Chapter 36

Alexander couldn't concentrate on his work since he'd heard about the divorce. His mind was consumed by the thought of losing Roslyn, and he couldn't comprehend why she'd lost faith in him.

He struggled to make sense of his chaotic emotions, torn between his love for Roslyn and his loyalty to his mother. Their relationship had always been complicated, but he'd never imagined it would come to this.

Ever since Roslyn had hinted at knowing the truth about his father, William, Victoria's behavior had become increasingly erratic. Alexander felt caught in the middle, unsure of whom to believe or whom to prioritize—the woman he loved or his own mother.

He couldn't shake off the feeling that Roslyn's decision to divorce him was rooted in more than just his infidelity. There were deeper wounds, ones he couldn't quite grasp.

As he sat at his desk, staring blankly at papers and files, Alexander's thoughts swirled with desperation. What could he do to regain Roslyn's trust? How could he prove his love and commitment to her?

But every solution eluded him, every path leading to a dead end. His mother's manipulation and Roslyn's determination seemed insurmountable obstacles.

Alexander's heart ached with the realization that he might lose Roslyn forever, and the thought sent a chill down his spine. Was he prepared to sacrifice his relationship with his mother to save his marriage, or would his loyalty remain with Victoria?

The cabin door swung open, and Tyler walked in, his expression stern and disapproving.

"Can you seriously run a company like this?" Tyler asked, his voice laced with sarcasm and concern. "Do you even remember how many meetings you've canceled or how erratic your decisions have become since you heard Roslyn is a 50% shareholder in Volter Enterprise?"

Tyler's tone dripped with accusation. "It seems your priority now is to sabotage the company, simply because you're no longer the sole owner. Your focus has shifted from growth to self-destruction."

Alexander recognized Tyler's tone, knowing he was being provoked. Still, the words stung, and he felt his temper flare.

Tyler continued, his words cutting deep. "You're losing sight of what matters, Alexander. The company's future, your employees' livelihoods—everything is at stake. But all you can think about is your wounded pride."

Alexander's eyes narrowed, his gaze piercing as he turned to Tyler. "You're overstepping, Tyler," he growled, his voice low and menacing. "I understand your concern, but you have no right to question my ability to lead this company."

Tyler's expression remained unyielding. "Someone needs to question your actions, Alexander. You're not the same leader you used to be. You're letting personal biases cloud your judgment, and it's jeopardizing everything we've built."

The tension between them was palpable, the air thick with unspoken words and unresolved issues. Alexander's anger simmered just below the surface, but Tyler's words struck a chord, forcing him to confront the truth: was he truly fit to lead Volter Enterprise?

"What did you come here to say?" Alexander asked, his eyes flashing with annoyance.

Tyler hesitated, choosing his words carefully, before placing a file on Alexander's desk.

"Actually, I wanted to discuss the Riverside Development project," Tyler said. "The structural engineers have finalized the designs, and I think we're ready to move forward with construction."

Alexander's expression softened slightly; his interest piqued. "What's the timeline looking like?"

Tyler leaned forward, opening the file. "We're projecting a 12-month completion date with a budget of $50 million. Our architects have incorporated sustainable features, which should appeal to eco-conscious buyers."

Alexander scanned the documents, nodding thoughtfully. "I like it. What's the latest on the permitting process?"

Tyler pulled out a separate folder. "All necessary permits are secured, and we've cleared the environmental impact assessment."

Alexander nodded, his business acumen kicking in. "Good work. What about the commercial side? Any updates on the office space leasing?"

Tyler smiled. "We've secured a major tenant, signing a 5-year lease for 30% of the available space. Our projections indicate a significant revenue stream."

Alexander's eyes lit up. "That's great news. What about the residential units?"

Tyler consulted his notes. "We've sold 20% of the units already, with interest from several other potential buyers."

As they finalized the details, Tyler closed the file and leaned back in his chair.

"Alexander, I know about the divorce," Tyler said gently.

Alexander's gaze snapped up, his expression guarded.

