Chapter 19

The breakfast dining table was filled with tension as everyone gathered, awaiting the morning meal. Roselyn, as usual, arrived last, taking her seat as the servants began serving. With a subtle smile, she requested, "Lylah, could you bring me coffee, please?"

Lylah's response was laced with forced politeness. "Yes, of course." She headed towards the kitchen, leaving Alexander engrossed in his phone, his silence a stark contrast to the brewing animosity.

Minutes passed before Lylah returned with Roselyn's coffee. As she approached, Roselyn casually shifted her leg, creating a barrier. Lylah, unaware, took another step forward, and her feet tangled with Roselyn's. The cup of coffee slipped from Lylah's grasp, splashing scalding liquid onto Roselyn's clothes and the floor.

Malicia rushed to her daughter's side, "Oh God, my daughter!" as Lylah struggled to regain balance.

Lylah's face reddened, embarrassment and anger mingling. "Roselyn, you did that on purpose!"

Roselyn's expression turned icy. With a swift motion, she slapped Lylah hard, the sound echoing through the room.

Grandpa's eyes sparkled with amusement, though he remained silent, observing the drama unfold.

Malicia helped Lylah up, fury etched on her face. "How dare you, Roselyn! You'll pay for this!"

Alexander finally looked up from his phone, his expression neutral, but his eyes betraying concern.

Tyler, seated across from Alexander, raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the escalating tension.

Victoria watched with interest, her thoughts calculating the implications.

As the room descended into chaos, Roselyn stood, coffee staining her clothes, her gaze locked onto Lylah. "You should be more careful."

Alexander slammed his fist on the table, his patience exhausted. "Enough!" he yelled, his voice echoing through the room.

"I've had enough of your petty squabbles," Alexander continued, his tone firm. "You both will not live in this house from now on. I'll arrange another house for you. Your constant drama is unbearable."

As Alexander's words hung in the air, Roselyn discreetly turned to Grandpa, a triumphant glint in her eye. She winked, a subtle acknowledgment of their shared understanding.

Grandpa's expression remained neutral, but a hint of amusement danced in his eyes. He nodded almost imperceptibly, approving of Alexander's actions.

Malicia's face contorted in rage. "How dare you! You can't kick us out!"

Alexander's jaw clenched. "I already said that someone who insults my wife has no right to live in this house. I'm a man of my words."

Victoria's eyes widened in shock. "You're throwing my sister out of this house?"

Alexander's resolve remained unwavering. "I've made my decision. Leave."

Malicia and Lylah departed, their angry footsteps fading into the distance. Victoria stormed off to her room, slamming the door.

As the room emptied, Grandpa's gaze lingered on Roselyn, his eyes conveying a silent message: "Well done." Roselyn's smile was barely perceptible, but her eyes shone with satisfaction.

Alexander's anger had inadvertently played into her hands, solidifying her position in the household.

Roselyn's voice dripped with calculated distress. "Because of your cousin, my favorite dress has been utterly ruined. I'll need an entirely new wardrobe, Alexander. This is unacceptable."

Alexander's expression remained tense, still simmering from the earlier confrontation. Roselyn's words were carefully crafted to further fray his nerves.

But instead of irritation, Alexander's face softened. He reached into his pocket and pulled out his wallet, extracting his black card.

Roselyn's eyes narrowed, anticipating a paltry offering. "Just some money won't be enough for..." she began.

Before she could finish, Alexander placed the black card in her hand, his fingers brushing against hers.

"You can have whatever you want, okay?" Alexander said, his voice low and reassuring.

As he leaned in, his lips grazed her forehead in a gentle kiss. Roselyn's eyes widened in surprise, her calculated maneuver unexpectedly yielding an intimate gesture.

Alexander turned to leave, his voice floating back. "Buy whatever makes you happy, Roselyn. Consider it a gift."

Roselyn watched him walk away, her expression transforming from manipulation to genuine astonishment. She hadn't anticipated Alexander's sudden display of affection.

