By admin Addicted Ex 7
Alyssia’s calmness made Milena feel an urge to prove something. Milena couldn’t help but keep rambling, “Even if reporters ask Leonard, he’ll temporarily deny it. But you can’t pretend you didn’t see the ring we chose together and the marks of our love, right?”
“Sometimes what the eyes see isn’t the truth,” Alyssia said quietly.
Milena, furious, let out a mocking laugh. “Vanguard Media’s entertainment section published an authoritative article today, reviewing the seven–year relationship between me and Leon. It’s gotten a lot of clicks. You should check it out. Every word
in it is true.”
Alyssia remained unimpressed. “Oh, really? Do you dare bet the reputation of the Johnson family on what you just said?”
“Of course. I’m the heiress of the Johnson family. Every word I say represents the Johnsons,” Milena snapped.
“Alright, I got it. I wish you both happiness.” After hanging up, Alyssia quickly stepped out of the elevator, entered the fire escape stairwell, and began editing the conversation she had just recorded.
She covered up all mentions of the Clairmont family, adjusted her voice, and then quickly sent the file to Lauren’s email.
Alyssia called Lauren, her voice steady as she said, “Lauren, I got the phone recording of Milena admitting to the relationship. I’ve already sent it to your email.”
“You’re amazing,” Lauren replied, shocked. She had watched the live interview earlier, and Milena had been tight–lipped, saying nothing at all.
“You managed what the whole industry couldn’t,” Lauren continued, her voice filled with joy and praise. “You’re a blessing to our department.”
Alyssia felt a slight sense of relief. Technically, she didn’t need to stay in this hotel. But the more information she gathered, the greater her chances of success.
Alyssia then called Nate and said, “Nate, could you please stay down there tonight? I’ll handle things here and adjust as needed. We’ll stay in touch.”
She was thinking about whether or not to meet Milena. Alyssia set up the hidden mini–camera in her bag and thought to herself, ‘Leonard, you forced me into this.’
***
Alyssia reached the fifteenth floor of the Halston Hotel, and the elevator doors opened.
Leonard walked down the corridor while listening to Joseph on the phone. Joseph reported, “Mr. Rivera, I just got word from the hotel. Mrs. Rivera has made it to Ravendale and checked into the fifteenth floor of the Halston Hotel.”
Leonard stopped in his tracks. “Did they see her?”
“I didn’t ask that, but Mrs. Rivera’s membership card doesn’t lie, does it?” Joseph didn’t follow up.
Leonard had gone two nights without sleep. At times like this, he preferred to be alone–too many people around meant more chances for him to take out his anger.
So, Joseph had booked the entire fifteenth floor of the Halston Hotel, not wanting to get yelled at.
Normally, the hotel wouldn’t dare let anyone else stay on the fifteenth floor, unless, of course, the person was one of
1/2
Chapter 7
Leonard’s important family members.
Recalling the scolding Beatrice had given him on the phone earlier, Joseph dutifully advised, “Mr. Rivera, Mrs. Rivera’s pretty upset right now.”
“What room is she in?” Leonard asked.
“Room 1553, Mr. Rivera. It’s right next to yours, so be careful,” Joseph warned.
Leonard froze in his tracks. His eyes landed on the room number ahead–1558.
He paused for a moment, then turned around and headed for the nearby stairwell. Years of being scolded had taught him one thing–when his mother was at her angriest, it was best not to face her head–on.
Alyssia had just finished preparing everything and was about to leave the stairwell when someone suddenly came in. Their eyes met, and both of them froze.