Chapter 101
ALEXANDER
Raina’s heart was like a fortress–strong, impenetrable, and maddeningly difficult to move. But giving up? Not a chance. Especially not with someone like Nathan lingering around her, poisoning her mind and her heart.
I checked my watch for the third time, irritation brewing. Dominic was late. He’d been punctual up until now, and his tardiness set me on edge. These secret meetings weren’t exactly safe. Every second of delay increased the risk of being found out, and the last thing we needed was Nathan catching wind of what we were doing.
Dominic had warned me early on that Raina wasn’t going to change her mind easily. She trusted Nathan, and convincing her otherwise would take more than just evidence–it would take timing, precision, and a hell of a lot of patience.
I drummed my fingers on the table, my frustration growing. When it looked like Dominic wasn’t going to show, I pulled out my phone and dialed his
number.
The line rang twice before cutting off.
“Great,” I muttered under my breath, shoving the phone back into my pocket.
“Relax, I’m here.”
The voice from behind startled me. I turned quickly to see Dominic standing there, looking composed but wary.
“Well, you’re late,” I snapped, standing to meet him.
He raised a hand, his expression calm. “I know. I had a tail. Took me a while to shake them off.‘
My brows furrowed as I glanced around the quiet café. “A tail? Are you sure?”
Dominic nodded, sliding into the seat across from me. “One of my guys spotted a car following me. We blocked the road, boxed him in. Some strange man, didn’t put up much of a fight.”
“And you’re just brushing this off?” I asked, my voice sharp.
“It’s been handled,” Dominic replied firmly. “He won’t be following anyone anymore.”
I leaned back in my seat, unease gnawing at the edges of my thoughts. “Nathan has to know we’re onto him.” Why else would someone be tailing Dominic in the middle od the night?
Dominic shook his head. “I don’t think he knows anything yet. He’s just…watching. It’s what he does. He gathers intel, waits for the right moment. It’s annoying, but it gives us time to act.”
The idea of Nathan circling us like a vulture only made my resolve stronger. I needed to get to her, fast.
“Let’s get down to business,” Dominic uttered firmly, pulling out a small flash drive and sliding it across the table.
I picked it up, turning it over in my hand. “What’s on this?”
“Everything you need to understand why Raina resents you,” Dominic replied, his voice low and steady. My stomach recoiled. I thought she only hated me because of our past. There was more?
My grip tightened on the drive. “And what does this have to do with Nathan?”
Dominic’s expression darkened. “Nathan’s going to represent her in court again. You know how good he is, Alex.” Yes, unfortunately the bastard was really good at his job. “Even if custody cases aren’t his specialty, he’ll still win if we don’t act fast.”
I drew in a deep breath, the weight of his words sinking in. “Then we have to make her see him for who he really is before the hearing.”
Dominic leaned forward, his gaze sharp. “Don’t forget why we’re doing this. It’s about exposing Nathan, not about you getting Raina back. Cause technically speaking, you are no better. You’ve made your own mistakes, and she hasn’t forgotten them.”
The reminder stung, but I nodded. I knew he was right.
I had barely stepped through the front door of my home when my mother blocked me, her face set in an expression I knew all too well. This wasn’t going
to be a casual conversation.
“You need to counter–file for custody over Ava,” she declared, her tone not leaving any room for argument. “Raina is being difficult, and you can’t let her walk all over you.”
I froze, irritation simmering beneath my skin. “Are you still on this?” My voice was sharp as I turned to face her fully. “I’m trying to bring this family together, and you’re suggesting I tear it apart even more?”
