Joan sat on the edge of her bed, looking at the engagement ring Alex had placed on her finger a few months prior. Forever was what it was meant to be—meant to be a symbol of commitment and love. Now it seemed like a joke.
That image of Alex at the club, with that woman all over him, was burned into her brain. It played itself over and over again like a terrible song, each time gnawing at the love she had worked so hard to hold on to.
Chelsea sat down next to her, quiet for a moment before asking, "Are you positive you saw what you think you saw?"
Joan let out a bitter laugh. "Chelsea, I saw him with my own eyes. I don't need more proof."*
"But think about it," Chelsea urged. "Why would Alex be so careless when he knows what's riding on it? He's been standing up for you since the beginning.".
Joan shook her head. "I don't know anymore. I don't know what's real and what's not."*
Her stomach churned, a mix of anger, grief, and doubt.
"Then you need to go speak with him," Chelsea whispered. "Before you do something you can't undo.".
Joan glanced at the ring once more before she rose to her feet. "I don't even know if I want to hear his explanation.".
But inwardly, she wasn't certain that she was telling the truth.
The War at Home
In the meantime, Davis was sitting comfortably in his office, swirling a bourbon glass in his hand when the phone rang.
Mr. Harris.
He grinned and said. "It's done."
"Does she believe it?" Mr. Harris inquired.
"She saw it with her own eyes," Davis confirmed. "She won't trust him again."
There was a silence on the other side of the line before Mr. Harris finally said, "Good. We just have to make sure she walks away for good.".
"And if she doesn't?"
"We'll make her then.".
Davis laughed, settling back in his chair. "I love a good challenge.".
Alex's Desperate Quest for Truth
Alex had spent the entire morning attempting to piece together what had happened the night before. He had gone to the club to visit an old business associate, had a single drink, and then. nothing.
His head continued to throb.
He had awakened in his apartment by himself, but the damage had already been accomplished. Joan had witnessed precisely what she needed to witness in order to betray him.
His fists were clenched.
No coincidence was this.
Someone wanted to break them apart.
And he had a pretty damn good idea who it was.
He grabbed his keys and headed straight to the one person who could possibly have some answers—Albert.
Confrontation with Albert
Albert was waiting for him outside the apartment when Alex got there.
"You look like hell," Albert stated.
"I want answers," Alex snapped, his tone biting. "I was set up.
Albert's face clouded over. "I thought so.".
"You don't seem surprised.".
"Because I know who's behind it," Albert confessed. "Davis and my father.".
Alex's jaw tightened. "Those bastards.".
Albert folded his arms. "They were never going to allow you and Joan to be together. You understand that, don't you?
"I don't care. I'm not giving up on her.".
Albert sighed. "Then you'd better find a way to expose them. Because right now? You're losing.".
Alex nodded, his jaw set in determination. "Then I require your assistance.".
Albert paused before he finally spoke, "Then let's burn them to the ground.".
Joan's Mind and Her Heart
Joan waited outside her father's office, hesitating before knocking.
She had come here seeking enlightenment, but as soon as she stepped in, she was struck by a huge sense of foreboding.
Mr. Harris glanced up from his desk, his expression inscrutable. "Joan. What do I owe this pleasure?"
Joan gulped. "Did you have anything to do with what happened to Alex last night?"
His expression remained the same. "I told you about him. I told you he was not what you thought him to be.".
"That's no answer," Joan said, her voice stern.
Mr. Harris sighed, reclining. "Joan, I'm just trying to look out for you. Alex is no good for you. You'll realize that soon enough.
Joan tightened her fists. "If you did anything to ruin my relationship, I swear—"
"Swear what?" Mr. Harris cut in, his voice entertained. "That you'll hate me? Abandon your families? You won't. For in your hearts, you know I'm right.".
Joan felt sick.
What if he was correct?
Or worse—what if she could never disprove him?
Unraveling the Truth
Alex and Albert went to the club that night. Alex had to locate the bartender who had served him the previous night.
They approached the counter, and Alex bent forward. "I want information on what transpired here yesterday evening. I was attacked by someone called Davis.".
The bartender, a late forty-something woman, looked at him suspiciously. "I don't know anything.".
"Please," Alex begged. "I just want the truth.".
She hesitated before finally breathing out. "You didn't only drink that night, did you?"
Alex tensed. "What do you mean?"
"Your drink was spiked," she whispered. "I saw Davis hand the waitress something before she served you.".
Alex's blood turned cold. "Can you prove it?"
The bartender nodded. "The club has security footage.".
"Then I need to see it."
She hesitated but ultimately nodded. "Give me an hour.".
Alex looked at Albert. "If I can show that I was drugged, Joan will have to believe me.".
Albert nodded. "Then we'd better make sure Davis doesn't get rid of the evidence first."
The Reckoning Starts
Joan was sitting in her apartment, staring at her phone.
She had been avoiding Alex's phone calls, yet something in her heart could not bring herself to block his number.
Could it be that she had been mistaken?
Her thoughts were interrupted by a sudden call.
From Alex. She paused before responding. "What do you want?" "Go to The Royale Club," Alex ordered. "I want to show you something.". Joan scowled. "Why?" "Because it's time for you to see the truth.". Her breath caught. Was she ready for the truth? Or was she too scared of what it could possibly be?