Then we'll present the documents. We'll emphasize your distress and by the time we reach the second hearing the judge will rule in your favour.”
At that moment something warm stirred inside of me. It was hope.
“So I’ll get everything back? Just like that?” I asked carefully.
“Yes, sir,” Kensington said. "Your company, assets, everything."
I exhaled softly. “Thank you.”
“Winning this case is quite easy, Alpha Xavier. Are you willing to follow this path?” Kensington added softly.
I’d gone over what he said in my head.
The only way for me to recover my company and everything I’d given to Chloe was to accuse her of coercing me to sign the documents in place and when I’d present the new ‘forged’ document containing my will the court would have no choice but to rule in my favour and give me everything. It was a one-way ticket. I couldn’t miss it. This was my shot at reclaiming everything. I’ll take it.
I nodded my head even though he wasn’t there. “Yeah. I’m willing to do what it takes to get everything.”
“I like your spirit. We’ll meet in court soon " he said. “You’ll get everything back, Alpha Xavier.”
“Thank you.”
“I’ll see you in court tomorrow morning.”
I leaned back in my chair. Smiled. Today was the day of the hearing and today was the day I’d get everything back. I reached for my coffee. I winced when I realized it was cold. I opened my mouth to call out to Chloe to help me make one when I realized she wasn’t here. She wouldn’t be here anymore because she’s gone.
My eyes drifted to the chair opposite my desk, the exact same chair Chloe used to occupy whenever she visited me and my heart clenched in my chest. For a moment I could almost see her there, her legs crossed elegantly. Her lips curved in that knowing smile that always made me blush. I missed Chloe. She was dead.
Why does she still haunt me?
I rubbed my temples pushing the thought aside. I couldn’t afford to be distracted now. Not when I was so close to getting everything that had once belonged to me.
At the time I handed every share, asset and controlling authority over to Chloe I’d convinced myself it was necessary. She had everything I needed. She was everything I ever needed.. Now she’s gone, leaving everything to her feels like the biggest mistake of my life.
I closed my eyes. Counted to ten like Maisie had once taught me and threw my eyes open.
I reached for my phone and car keys. It was show time.
The courtroom buzzed with murmurs as I stepped inside.
People turned to look at me. Some whispered while others stared at me openly. With Chloe’s death Jason’s disappearance and now the legal battle over a multi-billion-dollar company… This past few months had been hell and everyone wanted to know how it would end, including me.
Mr. Kensington greeted me with a handshake.
“You look like Alpha Xavier. Loosen up." he leaned in to whisper.
“I’m trying to." I whispered back.
“Don’t worry. Just follow my lead." he said assuredly.
I. We took our seats.
The clerk announced the entrance of the judge. Everyone shuffled to their feet.
The room fell silent as they judged, a barrel-chested man with grey hair sank in his seat. He lifted the gavel. Slammed it on the anvil announcing the commencement of the first hearing.
“Barrister Kensington " the judge said, putting on his glasses. "You may proceed.”
Kensington. Gestured for me to approach the stands.
I stood slowly. Walked to the stand in measured controlled steps.
“You may proceed." Kensington nodded.
I took that as a ‘yes’ to begin my acting and sniffled.
“I loved Chloe " my voice stained as I spoke.
The courtroom had a reaction. I lowered my head slightly. I was winning them over.
I continued. "I trusted her. I believed in her. I never imagined…" I paused, letting my voice break slightly so that she would manipulate me.
I continued carefully recounting scenarios where Chloe had pressured me how Jason had supported her and how they had forced me into signing the documents. Every word was. Every pause is deliberate. At one point I saw the judge nodding slowly. I felt sympathy in the courtroom. It was perfect.
By the time I finished the judge called for a recess.
I stepped down. I walked quickly toward the restroom pretending to need a moment alone.
Inside I splashed water on my face so it would look as though I’d been crying. Then I washed my hands.
The moment I lifted my head to look at the mirror my blood froze.
Jason was standing behind me.
My breath caught in my throat. I could barely breathe.
Jason’s reflection stared back at me, his expression blank.
“You’re still the sick bastard I met aren’t you?" Jason asked playfully.
I spun around to retort. No one was there.
No one.
I turned back to the mirror. Found it empty. It was just my reflection staring back at me.
My hands. I shook my head.
“I’m hallucinating. Jason disappeared. He can’t be here." I whispered.
I wiped my face again and hurried out.
By the time I arrived the second hearing resumed.
Minutes passed as the judge reviewed the documents carefully. Then he cleared his throat and said :
“Based on the testimony and evidence, this court rules in favor of Alpha Xavier.”
The room erupted with applause and whistles while I stood there frozen.
I can't believe it. I won.
Mr. Kensington rushed toward me smiling. "Congratulations, Alpha Xavier. You have your company back.”
Applause filled the courtroom. I smiled.
I had won.
Outside the courtroom reporters crowded around me.
“Alpha Xavier, how do you feel?"
“Do you believe Miss Chloe betrayed you?”
“Was Jason involved?”
I adjusted my suit. Smiled. "Successful people always have enemies but truth always prevails.”
The crowd murmured, seeming to agree with me.
"No more questions, " I said, waving my hand lazily.
Gamma Rayes made a path for me through the crowd. I took a step forward.. I stopped when I saw them.
Chloe and Jason were standing with the reporters.
I looked around wondering if anyone else saw this.
They were still there watching me.. How was this possible? Jason was missing. Chloe was dead so how did they even get here?
"Xavier?" I felt a tap on my shoulder and blinked.
They were gone.
"Sir?" Kensington tapped my shoulder again. "Are you okay?"
"Yeah " I nodded. "I'm fine."
As I walked toward the car I felt scared.
Inside I leaned forward. Told Rayes "Find Jason and when you do kill him."
Rayes didn't dare go against me. He nodded quickly. Started the car.
As the car drove off I couldn't shake the feeling that the dead weren’t done with me yet.