CH.16

Alex strode through the ornate double doors of his mansion with a self-satisfied smirk playing across his chiseled features.

He had just left the award gala where his carefully orchestrated scandal had played out perfectly. He had successfully destroyed his wife, Serena's reputation.

Slipping off his designer jacket, he made his way upstairs with the intent on celebrating his triumph during his sweet dreams tonight.

As he pushed open the bedroom door, his eyes locked onto the vision lounging on his silk sheets. It was a lady, clad in barely-there red lingerie with her lips curled into a sultry smile.

A wicked grin graced Alex’s face. Exactly who he had been expecting!

"Well, well, if it isn't my favorite little minx," Alex purred, crossing the room in a few long strides.

He cupped her enchanting face in one hand while his thumb traced the curve of her full lips. "I take it you enjoyed the show this evening?"

The lady’s eyes danced with wicked amusement as she reached up to loosen his tie. "Mmm, you were brilliant as always, darling. Watching you take down that sanctimonious Serena was...intoxicating." Her fingers trailed down his chest and she captured his mouth in a scorching kiss.

Alex groaned against her lips, his hands roaming her body possessively.

She had been his partner in crime for years now, assisting him in carrying out his most underhanded schemes. Her ruthless ambition matched his own. They were indeed a perfect match made in hell!

Breaking the kiss, he murmured darkly, "And you'll be properly rewarded for your help, you delicious little minx..."

Alex's hungry mouth trailed down the slender column of her neck as she arched against him with a breathy sigh.

His hands roamed freely over the silky lingerie on her body and deftly loosened the flimsy garment until it pooled around her waist.

"God, you're exquisite," he rasped, drinking in the sight of her with smoldering eyes.

She rolled them over in one fluid motion, straddling his hips. And then, she slowly peeled away his dress shirt.

"Less talking," she husked, leaning down to nip at his chiseled jaw. "More action, Mr. Montgomery."

A low chuckle rumbled from Alex's chest as he pulled her flush against him. "As you wish..."

Their lovemaking was fervent, fueled by the thrill of their recently executed takedown.

She clawed at Alex's back as he drove into her. Their moans of ecstasy were muffled only by heated kisses.

For this intoxicating moment, there was nothing but the dizzying friction of their bodies joined as one.

Their passionate lovemaking lasted long into the night, two perfectly-matched co-conspirators reveling in their shared victory... However, the sudden jarring trill of Alex's phone broke through the haze of their passion.

He growled in annoyance, making no move to answer it as the woman under him raked her nails down his straining abdomen.

"Ignore it," she breathed against the perspiration beading his forehead.

Alex flashed her a wicked grin. He obliged by capturing her lips in another searing kiss and losing himself in the divine oblivion she offered.

The incessant ringing finally pierced through the euphoric bubble surrounding them.

With a muttered curse, Alex disengaged from her slick heat and snatched up the phone. "What?" he snapped with displeasure at the intrusion. But his expression quickly morphed to one of surprise when the voice on the other end relied an urgent message.

"Alright," Alex murmured, shooting the woman an apologetic look as he swung his legs over the side of the bed. "This had better be important." He mouthed irritably.

The female watched with hooded eyes as Alex's toned back muscles flexed with each clipped response.

When his posture stiffened, she knew whatever news his man was imparting could disrupt their perfectly orchestrated plans.

"I will be out in a moment," Alex stated flatly before ending the call with an exasperated jab of his finger.

He turned towards the seductress on his bed, regret and hunger mingling in his gaze as they raked over her disheveled form.

Leaning down, he brushed his lips against her damp hairline. "I must go. Something important has come up."

She nodded slowly, though disappointment simmered beneath her composed veneer. Then again, she knew their dalliance was about more than just physical gratification. It was a celebration of their victory over Serena Bolting - a takedown executed with ruthless precision.

Pushing herself upright, she allowed the rumpled bed sheet to slip teasingly from her body as she prowled towards Alex. "I expect a full briefing when you return," she purred, running a scarlet-tipped nail down his torso. "Don't keep me waiting too long, Mr. Montgomery."

The muscle in Alex's jaw ticked with restraint. "You can count on that, baby."

Alex gave her one last searing glance, desire simmering beneath his calculated exterior.

With that, he turned on his heel and hastily redressed to head out.

As he strode from the room, schemes and scenarios were already whirling through his mind.

This summon could simply be their latest success - or perhaps something more insidious was afoot.

His mind flashed back to the person waiting for his return so they could pick up from where they left off.

Her cunning wit and insatiable ambition were invaluable assets while they dismantled their adversaries piece by delectable piece.

The plush burgundy carpet muffled Alex's footsteps as he descended the grand staircase. His fingers trailed along the ornate banister, the cool metal grounding him.

At the bottom, Inspector Davies awaited, hat in hand and back ramrod straight.

"Montgomery," Davies greeted with a curt nod.

"Inspector." Alex extended his hand, giving the other man's a firm shake. His gaze roamed the foyer, ensuring they were alone before continuing in a low tone. "I trust you've made the necessary arrangements on your end?"

Davies' mustache twitched. "Everything is in place, per our discussion. All that remains is your role."

Alex's jaw flexed. Though distasteful, he knew what needed to be done to preserve his interests and keep that infernal woman from disrupting his life further. "Everything is set. I'm prepared to see this through to the end."

He reached into his pocket and retrieved an envelope, which he then handed to the inspector. "Some more damning evidence against my beloved wife." He let out a dry chuckle.

The inspector's eyes glinted with understanding of the price one paid for ambition. "Excellent. I'll await your signal then."

Alex's mirth disappeared and his face transformed into one of annoyance. “You didn't have to come here at this hour just for this. This meeting could have been rescheduled for tomorrow.”

“What? Did I ruin your fun?” The inspector sneered.

With a final nod, he turned on his heel and let himself out.

Alex stared at the ornate door long after it clicked shut. He finally turned away from the door a few seconds later and his expression hardened into something more sinister.

With measured strides, he made his way down the hallway towards the study. He needed to ensure every detail was accounted for, no loose thread left for Serena or her blasted supporter, if any to unravel.

He entered the richly appointed room with grace and moved behind the large mahogany desk to open the bottom drawer. From it, he withdrew a thick manila envelope stuffed with damning evidence they'd painstakingly compiled against Serena.

Fingerprints, financial records, witness statements - all neatly organized and ready to be wielded as weapons to keep that wretched woman behind bars.

His fingers drummed against the envelope as he considered their plans. They would move swiftly, planting just enough to ensure Serena's bail was denied.

Just enough so she couldn't slither free.

He planned to unleash the full deluge on the appointed trial. By the time the gavel fell, Serena would be irreparably ruined with her reputation torn to shreds. A decisive victory to remove her stain from his life once and for all.

A grim smile played on Alex’s lips at the thought. Soon, everything would be made right again.

He could reclaim what was rightfully his without that infernal woman's interference.

Turning on his heel, Alex strode from the study with renewed purpose. It was time to execute their final moves and cement Serena's downfall!