Tyler continued, "You can't give up on Roslyn. She's still your wife. You need to fight for your relationship."

Alexander's eyes narrowed, his voice laced with frustration. "What do you know about it, Tyler?"

Tyler's expression remained empathetic. "Enough to know you're not willing to let go. Make her listen, Alexander. Show her you're committed to making things right."

Alexander's voice dropped to a whisper. "She said she's not ready to see my face right now. Thinks I betrayed her... with Charlotte."

Tyler's eyes widened. "But you didn't, did you?"

Alexander shook his head emphatically. "No, I swear. Nothing happened between Charlotte and me. Roslyn won't believe me, though."

Tyler leaned forward, his voice filled with conviction. "Then make her understand. Tell her the truth, Alexander. Show her proof, if needed. You can't let misinformation ruin your marriage."

Alexander's face contorted in frustration. "I've tried, Tyler. She won't listen. Thinks I'm lying to cover my tracks."

Tyler's gaze locked onto Alexander's. "You need to try harder."

Alexander's voice broke, his words barely above a whisper. "It's not easy, Tyler... when the person you love won't trust you... Nothing is more painful than this."

He paused, struggling to contain his emotions.

"All that time, I thought our love was unshakeable. But now... I don't know if she even cares anymore."

Tyler's face reflected his concern. "Alexander, don't say that. Roslyn loves you."

Alexander's laugh was laced with bitterness. "Love? She can't even look at me. Can't trust me."

He buried his face in his hands, his body shaking with silent sobs.

Tyler's voice was gentle. "Alexander, you need to hold on to hope. Fight for your marriage. Show Roslyn the truth."

Alexander's voice trembled. "I'm trying, Tyler... but it's hard when the person you love doesn't believe you."

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"I'll never trust Alexander again, Chris," Roslyn declared, her voice trembling with emotion. "You think he cares about what I say? About his mother and the secrets she's hiding?"

Chris, sitting on the couch, looked up with concern etched on his face. "What do you mean, Rose? What secrets are you talking about?"

Roslyn's hands clenched into fists, her eyes blazing with determination. "He never questioned his mother, Chris. Never asked what she's hiding. He just blindly supports her, no matter what. But I know better. That woman is hiding so many secrets."

Chris's expression turned thoughtful; his brow furrowed. "Maybe he doesn't know what to ask, Rose. Maybe he's unaware of the complexities."

Roslyn's voice dropped to a whisper, her words laced with suspicion. "Grandpa's sudden death, Mr. William Volter's sudden death... why do these two incidents look similar? There's more to the Volter family history than meets the eye. I want to dig deeper, uncover the truth. But I can't say anything to Alexander; I don't trust him."

Chris's eyes narrowed, intrigue sparking within them. "What are you implying, Rose?"

Roslyn's gaze locked onto Chris's, her voice barely above a whisper. "Grandpa once told me that Victoria trapped William and manipulated him into marriage. But I want to know more. Was it a loveless marriage? Was William's death really an accident, or was it... murder?"

Chris's eyes widened in shock, his voice laced with caution. "Rose, do you have any idea what you're even suggesting? You need strong proof for such accusations. Are you really implying that Victoria killed her own husband and then Alexander's grandfather?"

Roslyn's face paled, but her resolve remained unwavering. "I'm afraid so, Chris. Yes, I think it's possible. Victoria's capable of anything to maintain her grip on the Volter empire."

The room fell silent, the weight of Roslyn's words hanging heavy in the air. Chris's expression reflected his unease, his mind racing with the implications.

"Rose, we need to be careful," Chris said finally, his voice low. "Accusations like these can destroy lives. We need concrete evidence before we take this further."

Roslyn's nod was resolve. "I know, Chris. But I won't back down. I'll uncover the truth, no matter what it takes."

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Malicia and Lylah stepped into Alexander's mansion, their faces reflecting their triumph.

"Roslyn's decision to divorce Alexander is a blessing in disguise," Malicia said, her voice dripping with satisfaction. "She's willingly removed herself from our path."

