Chapter 77: Family issues

Frudi's eyes widened in shock as she stared at Alex, her mind reeling with questions. "Alex, what's going on? Why are you here with her?" Frudi's voice trembled with a mix of anger and hurt.

Alex's expression remained neutral, but Frudi detected a flicker of guilt in his eyes. "Frudi, I can explain—"

Frudi cut him off, her words spilling out in a rush. "Explain? You're going to explain why you're standing in the same room as the woman who's been trying to destroy my life? The woman who's been using me for her own twisted games?"

Laurel smiled, a cold, calculating glint in her eye. "Ah, Frudi, you're so quick to jump to conclusions. Alex is just trying to help me...help us...resolve our little family issues."

Frudi's gaze snapped back to Alex, her heart heavy with disappointment and betrayal. "You're not even going to deny it, are you? You're just going to stand there and let her use you like a puppet?"