Chapter 15

"Of course, we didn't summon you for petty arguments. Grandfather's will states that all of Apex's wealth and assets are in your wife's name," Mandy revealed, her voice dripping with bitterness.

Ah, now the chaos made sense. No wonder these two women were losing their minds. Clever move, Grandfather. I rubbed my jaw, a wide smile forming on my face.

"We know you're wealthy and don't need Apex's fortune, but we do. It's our rightful inheritance," Mandy said, placing her baby down and stepping closer to me. "The real question is, since when have you been married?"

"You didn't kidnap that cheap schoolteacher—what was her name? Bella—and marry her, did you?" Bora interrupted, her scorn palpable.

Before Mandy could react, I saw her face flush red as if her head might pop off. "Bella is none of your business, and frankly, I couldn't care less about Grandfather putting everything in my wife's name. I don't want to hear from anyone about this again. Got it?" I said, glaring between Bora and Mandy, whose eyes welled with tears.

"That woman you're defending rejected you, Alexander. She broke your heart—if you even have one. And for a girl like her, you dare raise your hand against me, Mandy Apex? You'll regret this," Mandy shouted.

I ignored her tirade and left the room. As I walked out, I noticed several family members glaring at me with murderous intent.

Sighing, I got into the car and said to my assistant, "Book me the next flight to New York."

"Yes, sir," he replied as I glanced at Marita's report. I hope she enjoyed breakfast. I left without even telling her I was leaving.

"Sir, the Madam didn't touch her breakfast. She left saying she was going to save her friend's life. We sent Clance to follow her," my assistant informed me.

I tightened my grip on my phone. That girl needs a reminder to at least respect this marriage.

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Teal's Point of View:

"Ugh, Ayor is still in class, and it looks like it just started. She won't be out for another three hours," I muttered, sitting on a beautifully manicured bench in one of the campus gardens.

I heard footsteps approaching. Alex? I thought, wondering how he could've tracked me here, given he had no lectures today.

"Excuse me, are you Miss Teal?"

The voice belonged to Lison. Calm and composed, his gaze carried an unsettling intensity. I nodded cautiously. "What do you want?" I asked firmly

"These are Ayor's clothes from last night. She left them at my place. Don't worry, I cleaned them carefully," he said, placing the bag in my hand.

I looked at him skeptically. "You can give them to her yourself," I replied, handing the bag back.

"Actually, she told me quite a bit about you when she was drunk last night. It piqued my curiosity," he said, his tone soft but probing.

"I'm not sure if you're a good guy or not, but Ayor is the best thing in my life. I'm not about to let her end up in your hands, Lyson. Got it? Stay away from her," I said, stepping closer, my tone firm.

His calm gaze remained unshaken, his composure frustratingly infuriating. Then, to my surprise, he burst out laughing. His laughter was warm and strangely comforting, despite the tension.

"Relax. It's not what you think. Besides, I don't date," he said, smiling as he waved to four guys standing nearby. Ayor called them the "Six Heartthrobs."

"Teal!"

I turned to see Ayor approaching, her expression confused as she noticed me holding the bag of her belongings. "Oh, sweetie, I was so worried about you. Did he hurt you?" she asked, her voice trembling with concern.

I exhaled and lightly slapped her arm. "I'm fine. You're the one who needs to stop getting into trouble. Let's go get breakfast," she said, pulling me by the arm. I couldn't deny that my behavior had been overly protective.

"Who are you calling?" I asked as we walked.

Ayor smiled mischievously. "I need to thank him for last night, so I figured I'd invite him for a meal."

That sparkle in her eye… I recognized it all too well. She's fallen in love, I thought, swallowing hard. Should I tell her he doesn't date?

Wait. If I interfere too much, she'll just get upset. I can't make her think her choice is a mistake, even if I suspect it might be.

"Teal, where's your mind at?"

Her voice snapped me out of my thoughts. The restaurant was near the university, offering a gorgeous view. "Nothing," I replied, smiling as I gazed out at the street below.

When our meal arrived, six young men joined our table. Ayor had never been in a relationship before. She'd had a childhood crush, but he left her, and she's hated the idea of falling in love ever since.

After doing some digging, I discovered that Lyson was infamous for not taking relationships seriously. The longest one he'd ever had lasted a week.

"Hello," Lison greeted, flashing Ayor a warm smile.

I stared at the guy seated next to me. He didn't even acknowledge my presence, nor did the rest of the group seem to care about us.

"Oh, I didn't expect you'd be with your friends. Hello, everyone," Ayor said, giving him a foolishly sweet smile.

I recognized that look instantly—it was the same look I had when I first fell for Stephen. I shook my head, determined not to let those thoughts ruin my day.

My phone buzzed—it was a call from Alexander. The guy next to me noticed it and smirked when he saw the contact name. I quickly flipped my phone over, silencing the ringer.

"Your husband? I didn't know you were married," he said, drawing everyone's attention, including Lison's.

Keeping my expression neutral, I replied, "Yes, I'm married. Surprised?"

With that, I excused myself, heading to the restroom. Their eyes burned into my back as I walked away. Once inside, I collapsed against the wall. What had I done? I was supposed to keep this marriage a secret.

The phone rang again. Alexander. What was I supposed to tell him? That some people now knew I was married?