My CEO Ex: Let Me Go.-Chapter 91

Alexander’s POV

I looked at Victor and said, "I’m sure about my decision."

Victor pursed his lips and asked, "Do you love her?"

I could tell he was referring to Vivienne.

My gaze faltered. "I don’t know if it’s love, but I do know I don’t want to divorce her. Just the thought of her leaving... it feels like there’s a hole inside me."

"Maybe you’re just used to the marriage. Once you’re single again, you’ll get over it," Victor suggested.

I stared out the window in silence, not taking his words to heart.

Victor sighed, though I couldn’t tell if it was out of surprise or pity for Isabella.

"Has Isabella agreed to break up with you?"

I furrowed my brow and replied quietly, "She doesn’t have a choice."

Victor looked at me, as if judging me to be cold-hearted. After so many years with Isabella, it seemed our bond didn’t matter compared to the three years I’d spent married to Vivienne. People always celebrate the new, never the old.

Victor realized there was no point in saying more and turned to leave.

I stood by the window for a moment before heading back to the private room.

Vivienne’s POV

Inside the private room, after Alexander entered, he smiled at me. "It’s getting late. Shall we head home?"

"Sure."

"Not going to play another round?" Jasper asked.

"We’ll get together another time. You guys enjoy yourselves; I’ll cover today’s losses."

After Alexander greeted the others, he took my hand and led me out.

As we waited for the elevator, a few people approached. The leader, a short man with a noticeable belly, smiled when he saw Alexander and walked over. "CEO Alexander Hawthorne," he called.

Alexander’s face remained impassive as he acknowledged him. "Mr. Cole Blackwood, hello."

"CEO Hawthorne, what a surprise to see you here. Quite the coincidence," Cole Blackwood said.

After exchanging pleasantries, Cole smiled and added, "Isabella has been so lucky to have had your care during this time. You’ve really gone all out for her birthday party. Is she still filming on set?"

Alexander gave a slight nod but didn’t respond, clearly not wanting to talk more about Isabella.

Cole glanced at me before cautiously continuing, "It’s hard to believe how many years have passed. I still remember when Isabella used to run around with two pigtails, calling me ’uncle.’ She’s not so young anymore. Now all she does is film; her peers already have children of their own."

"Everyone has their own path," Alexander replied flatly.

Noticing Alexander’s reluctance to discuss Isabella, Cole shifted his gaze back to me. "CEO Hawthorne, may I ask who this lady is?"

Alexander briefly introduced me. "Vivienne Sinclair."

Cole’s eyes lit up with understanding, and he immediately smiled. "Ms. Vivienne, it’s an honor to meet you. What a pleasure tonight."

As he spoke, his gaze lingered on our hands.

I politely responded, "You’re too kind."

Feeling his scrutinizing gaze, I maintained my smile.

I knew that Cole Blackwood was Isabella’s uncle, the eldest brother of her father.

From what I knew, the Blackwood family was a prominent business family. Although they didn’t have much of a reputation in Virellia City when they started, their recent dealings with Vanguard Global Enterprises had helped them build a strong network. Over the years, the Blackwoods had gradually established themselves in Virellia’s business circles and became part of the social elite.

At that moment, the elevator dinged, and the doors opened.

"CEO Hawthorne, after you."

Alexander led me into the corner of the elevator and wrapped his arm around my shoulders.

Cole glanced at Alexander before smiling again. "Ms. Vivienne, are you 25 now? Do you have someone special? Maybe I could introduce you to someone?"

I was about to speak when Alexander cut in. "No need to trouble yourself, Mr. Blackwood."

Cole, understanding, fell silent.

Other’s POV

After they parted ways, Cole stood still for a moment. His assistant hurried over, out of breath, and said, “CEO Cole Blackwood, I looked into it. CEO Hawthorne isn’t here for business today. He’s just meeting up with a few close friends.”

Cole raised an eyebrow. “Close friends?”

The assistant nodded. “Yeah.”

Cole gave a brief nod. “Let’s head back.”

If Alexander were bringing Vivienne to meet business partners, Cole wouldn’t have given it a second thought. But if he was bringing her to meet his closest friends, that was something else entirely.

Cole had known for a long time about the Hawthorne family’s adopted daughter. She was a quiet, low-profile person who didn’t socialize much in high society. Plus, the Hawthorne fortune didn’t include her, so Cole had never paid much attention to Vivienne.

The last time Alexander and Vivienne made the news, Cole had heard from his brother that Alexander was on good terms with Isabella, and he figured it was just media speculation.

But seeing them together today, it was obvious Alexander’s feelings for Vivienne were different.

A growing sense of unease settled in Cole’s chest.