Chapter 171 Let Her Explain
In the grip of her hand, Ava's phone felt like a lifeline, her heart throbbing with a profound ache at the memory of the elderly woman.
She had been in the constant company of their grandmother, yet it was Alexander who had noticed the subtle changes. Perhaps she had misjudged him. It wasn't that he was indifferent to their grandmother, he simply wasn't as outwardly expressive as she was.
After all, Alexander had never been one to parade his emotions for all to see.
"Do we really need to prolong this conversation?" Ava's voice wavered, her palms slick with sweat.
"I assure you, I'll maintain my distance from Isabella," Alexander promised.
Ava scoffed, "Maintain your distance after everything that has transpired? You expect me to simply ignore it? I can't."
"Nothing occurred between Isabella and me, at least not what you're imagining!"
"Don't bother justifying yourself. I saw everything," Ava retorted, the images from the resort searing her heart.
"What you witnessed may not be the reality."
"Then what is the reality?" Ava shot back, her voice laced with defiance. "Are you implying that you and Isabella weren't really in each other's arms, weren't really sharing the same bed? Do you take me for a naive child, Alexander?"
She kept her voice steady, knowing that any additional emphasis would only drain her further.
...
Alexander remained silent for a moment that stretched into eternity.
Approaching a familiar intersection where he would typically continue straight, he suddenly veered right instead!
Ava, noticing the deviation from their usual route, quickly questioned, "Where are we headed?"
Alexander offered no response, continuing to drive until he pulled up in front of a quaint suburban house.
He unfastened his seatbelt, exited the car, and circled around to open the passenger door. "Get out."
"Where are we?" Ava queried, her voice laced with confusion.
Alexander offered no explanation, merely repeating, "Get out."
Reluctantly, Ava complied.
With a decisive slam, Alexander shut the car door, took Ava's hand, and guided her into the house.
He entered a code with practiced ease and led her inside.
A middle-aged housekeeper rushed to greet them, "Mr. Mitchell, welcome."
"Has Isabella returned yet?"
"Miss Harrington is not back yet."
"Understood. Carry on with your duties."
Alexander ushered Ava into the living room, gesturing for her to take a seat.
Surveying her surroundings, Ava realized with a start that this was Isabella's home.
"Why have you brought me here? How well do you know Isabella, Alexander? You even know her house code. Does she know ours too?"
No wonder she had felt a pang of unease the moment she stepped inside!
The housekeeper returned with two glasses of water, placing them on the coffee table before excusing herself.
"Alexander, what's the purpose of this visit? If you don't tell me, I'm leaving."
As Ava made to rise, Alexander caught her wrist, "Wait. Stay here for a while."
"Why?"
"I have something to discuss with you."
"I don't want to talk," Ava insisted, attempting to leave, but Alexander's grip on her wrist was unyielding.
Reluctantly, Ava settled back onto the couch.
After a seemingly interminable wait of about fifteen minutes, the sound of a familiar voice echoed from outside the living room.
"Miss Harrington, welcome back. Mr. Mitchell is waiting for you."
"Alex is here?" Isabella's voice was filled with delight.
However, as she entered the living room, her smile froze upon seeing Ava.
What was she doing here?
"Isabella, you're back."
"Alex." Isabella approached, setting down her purse, "Why are you two here?"
It was one thing for Alex to visit, but why bring Ava?
Alexander gestured towards the couch across the room, "Please, have a seat."
