Chapter 5: First Crush

A thorough investigation ensued. Hannah was treated as the sole suspect, every effort focused on proving her guilt. She'd always assumed that even if her office entry were discovered, Alexander's investigation wouldn't be so exhaustive. Therefore, she hadn't bothered altering the surveillance footage, deeming it unnecessary.

She hadn't anticipated Alexander's mercilessness. Defeated, Hannah collapsed. Joseph was even more devastated.

"You really did this? You… Why?" His eyes bloodshot, he grabbed her arm, agitated.

Embarrassed, Hector pulled Joseph away. "Jealousy. She wants Mrs. Quirk's place."

Stunned, Joseph exclaimed, "You're in love with Alexander? No, that's impossible!"

Hector suffered an impending headache. How foolish is my son? he thought. He's blind to the obvious.

Isabella shared Hector's sentiment. Yes, he's incredibly blind. He's obsessed with Ms. Gates, yet oblivious to her feelings for Alexander.

Looking up after that internal monologue, Isabella noticed a flicker of surprise on Alexander's usually composed face. Wait, what? Alexander didn't realize Ms. Gates' feelings? He's dense!

Already uncomfortable, Alexander felt his cheeks burn. What's going on? I thought this was simple bribery and a scapegoat! Ms. Gates is in love with me? How?

"No, no! I have no ulterior motives!" Hannah cried, looking at him anxiously. "Yes, I did it, but not as you think! I did it to help Eleanor!"

Silence fell.

Eleanor was Alexander's first crush.

Alexander's expression changed. "What did you say?"

Hannah revealed, "Eleanor is coming home."

His eyes widened as he glanced uneasily at Isabella.

Ah, Eleanor. Alexander's first crush, who abandoned him years ago. High society once deemed them a perfect match.

Alexander was surprised Isabella knew this. She wondered what Eleanor had to do with Hannah's actions.

Alexander looked at Hannah seriously. What does this have to do with it?

Clinging to hope, Hannah blurted, "Eleanor and I are best friends. She was forced to leave you. I didn't want you to miss a chance at love because of a misunderstanding. I know you won't divorce without reason, so I played the villain to create an opportunity for you and Eleanor."

She lowered her head, feigning distress.

Hannah was indeed Eleanor's best friend, a connection that had drawn Alexander to her initially. He wouldn't have trusted her as his secretary otherwise. During college, she'd even played matchmaker for him and Eleanor. Therefore, the speculation about her feelings for him seemed implausible.

The onlookers were stunned, but few believed her. It was clear Hannah was madly in love with Alexander. However, this was the first time anyone learned she was best friends with his first crush.

She'd never mentioned it before. Wait. There's juicier gossip. Alexander's first crush is returning? Their breakup was a misunderstanding?

Thrilled, everyone glanced at Alexander, expecting answers while his wife was present.

This is exciting!

Meanwhile, Isabella scoffed. No choice? Misunderstanding? This is fishy.

Alexander changed the subject to stop Isabella's probing.

"You caused significant losses and involved others. No excuse absolves you," he declared coldly.

Isabella's attention drifted—a common trait among young people. He's right, especially since her reasons are fabricated. But why this excuse? Let me see…

Alexander was about to discuss solutions when he, too, became curious about Isabella's explanation.

I know. She hinted at a deeper relationship with Alexander, baiting me into a scene. She planned to slowly push me out and win his heart. But she didn't anticipate Eleanor's return and couldn't compete. She wanted time to become his wife before Eleanor's return. No wonder she was so eager to get rid of me. Now exposed, she uses Eleanor as an excuse, fabricating a lie for Eleanor's sake, hoping for leniency. But if Alexander discovers her feelings and selfish motives, he'll show no mercy. Hah! She's desperate. He'll never fall for it.

Alexander, almost fooled, felt embarrassed. He recalled how Hannah had driven Isabella crazy during her visits, always playing the victim. He'd blamed Isabella's temperament. Now, filled with guilt, his resentment toward Hannah grew.

Uninterested in her motives, he said coldly, "Call the police."

Hannah's head snapped up. "Alexander, I did it because—"

"Tell it to the police," he cut her off.

His ruthlessness shocked everyone. He chose the harshest course of action.

"Alexander Quirk!" Hannah almost went mad, trying to grab him, but he dodged her. Pointing at Isabella, she snapped, "You always gave her a way out, so why are you so harsh on me? I've worked for you for ten years, and this is how you treat me?"

He finally glanced at her. "That's because you're not my wife."

The sentence pierced her heart.

Hannah was dumbfounded.

The police escorted them away, including Isabella. Joseph, still foolish, tried to take the blame, causing Hector to faint from fury. The evidence was irrefutable.

Hannah shrieked at Isabella, "Alexander will divorce you once Eleanor returns, so don't celebrate too early!"

Isabella was brimming with anticipation. Really? I hope so!

(The final promotional sentence was removed as it was redundant.)