The black card felt weighty in her hand, symbolizing more than just financial freedom. For a moment, Roselyn wondered if she had misjudged Alexander's feelings.

Alexander turned to leave; he caught Grandpa's eye and winked, a silent acknowledgment of their shared understanding.

Grandpa's expression creased into a warm smile, his eyes twinkling with approval.

Alexander mirrored Grandpa's smile, a sense of camaraderie passing between them.

"Let's go, Tyler," Alexander said, nodding toward the door.

Tyler stood, his eyes scanning the room, before falling into step beside Alexander.

As they exited, Grandpa's gaze lingered on Alexander's retreating back, a sense of pride swelling in his chest.

The tension in the room dissipated, replaced by an unspoken understanding: Alexander had taken a stand, and Grandpa supported him wholeheartedly.

Grandpa's wrinkled hand enveloped Roselyn's, his eyes twinkling with mischief as he gazed at the black card still clutched in her fingers.

"Ah, you're going to enjoy today, my dear," Grandpa said, his voice low and conspiratorial. "Go and indulge in the finest shopping experience. Don't forget to pick up something for me, too."

Roselyn's expression remained surprised, her mind still reeling from Alexander's unexpected display of affection and generosity.

But as she met Grandpa's warm gaze, her lips curled into a smile, her poise regained.

"I wouldn't dare forget, Grandpa," Roselyn replied, her voice laced with affection.

Grandpa's eyes sparkled, his hand giving hers a gentle squeeze.

"Good girl," he whispered. "Make the most of Alexander's guilt. You deserve it."

Roselyn's smile deepened, her understanding of Grandpa's unspoken message clear.

With a final pat, Grandpa released her hand, his eyes never leaving hers.

"Off you go, my dear. Today's shopping spree awaits."

Roselyn nodded, tucking the black card into her purse, the weight of its limitless potential settling comfortably in her mind.

As she departed, Grandpa's gaze lingered, a satisfied smile etched on his face.

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Roslyn POV

"One month. That's all I have to endure. The judge's deadline looms, and then I'll be free.

But with Grandpa here, I must tread carefully. I won't do anything to hurt him, not yet. He's the only one who's ever shown me love.

That's why I'm playing along, accepting Alexander's gifts. But if Grandpa weren't here, I'd never take anything from him.

I demanded new clothes to test Alexander to see if he's still the same controlling man. And to make him think I'm a gold digger, eager for his wealth.

The black card is just a tool, a means to an end. I'll use it to my advantage, making Alexander believe I'm committed to this farce.

But in reality, I'm gathering evidence and building my case. I'll show him that I'm not the one who's trapped.

Once the month is over, I'll file for divorce and walk away. No more pretending, no more charade.

Alexander will be relieved, thinking he's escaped the 'gold digger.' Little does he know, I've been playing him all along.

Grandpa's health is my only concern. I hope he'll understand my decision to leave when the time comes.

For now, I'll keep up the act, smile, and spend Alexander's money. But my heart and mind are already free."

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Alexander POV

"Roselyn's stunned expression when I handed her the black card revealed her true nature—innocent, not a gold digger.

I misjudged her. She's not the manipulative woman I thought.

Now, I'm more determined than ever to make this marriage work. Grandpa's words echo in my mind: 'Take care of her, Alexander.' I promised him I would.

But Roselyn's resolve to leave seems unshakeable. I'll do anything to make her stay.

If spending my fortune will keep her by my side, so be it. She deserves every penny.

I'll shower her with luxuries and show her the life we can have together.

Perhaps, with time, she'll see the real me, not the man she thinks she married.

I won't give up. For Grandpa's sake, for our marriage, I'll prove my love.

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Malicia's eyes blazed with fury as she paced the dimly lit room, her heels clicking against the marble floor. "That deceitful woman has ruined everything," she spat, her voice venomous.

Lylah lounged on the velvet sofa, her slender fingers drumming a staccato beat on the armrest. "Roselyn thinks she's so superior, doesn't she?" Her tone dripped with malice.

