Chapter 0255
As the week flew by, Marcus found himself heading toward the elevator that led to his newly renovated office. In just two days, the space had been transformed to suit his tastes, with sleek, minimalist gray and black tones. He had spent the past week reviewing, the financial records, and his meticulous nature quickly uncovered some questionable transactions.
“So Alexia isn’t as clever as she thinks,‘ Marcus mused, a subtle smirk crossing his face.
Just as the elevator doors were about to close, a slim, pale band reached in to stop them. To his mild surprise, it was Alexia. Her expression was poised, but her eyes sparkled with a sly undertone.
“Hello, Marcus,” she greeted him, her voice soft and faintly suggestive.
“Hello, Alexia. How are you?” Marcus responded politely, keeping his tone neutral.
“Good! Thanks for asking. It’s been a while since anyone’s done that,” she said with a touch of melancholy. “Oh? Is that so?”
“Yes,” Alexia replied with a heavy sigh. “My husband is always so busy and perpetually in a bad mood. After 20 years of marriage, life just becomes… monotonous.”
“Hmm,” Marcus said, nodding thoughtfully. “I suppose I can’t relate. My marriage is only 15 years old, so it’s still going strong.” His voice carried a gentle yet firm reminder of his marital status.
“Mary is so lucky! She hit the jackpot with you. Handsome, kind, generous, intelligent–and a billionaire. What more could a woman ask for?” Alexia said, flashing him a coy smile, her gaze lingering on him just a moment too long
Marcus chuckled awkwardly, brushing off her comment. “Well, I don’t know Maximus very well, but I’d imagine he shares those same qualities. Including the billionaire part.
He could see through her game instantly. A woman like Alexia, at her age and experience, should have had more subtle tactics. But attempting to flirt with him outright was a rookie move, one that Marcus found not only transparent but laughably desperate.
“Oh, no, don’t get me wrong!” Alexia said quickly, feigning innocence.
“Of course not. I mean, marriage is all about communication, right?” Marcus replied smoothly, letting her squirm a little.
“You’re absolutely right,” she agreed, a bit flustered.
The elevator dinged, announcing their arrival at Alexia’s floor. She lingered for a moment before stepping out, turning back to Marcus with a practiced smile.
“Well, Marcus, it was lovely running into you. Oh, by the way…”
“Yes?”
Π
“I was reviewing some projects recently, and I think we’ll need to discuss the financial aspects soon. When would be a good time for you?”
Marcus raised an eyebrow, suppressing a grin. He knew perfectly well that these projects weren’t anywhere near -the stage where his input would be necessary. It was nothing more than an excuse to spend time alone with him.
“If it’s urgent, let me know your availability, and we can set up a meeting,” Marcus replied, his tone cordial but noncommittal.
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Chapter #1255
+25 BONUS
“Perfect! I’ll send you an invite,” Alexia said, her eyes glirting with a mix of determination and something more calculated.
As the elevator doors slid shut, Marcus’s polite facade vanished. His expression hardened, his jaw tightening slightly.
‘She’s shameless,” he thought. It didn’t escape him how far Alexia was willing to go to maintain her lifestyle. He couldn’t deny that she was an attractive woman for her age, but compared to his beautiful, vibrant wife, Alexia was nothing more than a superficial distraction
Marcus’s thoughts drifted briefly to the two years he had spent before reuniting with Valerie. During that time, he had gone on countless dates with women who were only interested in his money and status. Most of them were in their 30s, some divorced, others simply opportunists who thought Marcus, as a foreign businessman, would be an easy mark. They were shallow, offering no meaningful connection.
Valerie, however, had been different. She was a challenge, a woman with depth and fire who had reminded him of what love and companionship truly meant.
With a faint smile, Marcus stepped off the elevator, mentally preparing himself for whatever scheme Alexia might try next.
Alexia, meanwhile, arrived at her office in unusually high spirits. She still had confidence in her beauty. At 53, she looked closer to 40, thanks to diligent self–care and the occasional cosmetic enhancement.
‘Marcus Bartz,‘ she thought smugly as she leaned back in her chair. ‘You’ll fall for me, too. You won’t be able to resist. You’ll be mine.”
As she entertained her fantasies, a wild idea crossed her mind, one so audacious that it made her grin with malice
