CHAPTER SIXTY EIGHT.

CHAPTER SIXTY EIGHT.
Alexandra had just stepped out of her car in front of Hartley Corporation when a shadow fell over her. She turned with a gasp and came face-to-face with Marcus, a smirk stretched across his face.

“What the fuck, Marcus?” she whispered, eyes darting around.

“Hi, Alex. Can we talk?” Marcus asked, his eyes gleaming with mischief.

Alexandra rolled her eyes and nudged past him. “Not here, Marcus. I need to get into the office.”

Marcus’s hand shot out, gripping her wrist—not tight, but firm enough to stop her.
“I want to talk to you now, Alexandra,” he said, locking eyes with her in a tense stare.

Her gaze dropped to his hand, a silent warning. Marcus released her reluctantly.

She lifted her chin, jaw tight. “Fine. Let’s go to my office.”

Turning sharply, she headed for the entrance, and Marcus followed closely behind.

Meanwhile, on the top floor, Damon stood by his window, watching the exchange with a hard, unreadable expression.

Wasn’t that the same guy she’d rejected so bluntly at the diner? The one who caused a scene?



“Good morning, Ms. Sterling,” Lexa said, getting to her feet with a warm smile the moment she spotted Alexandra.

“Good morning, Lexa,” Alexandra returned with a small smile of her own.

“How are you doing?”

“Fine. Thank you, Ms. Sterling,” Lexa replied, already reaching for her notepad to follow Alexandra into the office and read out the day’s schedule.

“That won’t be now, Lexa,” Alexandra said gently. “I have to finish with my visitor first.”

Only then did Lexa’s gaze shift to Marcus—who was standing quietly, hands tucked into his pockets, watching the exchange.

He was impossible to overlook. Tall, broad-shouldered, dressed in a fitted black shirt that hinted at a lean, sculpted frame. His features were sharp—clean jawline, straight nose, and eyes that held a lazy, confident amusement. The kind of man whose presence filled a room without him saying a word.

Heat crept up Lexa’s cheeks when she realized he’d caught her checking him out. The small glint in his eyes told her he found it amusing.

Lexa cleared her throat. “Forgive my manners, Ms. Sterling. I didn’t notice you came in with… a visitor.”

“That’s fine. Just hold all activities until I’m done,” Alexandra instructed, before pushing her office door open.



Inside, Alexandra dropped her bag on the table before turning to glare at Marcus. She folded her arms beneath her chest.

“Go on, Marcus. I have very little time to spare you.”

Marcus gave a small smile. “You didn’t even offer me a seat.”

“I have none for you. You’re never welcome here or anywhere around me,” Alexandra said. There was no hint of amusement in her eyes.

Marcus exhaled sharply. “Alright. How’s James?”

Alexandra’s brows pulled together. “Excuse me?”

“I asked how James is.”

“And why should I be discussing my son with you?” Alexandra’s voice lowered, controlled but sharp. “What place do you think you have in that conversation, Marcus?”

Marcus looked like he was having a distant look. “More like me trying to find out if my step son—”

“Don’t you dare,” Alexandra warned. “Complete those words.”

“My son and I have no business with you.”

Marcus smiled and turned to the window, gazing out. “Does Damon know he has a son?”

Alexandra scoffed, frustration and irritation dripping off her features as she tried to hide the panic in her eyes. “Are you crazy? What the fuck is your problem with stalking my life and everything?”

“I’m not stalking, Alex. I’m only looking out for you, my love.”

“Oh wow!” Alexandra exclaimed, throwing her hands slightly. “It is official, Marcus. You’re mad, and you need to get out of my office before I call security on you.”

“I doubt you would do that,” Marcus spoke softly.

“And what makes you so sure?”

“You wouldn’t want to lose your son again, would you?” Marcus answered, turning back just in time to see the shock spread across her face.

“You… you’re behind James’ kidnapping?” she stammered, eyes wide.

“I never said that, though,” Marcus defended, but the sarcasm in his tone was impossible to miss.

“You bastard. Are you that crazy and obsessed?” she yelled.

“I told you I would get you back no matter what, Alex,” Marcus said. “And I tend to keep that promise.”

“I think it’s time I get a legal restriction on you so you can leave me alone,” Alexandra uttered.

“That won’t keep me—”

A knock on the door cut her off. Both their heads snapped toward the sound before shifting back to each other.

“Get out, Marcus. We’ll talk about this later,” Alexandra said, her eyes burning into him.

Marcus stepped closer for a moment, his breath brushing her face while she glared. “I’ll be expecting you, my dear Alex.”

She rolled her eyes sharply as he finally turned and walked toward the door. He pulled it open—

Lexa stood there with a sorry expression, and behind her was Damon, his eyes pinned on Marcus. Marcus smirked and gave a subtle nod before walking away.

Alexandra exhaled shakily and sank into her seat. “Could today get any worse?” she murmured.

༺༺♡♡༻༻
“Dad,” Adrian called as he stepped into his father's study.

Thomas lifted his eyes from the pile of files before him, taking off his spectacles.
“What is it, Adrian?”

Adrian dropped an envelope on the table.
“I saw this in the mailbox while driving in.”

Thomas frowned, his gaze shifting to the sealed envelope. He wasn’t expecting anything. And who even used regular mail anymore?

Adrian watched him, calm but concerned.
“I figured you’d want to see it. It looked… personal.”

“But were you expecting something? And why would anyone send mail these days?”

Thomas didn’t respond, only stared at the envelope.
“I’ll check it out later,” he said. “Thank you.”

Adrian nodded softly and headed toward the door but paused.
“Are you sure? It’s sealed tight, and there’s no sender’s name.”

“Yes,” Thomas answered.

Adrian sighed softly. “Alright. I’ll be downstairs if you need me.”

Before leaving, his eyes flicked once more from his father to the envelope. Thomas didn’t look at him; he only stared at it like it carried some buried secret.

He shut the door quietly.

His chest tightened as a wave of exhaustion and frustration washed over him.
Tisha’s death still felt unreal. Marcus had suddenly gone quiet.
And Damon around Alexandra? That was another issue entirely — one he would handle soon enough.

But his father…
The envelope…
The way Thomas avoided touching it…

He was hiding something.

Adrian could feel it.

And whatever it was, he would uncover it.