Lylah's smile was radiant. "With Roslyn out of the picture, our plan can finally unfold. Alexander will be ours to manipulate."

Malicia's eyes sparkled with calculation. "Victoria Volter will soon realize her son's marriage to you is the key to securing our future. The Volter empire will be ours to control."

Lylah's gaze roamed the lavish interior, her expression hungry. "And with Roslyn gone, Alexander's vulnerability is palpable. He'll be putty in our hands."

Malicia's laughter was low and husky. "Roslyn's willingness to divorce Alexander has simplified our task. No need for elaborate schemes or manipulations; she's handed us the opportunity on a silver platter."

Lylah's voice was laced with excitement. "Mother, this is perfect. We'll ensure Alexander's divorce is finalized quickly, and then..."

Malicia's smile was a master class in manipulation. "Then, darling, you'll become the next Mrs. Volter. And our reign over the Volter empire will begin."

As they strolled through the mansion, Lylah's eyes shone with anticipation. "With Roslyn out of the way, nothing can stop us now."

Malicia's gaze locked onto Lylah's, her voice barely above a whisper. "Nothing, darling. Not even Victoria's secrets or Alexander's lingering feelings for Roslyn. We'll crush any obstacle that dares to stand in our way."

"Mother, what about Roslyn's stake in the Volter empire? She owns half of it, doesn't she?" Lylah asked, her brow furrowed with worry.

Malicia's expression turned calculating. "A temporary setback, darling. We'll find ways to neutralize Roslyn's influence, perhaps through a strategic buyout or... other means."

Lylah's eyes narrowed. "But what if Roslyn refuses to give up her shares?"

Malicia's smile was icy. "Leave that to me, darling. I have plans to ensure Roslyn's ownership becomes a mere formality. We'll manipulate the board, exploit loopholes... whatever it takes."

Lylah's face lit up with understanding. "And once we control the entire empire, Alexander's marriage to me will solidify our grip."

Malicia's gaze locked onto Lylah's. "Exactly, darling. Roslyn's stake is just a hurdle to overcome. But to achieve this, we need to gain control over Victoria Volter."

Lylah's eyes sparkled with determination. "We need to trap her, Mother. Make her dance to our tune."

Malicia's expression turned thoughtful. "But how? We don't have any leverage over her. No secrets, no weaknesses... nothing."

Lylah's voice dropped to a whisper. "We'll find something, Mother. We have to. Victoria's the key to securing Roslyn's shares."

Malicia's nod was resolve. "Then we'll create an opportunity. Get close to her, gain her trust... and then use that to our advantage."

Lylah's face lit up with resolve. "I'll start working on it, Mother. We'll bring Victoria down, and with her, Roslyn's stake will be ours."

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"Roslyn's eyes seem to hold a hint of suspicion. Does she know? No, it's impossible. She can't possibly uncover the truth. But what if she does? What if someone else finds out?"

Victoria's mind raced with the consequences. "If my secret gets out, everything will crumble. The Volter empire, my reputation, my fortune... all gone."

She thought of Roslyn, her son's estranged wife. "That girl is a threat. She's been digging, asking questions. I can sense it."

Victoria's grip on her glass tightened. "I need to eliminate her. Silence her before she reveals anything. But how? Alexander would never forgive me if he found out."

A chill ran down her spine. "What if Roslyn already knows? What if she's just waiting for the perfect moment to strike?"

Victoria's thoughts swirled with paranoia and desperation. "I must protect myself. Protect my empire. No matter the cost."

Her eyes narrowed, a cold calculation spreading through her mind. "I'll take care of Roslyn. Ensure she never speaks a word. But first, I need to know... how much does she really know?"

Victoria quickly grabbed her phone and dialed a familiar number, her fingers moving with a sense of urgency as she connected with a trusted associate, someone who had handled delicate matters for her in the past.

"I have a problem that requires your immediate attention," she said.

The voice on the other end paused, then asked, "Who is it?"

Victoria's response was crisp and calculated.

"Roslyn Volter."

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