Chapter 243: Some things she already knows

Alex sat on the couch, wincing as a sharp pain shot through his lower back. The way Dominic had thrown him to the ground had left him in considerable pain, and even the slightest movement made him uncomfortable.

Grimacing, he pushed himself to his feet and headed towards the drawer to fetch a painkiller. However, before he could reach it, the doorbell rang.

Alex froze, a flicker of apprehension crossing his face.

Are those men back again?

Dread crept into his heart as he recalled what had happened earlier. But when the doorbell continued ringing relentlessly, his brows furrowed in irritation.

He doubted Dominic’s men would return after being ordered to leave him alone. Besides, who else would come looking for him at this hour?

Unable to tolerate the incessant ringing any longer, Alex finally marched towards the door and pulled it open.

The moment he saw who was standing outside, his expression darkened.

"Didn’t I tell you to stop showing your face around here, Julianna?" he snapped, his eyes turning cold. "Why are you here again?"

Despite his clear warning, the woman had dared to show up at his doorstep once more.

Julianna clenched her jaw, glaring at him with barely concealed anger. She had had enough of his arrogance and empty promises.

"Give me back all the money I’ve spent on you," she demanded.

Alex stared at her, momentarily taken aback.

"What?"

"You heard me." Julianna folded her arms across her chest. "I want every penny I’ve spent on you. The money, the gifts, everything. I’m done wasting my time and resources on an ungrateful man like you."

Alex’s expression changed instantly.

"Have you lost your mind?" he hissed. "You were the one who offered me those things. When did I ever force you to spend money on me?"

Julianna let out a bitter laugh.

"Oh, so now you’re pretending you had nothing to do with it? You were more than happy to accept everything when it suited you. But now that I’m asking for it back, suddenly, I’m the unreasonable one?"

Alex’s expression darkened with anger.

"Don’t forget that I helped you deceive Clara in return for all those luxuries. So, I’d say we’re even. Now leave, and don’t show your face at my door again."

He tried to shut the door, but Julianna quickly shoved her foot against it, preventing him from closing it.

"I don’t care!" she snapped. "Now that you’ve stopped supporting me, I want every penny I spent on you returned!"

Julianna had had enough. She was tired of being treated like a maid in that shabby house, and her mother’s constant pressure to find a job that didn’t even match her status was only adding to her frustration.

She had already sacrificed so much for Alex, and she wasn’t about to let him walk away without paying her back.

Alex stared at her as though she had completely lost her mind.

How on earth was he supposed to return her money when he barely had anything left himself?

He had been so confident that Julianna would continue funding his lifestyle that he had never bothered to save a single penny. Instead, he had spent her money as carelessly as he pleased.

And now, the very woman who had spoiled him was standing at his doorstep, demanding it all back.

"I don’t have anything to give you!" Alex snapped, his patience finally running out.

Alex had had enough of Julianna’s persistence. He was about to slam the door in her face when her next words made him freeze.

"Don’t forget, Alex. I can expose you to Clara."

Julianna smirked when she noticed his reaction and slowly stepped closer.

"I’ll tell her that you’ve been sleeping with me all this time, enjoying every luxury I provided. I’ll make sure she knows you never truly loved her."

Now that Alex had discarded her, how could she possibly let him run back to Clara and live happily ever after? If she had to suffer, then he would suffer too. After all, they had entered this arrangement together, and she wasn’t going to let him walk away without consequences.

Now that Alex had realized Clara was the woman he wanted, Julianna was determined to make sure he never got what he wished for.

She smiled triumphantly, convinced she finally had him cornered.

However, when Alex stepped closer, her smile faltered.

Instead of looking terrified at the thought of being exposed, he looked even more furious.

"Clara already knows we were together, Julianna," he sneered. "So don’t think you can squeeze another penny out of me by threatening to tell her something she already knows."

Julianna’s eyes widened as realization dawned on her.

"H-How did she—"

She had always believed Clara was too foolish to see through her lies. But hearing Alex confirm the truth left her feeling like a fool herself.

"How did she find out? I made sure everything was covered! She couldn’t have known!" Julianna insisted. "You’re lying!"

She refused to believe him. How could Clara possibly know everything? No, Alex must be lying because he doesn’t want to pay me. Yes, that has to be it!

Meanwhile, Alex was rapidly losing his patience.

"I’m not lying! If you don’t believe me, go and ask Clara yourself." He glared at her. "You thought you had everything under control, but Clara is smarter than you. I regret not realizing that sooner."

Julianna stared at him in disbelief, unable to process his words.

Before she could respond, Alex shoved her back by the shoulder and slammed the door in her face.

For a moment, Julianna stood motionless. Then, fury surged through her.

"Alex, you liar! Don’t you dare turn your back on me! Give me my money back!"

She pounded on the door repeatedly, but Alex refused to answer.

"Hey, lady! What the hell are you doing?"

Julianna abruptly stopped when the man from the neighboring apartment stepped outside, glaring at her.

"You’ve been banging on that door for ages! Keep this up, and I’ll call the police. Let’s see how you like spending a night behind bars!"