Chapter 334

Sophia finally realized it—she had to pay the price for everything she’d done to Alex.

She had chosen to divorce Alex simply because he was a pitiful former soldier with no wealth or influence.

But now, in her heart, she knew Alex was the only one who truly understood her, the only one willing to sacrifice anything for her.

The money, the power, the people she had chased after to improve her life-they had all betrayed her.

Every single one of them used her for their selfish purposes.

Sophia had thrown Alex away because she saw him as worthless, and chased after powerful men who viewed her exactly the way she had once viewed Alex- as a tool, nothing more.

None of them ever saw her true self, her real heart.

In their eyes, she was just another trophy, defined by her status and wealth.

She wasn’t a real person to them, just another shiny object to add to their collection.

In tears, Sophia finally understood that she had lost something precious in her pursuit of material success-the illusion of power had blinded her.

She had chased empty promises instead of genuine happiness.

Now, by sacrificing herself to help Alex, she hoped to repay him for the terrible mistakes she had made.

It was time to face her karma.

Night fell, cloaking Chicago in darkness. A taxi pulled up slowly outside the First Restaurant.

Alex and Lyra stepped out, scanning the elegant facade.

“So, this is the best restaurant in Chicago?” Alex murmured skeptically.

“Well, I can’t say for sure it’s not exactly my style,” Lyra replied with a smirk, “but everyone swears it’s the best p>

They walked together into the sophisticated dining hall, finding a table on the VIP floor overlooking the bustling crowd below.

“I heard from Kelly Kingston that the king finally agreed to let your father become governor,” Alex said, his voice filled with genuine admiration. “Congratulations.” Lyra shook her head with a smile. “It’s all thanks to that cunning fox, Major General Marcus. He single-handedly destroyed the Chicago Lords p>

Alex’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. “What exactly did he do p>

“You wouldn’t believe it,” Lyra said, rolling her eyes dramatically.

“Before arresting the Lords, he exposed every dirty secret they had. All their corrupt dealings went straight to the prime minister and the king. The whole government nearly exploded with rage p>

“Sounds like a brilliant play,” Alex chuckled.

“Absolutely. Marcus shoved the Lords off the edge and positioned himself as the hero who caught them,” Lyra said sarcastically. “Classic move p>

“And it worked perfectly,” Alex said with amusement. “I heard your father, who was framed by the Lords and forced out, got his position restored by the king. Now Joe Thompson is the only Lord left standing p>

Lyra sighed, her expression softening with gratitude. “That’s the best part. My father’s position is restored, and my mother’s investments have suddenly turned golden p>

Alex smiled knowingly. “And now your father’s wasted no time making you vice governor. Everyone says he’s already preparing you to take over entirely p>

Lyra blushed slightly, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “Come on, Alex. I still have so much to learn from my father p>

She smiled warmly, the happiness clear in her eyes as they sat together, the weight of past struggles beginning to lift away.

Lyra had endured a long, painful journey, marked by shame and rejection ever since her father was publicly disgraced and banished first from Chicago, then from Vancouver.

It was only after meeting Alex that her life had started turning around, slowly but surely improving day by day.

“You know, Alex,” Lyra said softly, looking deeply into his eyes, her voice filled with sincerity. “If I owe anyone in this life, it’s you. I’d willingly die for you p>

เวน

Alex, taken aback, struggled to find the right words. Finally, he offered, “You’ve fought hard without ever giving up. The success you’re enjoying now comes from your persistence and strength-and from the True Source. You deserve every bit of it p>

Lyra bit her lip nervously, eyes shining as she held his gaze. “Alex, I think I’m falling in love with you p>

Alex hesitated, desperately looking for a distraction. His eyes settled on a couple entering the room. “Lyra, isn’t that Sophia p>

Lyra turned sharply, surprise flashing across her face. Indeed, her best friend Sophia was there, arm-in-arm with another man. They seemed undeniably like they were on a date.

Anger and bitterness churned within Alex. His recent capture by the military and the near-death experience were still fresh wounds, yet here Sophia was, carefree and happy with another man.

It cut deep, confirming his worst fears—that Sophia didn’t care about him at all.

“Do you recognize that guy?” Alex asked sharply, unable to hide the bitterness in his voice.

“Yeah,” Lyra replied, eyes narrowing slightly. “That’s Gilbert Guise, heir to the Paris estate-bigger even than Texas or Chicago. But I didn’t know he and Sophia were close.” She glanced back at Alex. “Want to move to another spot p>

Alex frowned, his jaw tightening. “Why would we do that p>

“Well, she’s my best friend, but she’s also your ex-wife,” Lyra said carefully,

sensing his pain. “Won’t it hurt you to see her here p>

Alex scoffed defiantly, taking a deep swig from his wine glass. “Forget it. I haven’t done anything wrong, so there’s no reason to run p>

Just then, Sophia and Gilbert entered the VIP section. Sophia immediately noticed the pair, excitement flashing in her eyes. “Alex? Lyra? What are you guys doing here?” she asked brightly, approaching quickly.

“Why shouldn’t I be here?” Alex responded coldly, glaring at her. “When did they release you? Why didn’t you tell me?” Sophia asked joyfully, her eyes hopeful, convinced that her agreement to date Gilbert had something to do with Alex’s freedom. Surely Laura had informed the military, ensuring his release? Alex’s eyes grew colder, his tone sharp and cutting. “Do you think I need your permission or that I owe you an explanation for being free p>

Sophia felt her heart tighten painfully. She had been willing to sacrifice everything for Alex, yet his distant, indifferent response crushed her. Did he not realize the lengths she had gone to for him?

Meanwhile, Alex’s bitterness

deepened, haunted by memories of his imprisonment and Sophia’s absence her indifference becoming cleare with every passing moment. As she stood there, arm linked with another man, Alex finally understood the bitter truth: they were never truly meant to be.