From Mob Princess to Mugshot Photographer novel Chapter 45

**Chapter 9**

In the tropical paradise of the Maldives, the sun blazed relentlessly, casting a golden sheen over everything it touched. Alexander stood before the expansive floor-to-ceiling window, lost in thought, completely unaware of the cigarette that had burned perilously close to his fingertips.

Outside, the vibrant turquoise waters gently kissed the powdery white sand of the beach, creating a mesmerizing rhythm that seemed to beckon him. Chloe, with her sun-kissed skin glistening, lounged by the pool in a striking bikini. Water droplets clung to her waist like jewels, glimmering in the sunlight. She turned her head slightly, a playful smile dancing on her lips. “Alexander, aren’t you coming in?” she called, her voice a sweet invitation.

Yet, Alexander remained motionless, his gaze glued to his phone, the screen illuminating his face with a cold, harsh light.

Three torturous days had passed, and still no response from Olivia. The message he had sent lingered in the void, unanswered and haunting.

“Your whiskey, Mr. Pierce,” the butler interjected, his voice steady and respectful, as he presented a glass with a slight bow.

Alexander accepted the drink, raising it to his lips and swallowing a generous gulp. The fiery burn of the alcohol coursed down his throat, yet it did nothing to soothe the restless irritation gnawing at his insides.

How could she ignore him? When had he ever been left in the dark like this?

A surge of unnameable emotion welled up within him, intensifying the unease that had taken root in his chest.

“Alexa~ander~” Chloe’s voice slithered around him, sultry and inviting, as she approached from behind. Her wet body pressed against his back, and her red lips brushed tantalizingly close to his ear.

“You’ve been so distracted lately…” she purred, her tone laced with a hint of concern.

The deliberate pout in her voice caused Alexander to frown slightly, and he instinctively stepped aside, creating distance between them.

“I’m just tired,” he replied curtly, hoping to dismiss her concerns.

Chloe’s smile faltered momentarily but quickly returned, sweeter than before. “Then let’s go rest, hmm? I could give you a massage…”

Her hand trailed down his chest, but as it reached his belt, he caught her wrist firmly in his grip.

“Chloe. Stop it,” he said, his voice laced with an icy edge.

Her eyes widened, shimmering with unshed tears. “What’s wrong with you? Ever since we got here, you’ve been zoning out, barely speaking to me… Are you… thinking about Olivia Hayes?”

The mention of Olivia pierced through him like a dagger, sharp and unforgiving.

Alexander’s eyes darkened dangerously, a storm brewing within. “Don’t say her name!” he snapped, the words escaping his lips with a venomous intensity.

Chloe recoiled, her expression one of hurt. “I… I just saw you staring at your phone…” she stammered, her voice shaky.

Seeing the fear in her eyes, he softened his tone, though the tension still crackled in the air. “Don’t overthink it. It’s just… work stress,” he reassured her, though the words felt hollow even to him.

With a sense of urgency, he grabbed his phone and strode purposefully toward the beach, leaving Chloe standing alone, a solitary figure against the vibrant backdrop.

The waves crashed rhythmically against the shore, a tumultuous symphony that mirrored his inner turmoil. He pulled up Olivia’s number and pressed dial, his heart racing with anticipation.

11:04

From Mob Princess to Mugshot Photographer: Smile, Ex

37.0%

Chapter 9

[The number you have dialed is currently switched off…]

The robotic voice echoed coldly in his ears, each word a chilling reminder of her absence. Alexander gripped the phone tightly, his knuckles turning white with frustration.

She turned it off?! Who the hell did she think she was?!

That night, as darkness enveloped the island, Chloe climbed into his bed, her presence a stark contrast to the turmoil in his mind.

She wore a silk nightgown, reminiscent of the style Olivia favored, and had spritzed herself with a perfume that mirrored Olivia’s signature scent. Alexander, intoxicated and disoriented, felt her warmth as she pressed against him, her lips finding his in a fervent kiss.

His eyes were heavy-lidded, the liquor blurring his vision. Yet, in that moment, it felt as if Olivia were there with him, her stubborn eyes clouded with longing…

“Olivia… you’re so beautiful…” he murmured against her lips, the name slipping out before he could catch himself.

Chloe, mishearing the name, only smiled more seductively. “Alexander…” she purred, her voice dripping with desire.

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