Chapter 76 What Are You Going to Do?
Late at night in the wealthy bay district, Gavin was updating Alexander on the latest developments in Elsa's case when Lucas arrived uninvited.
Alexander gave Gavin a look.
Gavin quickly excused himself.
The moment he was gone, Lucas demanded, "Elsa being taken into criminal detention was your doing, wasn't it?"
Alexander rose without hurry, walked to the liquor cabinet, and poured Lucas a drink.
Lucas took the glass only to set it down hard on the coffee table.
"If you won't answer, I'll take that as a yes."
Alexander's reply was deliberately vague.
"The police will reach the fairest conclusion."
Lucas's chest rose and fell.
"Gavin has been at your side for years. How could he possibly make such a stupid mistake?"
Alexander sat on the sofa and switched on the television.
"Even careful people make mistakes. Gavin is human, not a god. An occasional error is unavoidable."
Lucas paced once across the room in fury.
"Alexander, other people may not understand you, but I do. You're calculating. You're ruthless when you need to be. You know exactly how to use leverage. But none of that should ever have been used against Elsa."
Alexander lowered his eyes and said nothing.
Lucas continued, "I won't stand here and watch you corner her like this. I'll arrange bail, get her out, and make sure she divorces you."
He turned toward the door.
Alexander slowly stood.
"Lucas, this is between my wife and me. If you interfere, don't blame me for forgetting we're friends."
Lucas stopped and turned back.
"Alexander, Elsa and I grew up together too. She's your wife, but she's also like a little sister to me. I won't watch you destroy her."
He slammed the door on his way out.
Alexander walked to the floor-to-ceiling windows and stood there for a long time.
Then he called Lucas's father.
The next morning, Alexander left for work on schedule.
Carson, the old estate's butler, was waiting respectfully outside.
"Young Master, Old Mr. Horton requests that you return to the family estate immediately."
More than an hour later, Alexander arrived at the Horton estate.
The moment he stepped out of the car, Violet stormed toward him.
"You got my sister-in-law thrown in jail. Do you have any conscience at all?"
Alexander's voice sharpened.
"Watch your manners. What happens between your sister-in-law and me is none of your business."
Carson quickly stepped between them and held Violet back.
Alexander entered the living room.
Eleanor looked just as angry.
"If Lucas hadn't told us, how long were you planning to hide this?"
Alexander said nothing.
"Elsa has already spent a night in detention and you still planned to go to work? Use your connections and bring her home."
Alexander remained unmoved.
"Mom, the police are involved now. It has to follow legal procedure."
Eleanor nearly saw stars from anger and dropped onto the sofa.
Rules were things people with capital created to restrain ordinary people.
Families at their level almost never talked about simply "following procedure."
Least of all the men of the Horton family.
Charles gave his son an approving look.
"Alexander is right. A man shouldn't let emotion control his decisions."
Carson came to deliver another message.
Alexander went upstairs to his grandfather's study.
A faint scent of ink filled the room. Old Mr. Horton stood beside the desk with his cane. A piece of calligraphy lay before him, the ink not yet completely dry.
He raised his eyes when his grandson entered.
"The divorce didn't go through, and now this has happened. What are you planning to do?"
Alexander stopped a few steps away.
"Don't worry, Grandfather. I won't act emotionally because of Elsa."
The answer satisfied the old man.
"Alexander, the Winters family has been bankrupt for years and can no longer help your future. If that girl can't even live peacefully with you as your wife, what use is there in keeping her?"
Alexander lowered his gaze.
"You're right."
Old Mr. Horton continued, "Whether she stays or goes is your decision. But if her existence threatens your future, the Horton family's reputation, or Horton Group's interests, I will not allow her to remain."
Alexander's expression turned frighteningly cold.
"Grandfather, as long as you promise not to touch the Winters family, I'll bring everything back under control as soon as possible."
Old Mr. Horton handed his cane to Carson and picked up his brush again.
Alexander left the study.
His car had barely passed through the gates of the estate when Serena stepped out of another vehicle and blocked the way.
Months of minor cosmetic procedures had changed her features noticeably.
She was prettier now, but the polished social-media-influencer look was stronger too.
The car stopped. The rear window slowly lowered.
Alexander frowned when he saw her.
"What are you doing here?"
Serena glanced nervously toward the Horton estate.
"Alexander, I called you but you didn't answer. Gavin told me you'd come back to the estate, so I waited here."
"What is it?"
She asked carefully, "Could I get in and talk to you?"
Alexander hesitated, then nodded.
Serena climbed into the car and immediately began explaining, as though afraid he might misunderstand.
"I heard your wife was taken away by the police yesterday before your divorce hearing. I was worried about both of you, so I came to see you."
Alexander's eyes tightened.
"Where did you hear that?"
A trace of grievance entered Serena's voice.
"Alexander, everyone in our circle already knows about your divorce. It isn't exactly a secret."
When he said nothing, she continued anxiously.
"I asked around. In your wife's situation, she should qualify for bail pending investigation."
Alexander's tone cooled.
"Serena, I will handle my wife's affairs properly. This is not something you need to concern yourself with."
Serena became emotional.
"Alexander, your wife is beautiful and kind. She tolerated Ethan and me trying to make a life in Saintville, and I've always been grateful to her. I've also felt guilty that our presence caused misunderstandings between the two of you.
How could I not care now that something like this has happened to her?"
"Don't burden yourself with it. Everything will follow legal procedure."
The driver opened the door.
Serena got out.
As she watched Alexander's car pull away, the corner of her mouth lifted in satisfaction.
Elsa had already been detained for a day and a night, yet Alexander did not appear worried at all.
So perhaps he did not care about that woman nearly as much as Serena had feared.
She should make time to visit a church and pray that Elsa received a sentence of eight or ten years.
Better yet, life.
She hoped Elsa would never walk out of prison again.
At ten that morning, Gavin knocked on the door of the executive president's office at Horton Group.
"Sir, the Winters family has already met with Mrs. Horton. They've retained Attorney Coleman, and he's asked to meet with me."
Alexander continued signing the documents in front of him without lifting his head.
Gavin hesitated.
"Should I meet with them?"
"No."