She Used Me for a Dare… Now I Own Her Mother

Chapter 440: A Promise No One Dared to Make

”Don’t worry about your husband, Mrs. Pierce. Nothing will happen to him. I’ll make sure he comes back safely.”

Alex’s words echoed in Miranda’s ears... calm, confident, almost arrogant in how casually he spoke about something so dangerous.

She stared at him, completely stunned, unsure of how to react. A part of her felt relieved and grateful for his strong assurance, but another part of her felt strangely irritated by how easily he was taking the entire situation.

She had expected Alex to offer some help, maybe some connections... but this? This calm, absolute guarantee that he would bring Pierce back from James Blackwood’s grasp?

She slowly turned her head and looked at Tisha, her eyes filled with questions.

’Is he serious?’ Miranda’s eyes questioned Tisha silently. ’How can he speak so casually about the Blackwoods? Even with all the money and power in the world, no one dares to guarantee something like this... especially not against them.’

Tisha met Miranda’s gaze and gave her a small, reassuring smile. She could clearly see the shock and disbelief still written all over her friend’s face.

”If he’s telling you that,” Tisha said softly, ”then you can relax now. Alex doesn’t make empty promises.”

Miranda stared at her friend in disbelief.

’This lovesick bitch,’ she cursed silently. She never expected Tisha to believe Alex so blindly.

Miranda took a deep breath and slowly turned back to face Alex. The shock on her face gradually faded, replaced by quiet acceptance.

She had no other options left. This was her last hope.

’And what if... What if he can actually do what he’s saying?’ Miranda thought desperately.

She knew Tisha would never be reckless in a situation like this. If she trusted Alex this much, then maybe... just maybe, there was real hope.

She looked at Alex with a mixture of gratitude and determination and said,

”Thank you, Alex... I really don’t know how to repay you for this. But if there’s ever anything I can do for you in return... anything at all... I’ll do my best. You have my word.”

Her voice was steady, but there was a clear emotion behind it. She was no longer just the broken wife of a missing man. She was the new Director of Blackwood University and she was willing to use every bit of that power to support the person who was willing to help her.

Alex gave her a small, reassuring smile.

”I’ll hold you to that,” he replied calmly.

Miranda looked at him for a moment longer, then turned her gaze toward Tisha. Her eyes were filled with a mixture of gratitude, exhaustion, and lingering disbelief.

Without saying another word, she slowly stood up from the sofa. Her legs felt slightly unsteady, but she forced herself to stay composed.

Alex and Tisha both watched quietly as Miranda turned and walked out of the living room, her footsteps echoed softly against the marble floor.

As Miranda’s figure disappeared down the hallway, the living room fell into a heavy silence.

Alex and Tisha stared at each other.

For a moment, neither of them moved. Then, without warning, Tisha’s eyes darkened with hunger. Like a fierce cat finally let off its leash, she lunged forward.

In one swift motion, she grabbed the front of Alex’s shirt, pulled him toward her, and crashed her lips against his with raw, aggressive passion. Her mouth devoured his... fierce, demanding, and desperate. Her fingers tangled in his hair as she pushed him back against the sofa, climbing onto his lap without breaking the kiss for even a second.

Alex responded instantly, his hands gripping her waist tightly as he kissed her back with equal intensity. Their lips moved hungrily against each other, tongues clashing, breaths mixing in a heated frenzy. Tisha moaned softly into his mouth, pressing her body closer, as if she wanted to melt into him completely.

They kissed like they had been starving for each other... rough, passionate, and unrestrained.

Only when they were both completely breathless did they finally pull apart. Their foreheads rested against each other as they panted heavily, chests rising and falling.

Tisha’s lips were slightly swollen, her eyes still burning with desire as she looked into Alex’s.

A small, teasing smile curved her lips.

”Looks like you have a lot of questions...” she whispered, her voice husky.

Alex nodded, still catching his breath.

But before he could speak, Tisha gently placed her hand on his cheek, her thumb brushing softly over his skin.

”I have a few too,” she said, her eyes softening just a little. ”But it’s not the right time yet. I’ll explain everything to you when the time comes.”

Tisha stayed on Alex’s lap for a moment longer, her fingers gently playing with the collar of his shirt. Her expression turned slightly helpless as she spoke.

