Owned by the Billionaire’s Secret.

Chapter Four

Uncontrolled Feelings.

These past few days, Alexander and I haven’t spoken much. There was an awkward and tense silence between us. Neither of us wanted to be in each other’s space yet duty demanded such—such that made it seem we were crazy to even breathe in the same air.

But how could he? I have every right to know my father’s condition, yet he denied me that privilege. And now—now he’s partnered with him.

Of all the people in the world, it had to be Ethan. The man who once held my heart, only to crush it like it was nothing. The man who left me when I needed him most, who walked away without a second thought. And Alexander—Alexander—sided with him.

Fate is cruel. Or maybe Alexander just doesn’t care.

The weight of it sits heavy in my chest, pressing, suffocating. He didn’t even ask. Didn’t even notice the way my hands shook when I first saw Ethan standing beside him. Didn’t see how my breath caught, how my past came rushing back like a wound ripped open too soon. Even the moment when he held my chin up to his smug face.

I should’ve told him. Maybe. But why should I have to? Why didn’t he care enough to know?

My voice is sharp when I finally break the silence. “Why him?”

Alexander doesn’t flinch. Doesn’t even look surprised. “He’s the best option.”

The words are like ice. Cold. Unfeeling. His response sounded like it was just business which it was—to him.

I let out a laugh, short and bitter. “The best option?” My fingers curl into fists. “You don’t even know what you’ve done.”

Something flickers across his face. Confusion. “Miss Grey—”

“No.” I step forward, closing the space between us. “You don’t get to act like this is just business. Not when it’s him.”

His jaw tightens. “What are you talking about?”

The air between us is thick, electric, but I don’t look away. “Ethan. He’s not just some guy…” One hand was on my hip and the other on my forehead. I was clearly frustrated. I turn to face him with a pained expression. “He’s—“

I was interrupted by the buzzing of a phone. Alexander’s brows drew together as his phone buzzed in his pocket. He hesitated—just for a second—but then pulled it out, his fingers gripping it a little too tight. His name was still on my tongue, my next words ready to cut through whatever defense he had left, but something about his expression made me stop.

His jaw tightened as he stared at the screen. He didn’t answer right away.

“Is there a problem?” I asked, my voice laced with impatience.

He flicked his gaze to me, something unreadable in his eyes, before exhaling sharply and pressing the phone to his ear. “Yeah.” A pause. “Now?”

His shoulders tensed. He listened in silence, his free hand clenching into a fist, his entire presence shifting into something heavier, darker.

I stepped closer, trying to make sense of what I was seeing. Who was on the other end of that call?

Then, just as quickly as it came, the tension drained from his face. His expression smoothed over into something unreadable, guarded.

“Understood.” His voice was cool, professional. Almost detached. And then he hung up.

I folded my arms. “What was that about?” I asked.

“Nothing you need to worry about.”

The response was too fast, too polished.

My eyes narrowed. “Alexander—Mr Grayson…” I realized I was getting too familiar with him.

He was leaving, heading towards the door when a sharp knock at the door cut me off.

He turned back towards me his reaction immediate but unreadable. I glanced between him and the door, something twisting in my stomach. He looked like he knew who was behind it.

“Expecting someone?” I asked.

His hesitation was brief—almost imperceptible. But I caught it.

Then, before I could push further, he moved toward the door and opened it.

And there she stood.

A woman. The same lady that Ethan introduced as his assistant—f**k! This same woman that gave Alexander a hard glare. Tall, poised, dressed in sleek black, her platinum blonde hair falling in smooth waves over her shoulders. She was beautiful—but not in the warm, inviting way. No, her beauty was cold. Calculated. The kind that belonged to someone who never showed their hand too soon.

I didn’t know her. But the way Alexander’s entire body tensed at the sight of her told me she knew him.

Her lips curled into a slow, knowing smile. “Hello, Alexander.” This was the first time they greeted in the absence of Ethan.

He didn’t speak right away. His fingers tightened around the door handle, but his expression stayed neutral. Controlled.

Then she tilted her head slightly, her sharp blue eyes flickering to me before returning to him.

“Didn’t expect to see her here.” Her voice was smooth, edged with something I couldn’t quite place.

I felt Alexander’s attention shift back to me, but I kept my eyes on the woman.

Something about her felt wrong.

I didn’t know who she was. But I was about to find out.