Chapter 80

Alexander tilted his head, his expression unreadable. He touched his sore left cheek, where I had slapped him, and muttered, “Fine, I’m leaving… I’m leaving…” I stood there, momentarily frozen. I hadn’t meant to slap him, but in my panic, I had struck him. Alexander staggered back a few steps, then turned and walked out of the room. The assistant, just realizing what had happened, watched Alexander make his way to the elevator. He paused, looking at Alexander’s retreating figure, then glanced back at me, uncertain. It seemed Alexander felt a bit aggrieved when he left. When he saw me looking at him, the assistant hurriedly explained, “Director Vivienne, it was CEO Hawthorne who called me for the hotel address. He asked me to knock on your door. I couldn’t refuse him.” I nodded slightly and let out a breath. “I understand. You can go and rest now.” “Okay.” After the assistant left, I closed the door behind him, but I no longer had the energy or inclination to watch my