Chapter 11

As Alex and Lauren looked at her, Clara stood in the middle of Alex's study, her hands shaking. Just seconds before, Dan had escorted her in, his countenance tense.

Alex's tone was icy and piercing. You and Jake have been collaborating. Provide him with details about my wife, my home, and myself. Why?

Clara's mouth trembled. "Mr. Magnus, I had no intention of hurting you. I was threatened by Jake. He threatened to harm my family if I didn't assist him.

Lauren felt betrayed even though her heart thawed a little. Why didn't you visit us, Clara? Alex had the opportunity to keep you safe.

Tears filled Clara's eyes. "I was unsure about what to do. I believed I could handle it without hurting anyone. However, Jake persisted in demanding more.

Alex's mouth clenched. "You put everyone's safety in danger. Lauren might have been killed as a result of your actions.

Clara broke down in tears and fell to her knees. Kindly, Mr. Magnus. Pardon me. I will stop at nothing to put things right.

Lauren and Alex looked at each other. His authority did not waver, but his voice did. "You'll remain under observation here. Dan will ask you more questions. If you're being honest, we'll keep your family safe. However, there will be repercussions if you lie.

Clara's weeping stopped as she nodded. "I'm grateful. I promise to do all in my power to assist you.

Alex and Lauren were left alone as Dan took her out. Lauren turned to speak tentatively to Alex. "Do you think she's real?"

Alex reclined on his seat, his face unreadable. "Lauren, I don't trust people readily. We'll give her a chance for the time being, though. Jake has a talent for controlling others. We can't take any chances, even though she might be a victim.

Lauren nodded, but her chest still felt uneasy. "Now what do we do?"

Alex's eyes become stony. "We get ready for whatever Jake has in store for us next."

When Lauren woke up the following morning, Alex was already in his study going over security preparations with Dan. In an attempt to defuse the situation, she chose to serve him breakfast. She walked to his study with a plate of food and gently knocked on the door.

"Enter," Alex beckoned.

Lauren came in and placed the tray on the desk. With concern in her voice, she inquired, "You have been up all night, haven't you?"

Alex gave her a glance as a rare expression of appreciation appeared on his face. "I had trouble falling asleep. Too much needs to be done.

Across from him, Lauren took a seat. "Alex, you don't have to do it by yourself. Let me assist you.

After he paused, he nodded. "All right. We must increase the mansion's security. There might be more we are unaware of, but Jake has someone on the inside.

As Alex described his objectives, Lauren listened and shared her opinions when she could. She felt like they were collaborating for the first time. Alex wasn't the only one defending her; they were defending one another.

Lauren saw Alex becoming a little more relaxed as the morning went on. She caught a peek of the guy behind the barriers he had erected when his reticent manner relaxed.

His voice was soft as he said, "Thank you, Lauren." "For being present. For remaining.

His comments warmed Lauren's heart. "Alex, we're all in this together. Regardless.

Dan came back that afternoon with some new information. His face is solemn, he gave Alex a folder. "We've discovered something concerning, sir."

Gazing at the materials within, Alex opened the folder. As he read, his countenance grew gloomy. Jake isn't only going after us. He intends to discredit Magnus Corporation.

Lauren's gut twisted as she leaned forward. "What is meant by that?"

"Jake has been collaborating with a group of investors to execute a hostile takeover," Dan clarified. They will deprive Alex of control over the business if they are successful.

Lauren's eyes grew wide. "Is that something they can do?"

Alex's tone was solemn. "They're making an effort. However, they will not succeed. Strong leadership and loyalty are the foundation of the business. Jake doesn't have either.

Dan gave a nod. We've located a number of important participants in Jake's scheme. We can undermine his position if we can cut off his allies.

Alex's eyes become stony. That's what we'll do then. Work your way up from the weakest connection. Jake will be sorry he ever pursued us.

Lauren was overcome with a mixture of admiration and terror. The stakes had never been higher, yet Alex remained steadfast in his resolve.

Lauren discovered Alex gazing at the flowers in the yard that evening. She walked up silently, her heart hurting to see how exhausted he was.

She sat next to him and said, "Alex." "Are you alright?"

His face was tired as he looked at her. "I'm all right. Just pondering.

Lauren put a hand on his arm and reached out. "You don't need to bear this burden alone. I'm available to you.

For a brief period, Alex appeared weak as his eyes softened. "I'm grateful, Lauren. You don't realize how much that means.

The tension between them subsided as they sat in silence for some time. Lauren realized that she trusted Alex totally despite everything, and she felt closer to him than ever before.

Chaos broke out at the residence the following morning. Dan's face became white as he rushed into the study. "We have an issue, sir. Jake has taken his next step.

Alex's gaze grew strained. "Now what has he done?"

"Jake's team leaked false financial reports about Magnus Corporation," Dan added when he paused. The media is already covering the tale of the stock's decline.

Lauren was devastated. "Can we put an end to it?"

Alex's mouth clenched. "We'll respond with the facts. However, fixing this will take time. Jake is dragging the business through the mud and acting shadily.

Lauren felt a wave of resolve as Alex and Dan started planning. Despite her lack of economic acumen, she was certain that she would not allow Jake to prevail. No matter what, she and Alex would fight back together.