EIGHT
"Lexi my darling..." Evan began to say but Alexis who couldn't help but be disgusted by the way he said her name, cut him short before he could go further.
"Don't ever say my name like that. You don't have that right anymore." Alexis snapped at him furiously. She was shooting daggers at him.
"Okay, okay. Can you at least let me explain..." Evan nodded his head sharply.
"Go ahead. Let me hear the lies you want to spew this time around." She retorted.
"I haven't been lying to you. I just kept the information away for later because I was going to sort out everything then let you know. I was going to make you proud..." He trailed off, holding her gaze with emotions.
Alexis let out a dry chuckle.
"Make me proud by making the company sink, right? Is that what you are telling me?" She deadpanned.
"No, no. It was in the process of getting new clients for the company that I ran into that huge loss." Evan said.
"I was just trying to be perfect for you. I was trying to be who you want me to be. A perfect husband and a perfect company operator." He added, sounding emotional.
"No, Evan. That emotions won't work on me. A man trying to be a perfect husband won't be cheating around." Alexis maintained firmly, her face devoid of any emotions.
"Alexis..." Evan wanted to talk but she cut him short.
"This marriage is over. And I am going to prosecute you for money laundering and corporate funds mismanagement." Alexis told a very stunned Evan.
"You can't do that to me, Alexis." Evan yelled, his voice stern and desperate.
"How dare she? After everything I have done for that company?" He thought to himself and the frown on his face became deeper.
"But you can do everything you did, to me, right?" She retorted.
"It has always been about you, isn't it? It is always about your company, your life, your happiness... Everything! You want everything to revolve around you. I worked my ass off for that company and now you want to chase me away? You never care about my feelings." He said, gritting his teeth.
Alexis clenched her fists in anger. Disappointment rolled off her in waves.
"Is this really the man I got married to? How did I not see any of this earlier on?" Alexis couldn't help but to think inwardly, her heart breaking further.
"So now you are justifying your actions? Evan, you claim I always want everything to revolve around me yet I gave you financial security. Yet, I devoted myself to being a good wife to you. Yet I supported you with everything I have." She finally responded to him, shaking her head.
"And you can stand before me telling me I do not care about your feelings! This is so disappointing, Evan." She spat out at him.
"Listen, I don't want to fight anymore. Just sign the divorce and get lost. Afterwards, be prepared for the prosecution." She stated firmly and turned to walk into the bedroom.
"I am not divorcing you, Alexis." Evan insisted, tightening his jaw.
Whether she heard that or not, Alexis didn't show any indication, she just walked away, leaving Evan gritting his teeth in frustration.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
The following day; Alexis was meeting with Damian Blackwood at the company.
"Mrs Sterling..." Damian called out as he stepped into the CEO's office but Alexis interrupted him.
"Miss Sterling, please." Alexis maintained firmly, staring straight at Damian's eyes.
"Oh?" Damian cocked an eyebrow. He wanted to press further but something about the seriousness and coldness in her eyes kept his mouth shut.
"Please have a seat." Alexis offered him, pointing at the sofa in the room. Then she got out of her own seat gracefully, moving to go sit opposite him.
"So, this is what she looks like when she is being the CEO and not playing a housewife? Well, she looks breathtaking!" Damian thought to himself as he looked at the gorgeous woman in a fitted corporate gown that hugged her curves perfectly, walking towards him.
"Good morning, Mr Blackwood. And thank you for agreeing to this meeting." Alexis greeted politely as she took her seat.
"You are welcome, Miss Sterling." Damian responded, trying so hard to be formal and not comment on her looks. As he spoke, Alexis grabbed the telecom on a table beside her seat.
"Bring tea for my guest." Alexis spoke into the telecom. And in a blink of an eye, Sabrina walked in with the tea tray.
"Here, sir." Sabrina said, placing the cup of tea before Damian. Her hands trembled as she did while stealing glances at Alexis.
"She fired her husband but keeps the affair partner?" Damian was saying inwardly and his eyes wandered up to Alexis' face.
Damian smirked in amusement when he saw how she was not even acknowledging Sabrina's presence.
"She has a plan for her. Interesting... I see this woman is exactly what people say. A smart boss lady but ruthless if crossed." Damian stated inwardly.
Afterwards, Sabrina finished her business and quickly hurried out, releasing the breath she had been holding as she closed the door behind her.
"So, Mr Blackwood, I invited you over today because I have thought about your offer and I have my answer now." Alexis began talking.
Damian sipped his tea as he listened.
"Let's merge our companies. But there are going to be terms and conditions." Alexis said.
"Are you sure you have really thought about it deeply and understand the implications?" Damian questioned.
"I am a businesswoman, Mr Blackwood. I calculate well before doing anything." Alexis replied, sounding confident.
At that, Damian smirked inwardly.
"Okay, we have a deal, Miss Sterling." He said, extending her hand towards her for a handshake.
"Let's take our companies to greater heights, Mr Blackwood." Alexis said, taking his hand.
"Finally! She has no idea what my plans are for being here." He thought to himself, a triumphant smile spreading across his face.