Chapter 188: Dreads

Alexander pulled up in the parking lot, Alexander’s nerves were stretched thin. He sat in the car for a few moments longer than usual, gripping the steering wheel as if it were a lifeline. The building loomed ahead of him, a monolith of glass and steel, but today it felt more like a prison. Inside, Hazel was waiting—calm, composed, and fully aware of the power she now held over him. Finally, with a resigned sigh, Alexander stepped out of the car and made his way to the entrance. His steps were heavy, his mind racing through possible scenarios of how this day could unfold. Would Hazel try to talk to him about that night? Would she act like nothing had happened? He wasn’t sure which option terrified him more. The moment he walked through the doors, the familiar hum of the office greeted him—phones ringing, people chatting, the steady rhythm of work in progress. Normally, this environment was comforting to Alexander, a place where he could lose himself in his responsibilities and forget