Chapter 38: Bambi

Douglas sank into his office chair, cradling his glass of wine, his mind echoing with Alex's words from the day before.

"That jerk! How could he even suggest such a thing about his father?" Douglas muttered, the bitterness evident in his voice.

Yet, he felt a pang of guilt. Had he truly done everything in his power to uncover the truth behind the death of the woman he loved? As he swirled the crimson liquid in his glass, Douglas couldn't shake the feeling that he had failed her in some way.

****

As Alex arranged a cab for Dunice to take her to Alix's School, Dunice cradled the tiny puppy in her arms, as she thanked Alex. "Thank you so much, Alex," she said, her voice filled with appreciation.

"Anything for you," Alex replied with a playful wink, his eyes sparkling with warmth.