Chapter 161

Chapter 161
Erin's POV

I stared at my phone screen, dialing Chris's number. This was my fifth attempt to reach him today. Strangely, he hadn't come to see me at the company for several days, which was completely unlike him.

After several rings, he finally answered.

"Chris? Finally! Where have you been lately?"

"Hey, Erin," his voice sounded exhausted and tense, with traffic noise in the background. "Sorry I haven't been around."

"It's okay," I said, though something felt off. "Are you alright? You sound strange."

"I..." he paused, letting out a deep sigh. "I want to apologize for everything. About you and Alexander."

I frowned in confusion. "If you're apologizing for that kiss, I've already forgiven you. It was just a misunderstanding."

He sighed again, this time more heavily, sending a ripple of unease through me.

"Chris, what's going on? Are you in trouble?"

"Nothing," he answered too quickly, clearly avoiding the question. "Just some things I need to take care of."

I didn't quite believe him but decided not to push. "Okay. Actually, I called because I need to talk to Alexander. I might know who the real father of Lydia's child is."

"What? How did you find out?"

"It's a long story, but I think Lydia might be dangerous to Alexander. He's not answering my calls or messages. I need to find him. Can you help me?"

Chris was silent for a moment before finally saying, "I'll help you track his schedule."

---

By nightfall, I arrived at the address Chris had sent me—Moonlight Restaurant. Rain poured from the sky as I stood in front of the familiar establishment, memories washing over me. Our first official date had been here, that seemingly distant perfect night.

Pushing through the glass doors, I was greeted by the familiar warm lighting and soft classical music. The maître d' looked up and saw me, his welcoming smile immediately vanishing.

"Ms. Jones, I'm afraid we're fully booked tonight."

I glanced around, clearly seeing at least five empty tables. "Really? It doesn't look that way."

He cleared his throat uncomfortably. "Those are all reserved."

"Look, I know Alexander is here. I just need to talk to him about something extremely important."

The maître d's expression grew even more uncomfortable. "Ms. Jones, I'm afraid I must ask you to leave. Your name... is on our blacklist."

"What?" I stared at him in shock. "Blacklist?"

He answered stiffly, subtly signaling to security. "Please understand."

Humiliation and anger swept through me. Alexander had actually blacklisted me? Was he that desperate not to see me?

"Fine," I bit my lip, fighting back tears as I turned to leave the restaurant.

The cold raindrops immediately hit my face, a stark contrast to the burning humiliation I felt. I stood in the rain, anger and hurt battling within me.

"Asshole," I muttered to the air. "If you didn't want to see me so badly, why not just tell me directly?"

The rain intensified, quickly soaking through my hair and clothes, but I barely noticed the cold. No, I won't leave like this.

I made my way around to the back of the restaurant, spotting the familiar kitchen side door. I'd gone through it with Alexander once before, during our first date when he wanted to avoid the flashing cameras of paparazzi...

When a chef stepped out for a smoke, I slipped inside. The kitchen was busy, and no one noticed a wet woman in the chaos. Through the kitchen's round window, I finally saw him—sitting alone at a corner table, the very one where we'd had our first dinner here. A glass of whiskey sat before him, his expression somber as he stared blankly at the rain outside.

Taking a deep breath, I pushed through the door into the dining area. When I reached his table, Alexander finally noticed me, those blue eyes flashing with surprise before quickly hardening into indifference.

"We need to talk," I said bluntly, wet hair clinging to my cheeks.

He slowly put down his glass, jaw tightening. "How did you get in?"

"That doesn't matter," I answered, suddenly feeling the cold seeping into my bones, shivering involuntarily.

Alexander frowned, his eyes scanning my soaked clothing. He stood up, took off his jacket and stiffly draped it over my shoulders, then grabbed a napkin and handed it to me.

"Dry yourself, then leave," he commanded coldly. "We have nothing to discuss."

I took the napkin but made no move to leave. "You blacklisted me? Really?"

"It's better for both of us," he answered expressionlessly, sitting back down. "I thought I made myself clear. I don't want to see you anymore, Erin."

"Is that so?" I slid into the chair opposite him. "Then why book the table from our first date? Why sit here alone, watching the rain outside, just like that night?"

Something flickered in his eyes before the coldness reclaimed them. "Pure coincidence."

"I don't believe you," I shook my head. "I know you don't really want to push me away. I know that child of Lydia's isn't yours."

Alexander's expression turned dangerous. "Enough, Erin. You don't know what you're talking about."

"I know more than you think," I leaned forward, lowering my voice. "I know the attack at the clinic wasn't an accident. Someone wants to hurt you, Alexander."

"This doesn't concern you."

"Of course it concerns me!" My voice rose, drawing glances from nearby tables. "I won't let you face this danger alone."

"You should stay away from all this with your new boyfriend," he said mockingly.

"Chris is NOT my boyfriend," I said through gritted teeth. "That was a misunderstanding. The point is, no matter how hard you try to push me away, I won't give up on you."

Alexander's voice remained icy. "Why are you so persistent, Erin? I've made it clear we're done."

I took a deep breath, reaching out to cover his hand with mine. "Because I love you, and I know that whatever reason you have for pushing me away, it's not because you don't love me."

Hurt by his coldness, I suddenly leaned forward and kissed him before he could react. It was a desperate, passionate kiss, pouring all my love and fear into it. His lips remained tight, unresponsive, but I could smell the fluctuation in his scent.

When I finally pulled away, I could see the struggle and pain in his eyes.

"I would do ANYTHING to be with you," I whispered, my voice broken but my resolve firm. "Even if it means facing any danger."

"You don't understand what you're saying," his voice was hoarse. "You don't know what you're up against."

"Then TELL me!" I pleaded. "Tell me the truth. Is it about the father of Lydia's child?"

Alexander suddenly grabbed my wrist. "Where did you hear about that?"

"It doesn't matter," I insisted. "What matters is that I want to help you. Let me help you, Alexander."

He released my wrist, the warmth completely gone from his eyes. "If you really want to help me, leave my life. Completely. Otherwise, I'll have you removed from Twilight."

His threat cut through me like a knife. "You'd fire me?"

"If necessary," his eyes flashed dangerously blue. "Don't push me, Erin."

I felt dizzy, hot tears welling in my eyes. He was serious—he would rather fire me than let me near him.

"Fine," I finally said, my voice trembling. "If that's what you want, I'll go. But promise me one thing."

He watched me silently.

"No matter what," I pleaded, tears finally falling. "You have to stay alive."