Chapter 5 Disclosure

"Why not. On her birthday, you left her all alone and did not even bother to tell not to wait for you. You shouldn't treat your girlfriend that way."

"Stop talking nonsense, Marla. She is aware of my surprise visitor. Be less theatrical."

"Sandy comes from a stellar family. Good contacts and a decent family. Her behavior might improve if you treat her with the respect she deserves."

"What happened to your prior decisions? You used to be siding Rafa."

"I used to enjoy your ex-wife, but abandoning you for another man like that is too much."

"Marla, my wife. Who gave you the impression that she left me for another man, by the way? As I believed during our divorce proceeding, I learned that all of her outward infidelity was a deception. Back then, she never cheated on me which I blindly believe."

"God, oh God! Is that what she claimed to be when the video clearly showed that she was-"

"Cut that crap, Marla. I don't want to hear any of that nonsense. Save her from your bias. You are unaware of the specifics."

"Now what? Are you siding with her because you were in bed with her for less than an hour?"

His face was etched with anger at what his sister had said. "Marla, watch what you say. Because the divorce was not public, so Rafa is still my wife. And let me add that I shouldn't have trusted that video. I slept with my wife that night before she left me. Thus, it was all a lie."

"Great! My brother now is being referred to as a hero," Marla laughed with sarcasm. "Are you saying you want her back and break up with your girlfriend who stuck by you and gave you the support you needed to get back on your feet?"

A moment of silence followed.

"Are you saying that your fake divorce is why she returned?" She continued when he didn't reply.

"You could put it that way."

"Then, is she going to demand money from you?"

"Please, put an end to your shenanigans. She never expressed interest in my checking account. She wanted me to fly to Las Vegas and file the divorce if it made you feel better." He made a tight lip seal.

"Oh!"

"Right. You made a mistake with your preconceived notions about Rafa. Keep your opinions to yourself from now on because I won't put up with any more of your ridiculous accusations. Why, for instance, wasn't I informed that she had been calling?"

"I didn't want to bother you because I didn't think it was serious enough. You need to focus on the present, not the past because we have some important deals."

"Well, you really messed up this time. It appears that the petition was not filed by the attorney-your boyfriend at that time-who is your husband now. He handled my divorce pretty well. Thanks to him, I am still married to Rafaella. That means I can't marry Sandy, which is fantastic news."

A startled silence greeted his explanation. When his sister did respond, her tone was abrupt despite speaking through gritted teeth.

"That is not possible."

"Our divorce matter will be resolved tomorrow, I suppose. You could now want to follow the same procedure with the remaining divorce documents involving your husband. And I want him to come and see me right here first thing in the morning to fix this situation."

"I'll take care of everything, so don't worry. In the morning, Lance will be there."

"Alright. Greetings, Marla. I'm off."

THAT EVENING, as Alexus awaited the return of his physical therapist, Marla, and the two legal counsels of their textiles company unexpectedly showed up.

"What's happening?" He enquired of her. He anticipated getting a headache from watching them argue before him as they entered.

She explained, "Until we resolve your divorce situation, I can't sleep."

"And whose idea is this coming here? Sandy?"

The Two lawyers looked at each other while Marla walked in. Alexus shook his head and followed his sister.

A little while later, they talked face-to-face in his study room about his problem. As the attorneys looked over the documents again, Alexus shifted in his chair. They have been carrying this out for a while. Even his sister was showing signs of impatience.

"It's a catastrophe." Latimer Textiles Industry Chief Counsel David Hanford ran a hand through his thick brown hair. David's rage was audible throughout the entire space.

"For an unintimidating woman, you're being excessive. She never showed any interest in my possessions, "Alexus crossed his arms across his chest and mumbled.

"Alexus, you're not paying attention to me. Before the divorce starts, there are too many legal kinks to work out."

Marla Latimer shifted her gaze to David. "What about the house you bought for them, which you then freely returned when the divorce was unmistakably final? If she refuses to cooperate, won't we take it back?"

David pulled out the bottom and read the papers. "We might conclude that Alexus still owns the property because of the terms of the agreement and the fact that the divorce was not fully processed. That isn't much trouble if he can count it. After all, his name is on the deed's registration. It will be a protracted war with a hazy conclusion. And that's just one illustration of the chaos it generates. Numerous hundreds more exist."

He then turned to face Alexus. "Although there are too many issues, I understand that you want this to end. A hasty divorce at this point is not an option. We'll consider ourselves lucky if we resolve everything by year's end. If the woman cooperates, that is."

One of the junior counselors, Martin Healey, one of the junior counsels, who was taking notes on a yellow pad, looked up. "Remember to publicize. They'll have a field day when the statements get their hands on it. It won't make the stockholders happy. With the release of new textiles planned in a few months, we cannot afford any negative press."

Alexus muted a groan. He hardly remembers their impending launch among all the forgetting, emotional chaos.

"What do you advise that I do then?"

"You should first speak with her. Before we know what she will accept, we are powerless to take action."

As Alexus started to object, David raised his hand.

"You must bring some documents that Martin and I will complete. We can at least begin if she signs them. Additionally, it will shield you from the media while we handle the legal aspect of the situation. While you're away, Marla can return and take care of the business. The stockholders will be pleased with that."

Marla stood up from the chair, made her way to the window, then came back inside. "It is not conceivable. He's unable to return there. You understand what a fool my brother is to still really want her."

Alexus vehemently disputed it, "I am not."

"You continue to deny it. It's at its worst."

Shaking his head, David is forced to choose Marla. "This woman might destroy Latimer's business. She is in complete control."

"Why not simply send her the documents?" Marla suggested.

"She could not be aware of what she could do to us. She might have some ideas if we start handing out release documents and asking her to sign them." The attorney again shook his head. "No, we require Alexus to support her and hold it. More than everyone else here, he is familiar with her."

While his sister stayed mute, Alexus was speechless. "I fail to see why I can't board a plane and obtain an immediate divorce. No mess. She claimed that all she wants is a divorce judgment."

"Alexus, use your judgment. There have been five years. You are a shareholder and the CEO of a sizable corporation. Rafaella can own a piece of the company if she wants to cause trouble."

"How?" He glanced at his sister, who was peacefully seated at the other end of the table with her hands curled around the logo of her pricey Hermès Kelly Rose Gold bag.

"You've spent the last five years single. She has other grounds for claiming abandonment. Every week, a photo of you and a different female appears in the newspaper. How challenging do you believe it will be for her to prove her infidelity? You better believe she will prevail in the courtroom and win big if she pursues this."

"How about her betrayal? God forbid she claimed to love this man, "Alexus exploded. She also just so happened to be my half-brother's girlfriend."

The two attorneys looked at each other.

David shook his head and answered, "No. The late Luigi should not be included in this chaos. Don't become involved in."

"Why not," Alexus asked, giving the man a direct gaze.

The lawyer retorted, "That's impossible what you're saying. Luigi could never be with her even if she were as beautiful as your wife."

"Don't be too cryptic, David. Your time is being wasted. "With a smirk, Alexus said.

"I'm amazed you weren't aware of Luigi's real identity. He is gay." Dryly, David said.

Alexus was unable to speak. Only his hand moved, scraping his hair away from his temple with his fingers.

"Gay?" He repeated incredulously. "Are you kidding me?" He added as he could not believe it.