”I really wanted to stay tonight...” she said softly, pouting a little. ”But I should stay with Miranda tonight. She needs me right now.”

Alex nodded in understanding, his hand resting comfortably on her waist.

Tisha then tilted her head and asked, ”By the way... when am I meeting them?”

Alex immediately understood who she was talking about. A small smirk appeared on his lips as he looked at her.

”You shouldn’t have come here tonight,” he teased, his voice playful. ”You completely ruined my plan. I wanted to introduce all of you together here in this mansion. I was keeping this place as a surprise for you... but I guess I understimated you. ”

”Heehee...” Tisha let out a soft, mischievous laugh, her eyes sparkling with playful guilt.

”Well,” she said, shrugging playfully, ”I can always come back again acting surprised. You know... like I had no idea what was going on.”

Alex chuckled and shook his head, clearly amused.

”You’re impossible,” he said, but the fondness in his voice was clear.

Tisha smiled at his words, then changed the topic.

”What happened to Sterling and Heena?” she asked curiously.

”Well...” Alex leaned back slightly, a small laugh escaping his lips. ”Heena is staying with her aunt for now. As for Sterling... I don’t think he’ll be coming back to college any time soon.”

Tisha nodded in understanding, her expression softening as if she already knew who Heena’s aunt was. She looked at Alex seriously for a moment, her playful mood shifting just a little.

Then, without saying anything, she leaned forward and gave him one last soft, lingering kiss. It was gentle this time... full of warmth and quiet affection.

When she pulled back, she whispered,

”I think I should go.”

She slowly got up from his lap, smoothing her clothes. Alex watched her with a soft gaze as she stood up.

Tisha gave him one final smile before turning around and walking out of the room, her footsteps fading down the hallway.

Alex sat there quietly, watching as Tisha’s footsteps gradually faded down the hallway until the mansion fell into complete silence once again.

He leaned back against the sofa, his expression turning thoughtful. His mind drifted to Sterling. He wondered whether he should call Catherine right now and tell her to let the guy go... or not.

After a moment of consideration, a small smirk appeared on his lips.

”Let’s do it in the morning,” he muttered to himself. ”He deserves to stay there one more night.”

With that decision made, Alex stood up and stretched, letting out a long yawn. The day had been longer than he expected.

”I hope nobody disturbs me now...” he murmured under his breath.

He stepped out of the living room and made his way toward his bedroom, his footsteps echoing softly through the quiet mansion.

***

The car glided smoothly along the long, private road lined with tall, perfectly trimmed trees. The sun was beginning to set, casting a golden-orange glow over the massive iron gates that stood ahead.

As they approached, Marcus slowed down and glanced at Sophia with a small, confident smile.

”We are here,” he said softly.

Sophia’s eyes widened slightly as she took in the sight before her.

The Steele Estate was enormous... far grander and more intimidating than she had expected. Tall black stone walls surrounded the property, giving it an almost fortress-like appearance.

The massive iron gates were intricately designed, yet they radiated power and authority. Several guards in sharp black uniforms stood at attention near the entrance.

The moment the guards spotted Marcus’s car, they immediately straightened up. One of them quickly pressed a button, and the heavy gates began to open with a low mechanical hum. As the car passed through, every guard saluted Marcus with perfect discipline, their expressions respectful and serious.

Sophia watched everything quietly, her heart beating a little faster.

The car continued along the long, beautifully paved driveway. On both sides stood rows of tall, ancient-looking trees and perfectly manicured gardens. In the distance, a grand mansion slowly came into view... luxurious, majestic, and imposing.

When they finally reached the front of the mansion, several staff members in formal uniforms were already waiting. As soon as the car stopped, two men quickly stepped forward and opened the driver’s door for Marcus.

Marcus stepped out smoothly, adjusting his jacket. He walked around the front of the car with confident steps, then gently opened the passenger door for Sophia.

He extended his hand toward her with a warm smile.

”Welcome to my home, Sophia,” he said gently.

Sophia placed her hand in his and stepped out of the car, her eyes still taking in the sheer size and elegance of the estate.

Marcus closed the door behind her and looked at her with a proud expression.

”Come,” he said, offering his arm. ”My parents are waiting inside.”