Rebirth Of The Heiress And The Tycoon's Lover (Alina) novel Chapter 186

Chapter 186

Chapter 186

AUTHOR’S POV.

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“Finally Talia!” Alina breathed in relief the moment the line connected. It had been a week since the launch, and not a word from Talia.

“Baby… I’m so sorry,” Talia’s voice rushed through, tinged with guilt. “I should have reached out. Things have just been… busy.”

Alina arched a brow, the corners of her lips curving knowingly. “Yeah, sure. Busy doing Ace, you mean.”

A horrified gasp echoed through the phone. “Alina!” Talia squealed, mortified. “Don’t say it like that!”

Alina let out a soft laugh, amused by her friend’s flustered tone. “But it’s true, and don’t bother denying it. I know Ace spent the night the day he took you home… and that he’s been around ever since then, I know that for a fact because Lucian told me.”

There was a pause, then Talia’s voice dropped into a shy murmur. “Okay… fine. You caught me. But for the record, we’ve also been working on tracking down the man behind Louis.”

Alina laughed outright this time, her tone playful. “Cut the crap. Spill the tea and leave not even a drop in the cup.What really happened that night Ace took you home?”

Talia hesitated, feigning innocence. “Honestly, nothing really-‘

“Don’t even start.” Alina’s voice softened into a teasing whine. “Common, Tal… don’t leave me hanging. You know I always tell you whenever you want to know what happened between Lucian and me, now it’s your turn.”

A defeated sigh came from the other end, followed by reluctant confession.

“Alright, fine,” Talia finally caved, her voice low but colored with embarrassment. “From the moment we left the venue… Ace was different. On our way to the car, he actually… complimented me. Said I looked stunning in that red dress.” Her lips curved into a shy smile at the memory, though her cheeks flushed. “And during the ride, he just kept… flirting with me. Not the usual sharp remarks, actual teasing. Soft, playful. It felt… strange, but nice.”

Her voice softened further, hesitant but warm. “When he walked me to the door, he stopped and looked at me, serious, like he meant every word. He said I would be his… and that he liked me.” Talia’s breath hitched, and she let out a nervous laugh. “I didn’t even know what to say. So I just… invited him in.”

“Of course you did.” Alina scoffed teasingly.

Her tone shifted, colored with heat and lingering awe. “The sex was-” she whispered, almost scandalized at admitting it out loud, “-incredible. Intense but… tender too, my whole body was sore the next morning. Afterwards, he actually drew me a bath.” Her laughter was soft, filled with disbelief at the memory. “And then, of course, he joined me.”

A dreamy sigh escaped her. “The next morning, he surprised me with breakfast in bed. He was… so sweet, Alina. Completely different from the Ace everyone knows. And after that, well…” her voice trailed into a laugh,

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Chapter 186

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“let’s just say, we didn’t exactly leave the bed right away.”

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Alina’s chest swelled with warmth, a dreamy sigh escaping her lips. “For a guy who claims he isn’t the flowers- and–dinner type, he sounds pretty sweet.”

“He is,” Talia admitted, voice colored with wonder. “He’s different with me, Alina. He smiles more… makes jokes too.”

“Well, I’ll be damned,” Alina muttered with disbelief, shaking her head with a laugh. “I’ve never seen Ace wear anything on his face other than a blank stare… or a glare.”

“That,” Talia teased lightly, “is reserved for me.”

Alina laughed, rolling her eyes even though Talia couldn’t see it. “Yeah, yeah. Enjoy your bragging rights. But seriously, Tal, explore this. Ace really likes you.”

Silence lingered, then curiosity edged into Talia’s voice. “How do you know?”

“Lucian told me,” Alina said simply. “That’s why he let Ace take you home that night… and why he still lets him work so closely with you, he wants you guys to spend as much time as you can together.”

Talia’s surprise rang through the line. “Wait…Lucian’s playing matchmaker?” A slow smile curved in her tone. “Since when? Wow, color me surprised.”

“Weren’t you a bit curious about why he let Ace his shadow stay away from him for a week?” Alina asked her.

“Well I just thought he needed work done faster that was why… I guess I am growing on him.” Talia said slyly.

Alina’s voice softened, a touch of pride in her chest. “Yeah… I think so too.”

The mood shifted as Alina’s tone grew more serious. “So… what’s the progress with the search? Do you have a lead on where Louis is and who he is working for?”

Talia sounded surprised. “Lucian didn’t tell you?”

Alina stilled. “Tell me what?”

Talia hesitated only a moment before revealing it. “Louis is dead.”

“What?” Alina’s voice trembled.

“The man he was working for had him killed… he didn’t want Lucian finding him.”

A sharp gasp tore from Alina. Her fingers tightened around the phone. “He’s dead? Are you sure?”

“Positive.” Talia responded firmly.

“How do you even know this?”

“I overheard Ace talking to Lucian the morning after,” Talia admitted. “The unknown man called Lucian and told him himself.”

Chapter 186

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Sadness flickered in Alina’s chest, heavier than she expected. “And Lucian hasn’t said anything… it’s been a week.”

“Don’t take it the wrong way,” Talia soothed quickly. “He didn’t want to worry you. You’ve been doing so well with sales, he wanted to keep you focused. The only reason I know is because Ace asked me to trace the

number.”

Alina’s heart pounded. “And? Any luck?”

Her friend’s tone turned frustrated. “No. It was a dead end. The number wasn’t registered. The signal bounced everywhere…I couldn’t pinpoint a location.”

A faint tremor threaded Alina’s voice. “Talia… I’m scared.”

“Don’t be,” Talia said firmly, her tone protective. “I’ll keep digging until I find that bastard. You’re not alone in this.”

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