Chapter 53: Chapter 53

“It has nothing to do with you,” Anastasia mumbled hoarsely while pondering, “Would he have carried out an investigation if he hadn’t been exploring every avenue to get a divorce?”

“Nothing to do with me? Anastasia, we’re a married couple!” Alastor’s voice was subdued, and he appeared to be losing control.

At that moment, Anastasia noticed the strong scent of alcohol emanating from Alastor and realized he had been drinking. Knowing Alastor well enough, Anastasia knew he wasn’t someone who indulged in excessive drinking or had a fondness for alcohol.

Besides, he seldom drank due to stomach issues, even in social situations.

But now, Alastor seemed to be drinking constantly.

She wondered, “Has he decided to stop pretending? Or does he finally feel free to be himself?”

Indeed, Anastasia had not truly grasped enough about Alastor’s character.

It was understandable since they had only been married for four years. How much could one learn about a person in such a short period?

“A married couple? Are you sure, Alastor?” questioned Anastasia, “You wouldn’t have reignited your relationship with your first crush and engaged in such actions if you truly cared about us.”

“You have no right to criticize me! Am I the only one who doesn’t care about this relationship?” Alastor stood up. “You were right when you said that Felicia and I have a relationship different from the one between you and Jace. I’ve known Felicia since we were 18 years old, and I’m well aware of all her flaws and little schemes. Despite her materialistic and vain ways, she’s always transparent with her emotions and lacks the same level of deceitfulness as others!”

Alastor appeared to be using the influence of alcohol to release his pent-up emotions.

Sitting in a chair, Anastasia looked at Alastor numbly and thought, “He’s insinuating me. He’s criticizing me for being scheming and masking my emotions too well.”

With a mocking smile, Anastasia lowered her head and continued thinking, “I must have become quite annoying to Alastor. Even though I also feel repulsed by my current state, I can’t help it.”

A person’s personality was shaped by their environment.

Sadly, Anastasia hadn’t been brought up in a positive environment.

After enduring so much hardship, she didn’t expect Alastor to entirely understand what she had been through. However, even a small amount of empathy and tenderness from him would’ve been met with her wholeheartedness.

Finally, Anastasia said, “I’m scheming.” Looking at the four agreements before her, Anastasia thought, “That seems… to be true.”

Taking a deep breath, Anastasia continued, “I’m also malicious. In that case, you can only consider yourself unlucky for crossing paths with me.”

“Anastasia, do you really think I’m afraid of you?” Alastor braced himself against the table as he looked at her. “If it weren’t for our four years of relationship, I would’ve shown you my ruthlessness, which I’m sure you know well.”

Alastor was reminding Anastasia that he was reaching his limit.

Alastor had been holding back since Anastasia found out about his relationship with Felicia.

Anastasia was the one who had been persistently pushing the boundaries and being unreasonable.

“Anastasia, it’s frightening to see how you’ve utilized everyone you can get your hands on to get to where you are today,” Alastor remarked as he picked up the four agreements from the table.

“Back then, Jace almost committed murder because of your instigation. That wasn’t enough, as you also framed Meredith and Harold for domestic violence and sexual assault. During university days, you resorted to selling your body to make money. To secure your interest, you rushed into blind dates and had a blitz marriage after graduation. Now, you are resorting to even more ruthless tactics to safeguard your benefits.”

Anastasia furrowed her brows and trembled as she looked at Alastor. Her eyes burned as tears welled up, and her throat was so dry that she couldn’t utter a word.

She was uncertain whether Alastor was slandering her to obtain the divorce or if he genuinely misunderstood her.

Abastasia knew these rumors had never ceased since her days in school, but she never imagined that Alastor would believe in something so baseless.

“He actually believes in those rumors?” she questioned inwardly.

“Did you think everything was smooth sailing when you held the position of Mrs. Lopez? Do you know how many times I’ve cleaned up after you? Even Xavier Camden claimed to have slept with you! If I hadn’t suppressed all the news on your behalf, who do you think would be the one feeling ashamed now?” It was evident that Alastor had had quite a lot of drinks.

After years of holding back, he was finally blurting out all the unspoken words he had held back.

Anastasia’s stomach churned intensely.

“Xavier Camden? The same Xavier that I’ve been working with for the art exhibitions?” she thought.

Xavier was one of Anastasia’s few friends of the opposite sex.

“Xavier told you that?” asked Anastasia as she rasped out a hot breath.

She knew she could never prove her innocence when her good friend was the one who made up this calumny.

“Why? Are you refusing to admit to your wrongdoings? Look at these!” Alastor took out his phone and threw it in front of Anastasia.

His photo album was full of Anastasia’s nude pictures taken while she was in a deep slumber.