CHAPTER 72

Margaret hesitated for a moment, the phone still in her hands. “I just saw all these messages and... I was curious.”

Alexander sighed. He reached for the phone and gently took it from her. “It’s nothing to worry about.”

He unlocked the phone and quickly scanned the messages, his heart pounding as he searched for new information. The investigator had sent several updates, but they mostly contained preliminary findings and requests for further details.

Margaret, sensing the seriousness of the situation, looked at him with an apologetic expression. “I didn’t mean to intrude. I was just—”

Alexander cut her off with a reassuring smile, though his mind was still preoccupied with the matter. “It’s okay. I understand.”

Alexander quickly dressed and headed to his study to examine the investigator’s messages more closely without worrying Margaret. Once settled at his desk, he delved into the detailed reports sent overnight. The investigator had made significant progress.

First, they confirmed the woman's identity in the images as Samantha. This revelation left Alexander stunned. Why was Samantha involved?

Next, the investigator provided details about the other woman, a journalist named Evelyn Parker. The name rang a bell, and Alexander’s memory flashed back to a heated exchange at a press conference, where Evelyn had persistently questioned Margaret’s involvement in Lucas’s death. The puzzle pieces started falling into place, but the picture they formed was disturbing.

A picture of Evelyn accompanied the report, and seeing her face again fueled Alexander’s anger. He felt a surge of rage at the thought of these two women—Samantha and Evelyn—potentially conspiring against Margaret. But he needed more information. Was Samantha orchestrating everything, or was she a pawn in someone else’s game?

Alexander sent a quick message to the investigator, requesting a deeper dive into Samantha and Evelyn’s communications and connections.

Alexander took a shower, hoping to clear his mind and steady his nerves. Standing under the hot stream, he let the water wash away some of his stress. Alexander had to handle the situation with Samantha and Evelyn carefully. However, he also needed to ensure that his relationship with Margaret remained unaffected. She was his anchor, and he wanted to keep her safe from turmoil.

After drying off and getting dressed, Alexander headed downstairs. The delicious aroma of breakfast greeted him as he entered the kitchen. Margaret was at the stove, humming softly to herself as she cooked. She glanced over her shoulder and gave him a warm smile.

"Good morning again," she said, her voice filled with affection.

Alexander walked up to her, wrapping his arms around her waist from behind and kissing her cheek. "Morning, love. This smells amazing."

Margaret blushed slightly, leaning back into his embrace. "I thought I’d make you something special today. You seemed so stressed earlier."

He turned her around gently, looking into her eyes. "You always know how to make everything better. Thank you, Margaret. I really appreciate this."

Alexander helped her set the table, and they enjoyed the meal together. The breakfast was simple but delicious, made even better by Margaret's loving effort.

Once they finished breakfast, Alexander stood and stretched. "I need to head to work, but I was thinking—how about you come by the office later? We can go check out some spaces for your new business."

Margaret's eyes lit up with excitement. "Really? That would be wonderful!"

He smiled, leaning down to kiss her again. "Absolutely. We’ll make it a productive and fun day."

Margaret hugged him tightly. "Thank you, Alexander. You have no idea how much this means to me."

They parted with another kiss, and Alexander grabbed his briefcase, ready to face the day.

Alexander sat at his desk in Alexandra's Tech, surrounded by stacks of paperwork and a buzzing computer screen. Yet, despite the flurry of activity around him, his mind was elsewhere. He couldn’t shake the thoughts of the photographs and the lingering questions about Samantha’s involvement. His fingers tapped rhythmically on the desk, subconsciously manifesting his unease.

He sighed deeply. The decision was made, and he picked up the phone and dialed Samantha's extension number.

“Samantha, could you come to my office for a moment?” he asked, trying to keep his tone casual.

Moments later, Samantha walked in, her demeanor curious but composed. “Yes, Alexander? What can I do for you?”

He offered her a polite smile. “I was thinking we could go out for coffee. There are some things I’d like to discuss, and I think it would be better outside of the office environment.”

Samantha’s eyes lit up with a mixture of surprise and excitement. “Of course, why not?” she replied, her voice almost too eager.

“Great. Let’s do it during the break,” Alexander said, trying to keep his tone neutral.

Samantha nodded, her enthusiasm barely contained. “Sounds perfect.”

As she left his office, Samantha was practically glowing. Her mood seemed to lift instantly, and she moved through her tasks with an efficiency and cheerfulness that didn’t go unnoticed by her colleagues.

She was even uncharacteristically lovely to everyone, offering compliments and assistance where possible. She was riding high on the prospect of the coffee meeting with Alexander.

When break time finally rolled around, Samantha quickly went to the bathroom. She checked her reflection in the mirror, reapplied her lipstick, and ensured it was perfect. Samantha fluffed her hair, giving it more volume, and then paused. With a mischievous smile, she unbuttoned a couple of buttons on her shirt, revealing enough to be suggestive but not overtly inappropriate. She returned to her desk, where Alexander was already waiting.

“Ready?” he asked, standing up and grabbing his coat.

“Absolutely,” Samantha replied, her voice tinged with excitement.

At the coffee shop, Alexander and Samantha found a cozy corner table. The café buzzed with the quiet hum of conversation and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. Alexander ordered a black coffee while Samantha opted for a cappuccino, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.

“So, what brings us here?” Samantha purred, leaning forward in a way that emphasized her neckline. She reached across the table, trying to touch his hand.

Alexander pulled his hand back, maintaining his composure. He took a sip of his coffee, gathering his thoughts. Samantha, undeterred, continued to try and set a flirtatious tone, playing with her hair and casting seductive glances his way.

But Alexander wasn’t in the mood for games. He set his coffee cup down with a decisive clink and looked directly at her. “Samantha, did you ever do anything, either inside or outside of work, that would hurt anyone? Is there something you need to tell me before I find out?”

The question hung in the air, heavy and unexpected. Samantha’s playful expression faltered, replaced by confusion and a hint of anger. She straightened up, her demeanor shifting. “So, you invited me out for coffee to ask about that kind of issue? If it’s anything to do with your wife, then no. Can we just talk about us?”

Alexander shook his head, his eyes unwavering. “No, we can’t. This isn’t about us, Samantha. It’s about the truth.”

Samantha’s face hardened. “That’s it, then?” she snapped. “You drag me out here just to interrogate me?”