Page 136 of Seal the Deal

It doesn’t take long to spot him. He’s sitting at a table in the corner, that smug look already plastered in place. I fight the urge to wipe it straight off him.

He rises when we approach, but I catch the flicker of surprise when he spots me with Charlie. It’s subtle, just a quick clench of his jaw. Good. Let him be pissed.

"Jake," he says smoothly, his voice dripping with mock surprise. "I thought you'd be off... what is it, hitting pucks or fighting on the ice by now?"

“Funny, I'm real good at both. You wanna find out which one I feel like doing today?”

Alex’s smirk falters for a split second before he turns his attention to Charlie. "Hi, Lottie."

His voice is soft, trying to play the caring ex-husband, but I see right through him. He’s sizing her up, already playing the game. I grit my teeth, but I keep quiet—for now.

We take a seat across from him, and I position myself so Charlie’s tucked against my side, my arm draped casually over the back of her chair. Alex’s eyes flick between us, a flash of irritation crossing his face.

"Nice of you to bring an escort," he says, his tone dripping with condescension. "But I thought this meeting was about the kids."

"It is," Charlie says, her voice steady, though I can hear the strain underneath. "Jake's here because we’re in this together.”

"Together," Alex repeats, leaning back in his chair with a smirk. “Must be nice to have a... distraction." His eyes dart to me and I resist the urge to nail his hand to the table. “Although I do wonder how stable that is for the kids. You know, them being dragged around while you’re playing house."

I can see what he’s doing—trying to rattle her, trying to plant those seeds of doubt. She’s strong. But I also know this is a pressure point for her because she’s always thinking about the kids, about their stability. And he’s weaponizing that against her.

Charlie doesn’t bite. "The kids are fine, Alex. They're happy."

"Are they?" He leans forward, resting his elbows on the table like he’s trying to be reasonable. “Lottie, I know we haven’t always seen eye to eye, but I’m genuinely concerned. I don’t think this move was the right decision. Uprooting them like that… It’s a lot for them to process. And now you’re throwing a new relationship in the mix? That’s a lot of instability for two young children."

I feel Charlie stiffen beside me, see her knuckles turning white as she grips the edge of the table. My hand moves instinctively to her knee, a steadying touch. But internally I’m seeing red. I can’t believe this asshole has the nerve to talk about stability after everything he’s done.

“You’re worried about stability?” I snap. “That’s a joke, coming from someone who only shows up when it suits him.”

Alex’s gaze lands on mine, and I see the flash of irritation again. Good. Push me, asshole. See what happens.

“Look, Jake," he says, charm slipping. "I know you think you’re swooping in here being the hero, but this is between me and Lottie. It’s about what’s best forourkids."

"Exactly," I spit back. "Which is why they’re here withher. Because she’s the one who’s been there for them. Not you."

The smirk falls away, his face hardening as he shifts his focus to Charlie. “You know what? I’m done playing nice. I want the kids back in New Zealand, and I’m taking this to court.”

Charlie inhales sharply. I tighten my grip on her knee, a silent anchor, but I can see it—the fear creeping over her face.

Alex leans in, his voice dripping with faux concern. "It’ll be easier for you to just agree now. You could find another job back home. Save the kids the trauma of a legal proceeding. Don’t you want to avoid all that stress for them? For you?"

And there it is. The manipulation. He’s laying it on thick, trying to guilt her into agreeing, pretending like he’s doing it for the kids. I can see her struggling, trying to hold strong, but the doubt is creeping in. And that’s when I lose it.

I stand abruptly, the chair scraping against the floor. “We’re done here.”

Alex looks up at me startled, but his lips curl into a mocking smile. "What’s the matter, Jake? Can’t handle a real adult conversation?"

I brace my hands flat on the table, leaning in just enough to let Alex know I'd like an excuse to throw him over it. “You don't give a shit about those kids. So you don’t get to sit here, manipulating her and pretending you do.”

His jaw twitches, but he stays silent. He knows exactly how close he is to crossing a line.

I straighten up, turning to Charlie. "We’re leaving."

She looks up at me conflicted, wanting to fight, but the weight of it all is pulling her down. I’m not letting him twist the knife any further.

"Charlie," I say softly, holding out my hand. "Let’s go."

She swallows and takes my hand, standing slowly. Alex watches us, his smirk returning, but I don’t give him the satisfaction of reacting.

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