New beginning: Billionaire love story

Alexander was not in the mood for games. His fingers punched in the private investigator's number like they had a score to settle, and the moment the line connected, he didn't waste a second. No pleasantries, no chitchat, just straight to business. "Find Lisa Thompson. Now."

The PI didn't argue and didn't ask questions. He recognized the tone in Alex's voice, the kind that told him he'd better move fast if he didn't want to end up on the wrong side of his boss's temper. The PI got to work, and Alex sank into his chair, leaning back, staring at the ceiling, trying to make sense of his swirling thoughts.

"That bitch! I really have enough of her."

What could Lisa possibly be thinking? After everything that had gone down between them-everything she'd done to him and to Claire-why was she pushing her luck?

Ten minutes passed-though it felt like an eternity-before Alex's phone finally buzzed. His PI had the goods.

"She is at a restaurant on West 22nd. I'm texting you the location now," the PI said, his voice trembling slightly as if he were afraid Alex might reach through the phone and throttle him if the information wasn't delivered fast enough.

"Good. Keep me updated with her location." Alexander replied curtly and hung up without another word.

In one fluid motion, Alex pushed back his chair, jumped to his feet, and stormed toward the door. As he crossed the lobby, he dialed his head bodyguard.

"Meet me at the private docks. Now. Have the team ready." he ordered, his tone sharp and unforgiving.novelbin

"Will do, sir."

As soon as Alex hit the parking lot, he jumped into his car, slammed the door shut, and peeled out, heading straight for Lisa's location. He didn't care if he hit a few speed bumps-literal or metaphorical-on the way. The streets were mercifully empty, which gave him free rein to push the gas pedal to the floor, his mind racing faster than the car.

After what felt like an eternity of burning rubber, he finally pulled up to the restaurant. His car screeched to a halt as he parked, and he stepped out, scanning the place like a hawk looking for its prey. He walked in, the buzz of conversation and clinking silverware filling the air, but his eyes were locked on one thing-a familiar blonde head sitting at the back of the room.

There she was. Lisa Thompson, looking as calm and collected as ever. Like she hadn't caused him endless grief.

Without hesitating, Alex strode toward her, his gaze fixed on her like a laser. His eyes were cold, and as if sensing his presence, Lisa suddenly turned in his direction. Her eyes widened in surprise when she saw him approaching, and for a split second, it looked like she didn't know whether to smile or run.

"Alex!" Lisa exclaimed, standing up from her chair with a forced cheerfulness. She walked toward him, trying to place her hands on his chest, but Alex didn't have any of it. "What are you doing here?"

He grabbed her wrist before she could even touch him, his grip firm, his voice icy.

"Lisa," he said, his voice icy, the sound of her name cutting through the air like a blade. Her eyes widened even further, a flicker of confusion passing over her face.

"What-what's wrong? Is there something you want to tell me?" she asked, trying to keep her voice light, but Alex could see right through her. The fake innocence wasn't going to work this time.

He didn't answer her. He wasn't about to fall for whatever act she had rehearsed this time. Instead, he leaned in just a bit, still holding her wrist, and said, "You're coming with me."

Lisa blinked; a look of confusion etched on her face. "Let me grab my purse." Lisa grabbed her bag quickly and the next thing she knew, Alex grabbed her wrist and dragged her out of the restaurant. "Are you in a hurry?"

He opened the passenger door and gave her a look that made it clear there was no room for negotiation. "Get in."

Lisa, ever the opportunist, smiled

softly as she slid into the car. In her mind, this was just another part of her plan. Maybe Alex was finally coming back to her. Maybe this was the moment all her schemes would pay off, and he'd realize they were meant to be.

Alex got onto the driver's side, his face stone-cold, saying nothing as he started the engine and peeled out of the parking lot.

"You should have told me if you want to see me. I would have dressed up nicely to see you."

Alex ignores her and focuses on driving.

The silence in the car was thick, like a storm cloud brewing between them. Lisa couldn't take it anymore. She leaned over, trying to act casual, her voice sweet but laced with fake concern. "Where are we going, Alex?" Again, he didn't answer.

"Alex? Is there something on your mind?" she asked again, her tone more demanding this time. Still nothing.

The car sped up, and that's when she noticed something. Alex was gripping his phone, glancing down at it like he was waiting for something. Before she could ask again, he pressed a button, and the ringtone filled the car. But it wasn't coming from his phone.

It was coming from hers.

Lisa's eyes widened in horror as she realized what was happening. Her hand shot to her bag, fumbling for her other phone - the one Alex wasn't supposed to know about. The one she used for... other purposes.

Alex turned his head slightly, his expression unreadable, but the rage simmering behind his eyes was unmistakable. “You really thought wouldn't find out?" he said quietly, the coldness in his voice making Lisa's blood run cold.

"I-I can explain. You got the wrong idea." she stammered, her face pale as she clutched the phone in her hand like it could somehow protect her.

"Save it. I have had enough of your lies." Alex snapped, turning his attention back to the road as he pressed his foot down even harder on the gas. The car sped down the highway, the lights of the city blurring past them.

Panic started to set in for Lisa. This wasn't how things were supposed to go. She had been so sure that she was in control, that Alex would fal back into her trap. Hell, she doesn't even know how Alexander managed to find out her other number. No one knows about that number other than herself.

But now, sitting there in the passenger seat, she realized she had severely underestimated him.

"Where are we going?" she asked, her voice trembling.

Alex didn't even glance at her. "You'll see soon enough."

Lisa's heart was pounding now, and she reached for the door handle, trying to discreetly unlock it. But Alex was quicker, hitting the lock button on his side. The doors clicked shut with finality. "You're not going anywhere," he said, his voice low and dangerous.

Lisa's mouth went dry. "Alex, please, just-"