Malicia's pacing halted abruptly. "She's been playing us all along, using her innocent act to manipulate Alexander." Her lips curled into a snarl.

Lylah's gaze narrowed. "And now she's got Grandpa eating out of the palm of her hand." Her voice was laced with disdain.

Malicia's eyes flashed with determination. "We'll take her down, Lylah. Make her pay for what she's done to us." She strode to the window, her gaze burning with intensity.

Lylah's smile was a cold, calculated thing. "I've been thinking... we can't just attack her head-on. Alexander will protect her." Her voice dripped with strategy.

Malicia's gaze snapped back to Lylah. "What did you have in mind?"

"We dig up dirt on her past," Lylah said, her voice dripping with malice. "Something to discredit her in Alexander's eyes."

Malicia's smile was a wicked thing. "And if we can't find anything?"

Lylah's shoulders rose in a languid shrug. "We create something. Fabricate a scandal, make her look guilty."

The air was heavy with tension as the two women wove a web of revenge, their hatred for Roselyn fueling their every move.

"This isn't just about revenge, Lylah," Malicia said, her voice low and deadly. "It's about reclaiming our place in the Valtor family."

Lylah's eyes flashed with agreement. "Roselyn will regret the day she ever crossed us."

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Alexander's assistant ushered Christopher Martin into the opulent office, the Shine Group's CEO exuding confidence as he extended a firm handshake.

"Alexander, pleasure to finally meet you officially," Christopher said, his smile hinting at a deeper familiarity.

Alexander's eyes narrowed, recognition sparking. "You're... Chris. Roselyn's friend."

Christopher nodded, unfazed. "The one and only. Though I'm here today as the CEO of Shine Group."

Alexander's gaze lingered, assessing the connection. "I remember now. You were with Roselyn at the restaurant...and in the car that day."

Christopher's expression remained neutral. "I'm here to help, Alexander. Despite my friendship with Roselyn."

Alexander stood up from his desk, extending a firm handshake to Christopher Martin, CEO of Shine Group.

"Mr. Martin, thank you for meeting with me today."

Christopher smiled, shaking Alexander's hand. "The pleasure's mine, Alexander."

As they sat, Alexander cut straight to the point. "I requested this meeting because Valtor Enterprises needs Shine Group's expertise. Our Harrison Accounts division is facing...challenges."

Christopher nodded attentively, his expression professional.

"I believe Shine Group's innovative solutions can help turn things around," Alexander continued. "I'm willing to consider a partnership, if it means securing Valtor Enterprises' future."

Christopher leaned forward, interest sparking in his eyes. "I'm happy to discuss potential collaborations. What specific support do you need from Shine Group?"

Alexander's gaze snapped back to Christopher, but the CEO's expression revealed nothing.

"I see," Christopher said, scribbling notes on a pad. "Shine Group can definitely assist with restructuring Harrison Accounts. But I have a counterproposal."

Alexander raised an eyebrow, intrigued.

"A strategic partnership between our companies," Christopher outlined, "with mutual benefits and shared risks. In exchange, Shine Group will provide comprehensive support to resolve Harrison Accounts' issues."

Alexander weighed the offer, his mind racing with possibilities.

"What do you think, Mr. Martin?" Alexander asked, testing the waters.

Christopher smiled, a hint of familiarity in his eyes. "Call me Chris, Alexander. And I think we have the beginnings of a very beneficial partnership."

Alexander nodded, a sense of relief washing over him. "Alright, Chris. You've got a deal."

Christopher smiled, extending his hand. "Excellent. I'll have our team draft the partnership agreement."

As they shook hands, Alexander felt a weight lift off his shoulders. Valtor Enterprises' future looked brighter already.

"The partnership will be announced jointly at a press conference next week," Christopher outlined, pulling out his phone. "My team will handle the logistics."

Alexander nodded, already mentally preparing for the upcoming event.

The two CEOs stood, their handshake sealing the fate of Valtor Enterprises and Shine Group.

As Christopher departed, Alexander's thoughts turned to Roselyn. Would this partnership change her mind about their marriage?

Only time would tell.

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