Redress (gxg)

Chapter 38 "Downfall"

Alexandra

I admit, I was feeling anxious on my way earlier, thinking I wouldn't get through with the plan and mess everything up, because I got the feeling that seeing Clifford would take every ounce of my control not to attack him, and I was right. Seeing him now, my never-ending hatred I was feeling towards him had magnified as he reminded me of that traumatic night he almost ended my life, but despite the anger, I was feeling euphoric at the same time, seeing the impact I did on him just by showing up. It was satisfying, but I knew nothing would beat that feeling seeing him ruined in public.

"A-Alexandra," he stuttered, causing my smile to widen.

"It's nice to be back...and it's nice to see you again, Clifford. Did you miss me?" 

"H-How? I saw you..." he paused as he gulped the lump on his throat.

"Simple...You were sloppy that night...and that will cost you everything Clifford, because I will make sure...you're going down tonight," I threatened, earning multiple gasps from the crowd. He stared at me in shock for a moment, until he noticed the expectant looks of the guests, he then slowly composed himself.

"What are you saying?" he asked innocently, "I didn't do anything to you...How dare you come in here and cause a scene!" he added, and I could only snort in disbelief, knowing he was going to play innocent. 

Instead of answering him, I roamed my gaze at the crowd to address them, "Everyone..." I started, "I would like to let you know that this man here," I added, briefly gesturing to Cliff, "is not who you think he is. You may know him as a successful businessman, a wine expert, a loving husband and a father, but there are other things you don't know about him...For one, he sells drugs and weapons...he also smuggles women, and worse, he...kills people," I said calmly, looking back at Cliff as I uttered the last word, and eventually, the guests gasped and started murmuring while a look of horror crossed Clifford's face.

"That's a pretty bold accusation," one of the guests spoke up, making me turn to him, and noticing the look he was giving me, I knew he was getting anxious, knowing he was also part of the illegal doings. 

I smiled, "It's not when it's the truth. He's a criminal, and so are some of the guests here tonight  who are part of his illegal activities..." I answered, causing the crowd to briefly look at each other, "I know it's hard to believe, but I can attest to that. Clifford killed a lot, and among them...was my father," I paused as I took a deep breath, before looking back at Clifford. "He was your bestfriend, owned the company you're managing now, but after all you two had been through, you...still managed to kill him," I mumbled, clenching my jaw as the night of my father's murder had crossed my mind. 

"W-What are you saying?" he stuttered, "Why are you accusing me of such vile things? Why would I throw the life I have--"

"Alexander King!" I said, cutting him off, and as soon as I uttered the name, a sudden look of shock evidently crossed his face as he started looking at me in disbelief, and normally, I would be satisfied seeing him caught off guard, but the look he was giving me eventually made me feel otherwise as it didn't set well with me. Could it be he already knew who I was? It was plausible though, considering Amelia found out about it, and she probably told him. "Does the name ring a bell, Clifford?...Amelia?" I added questioningly, glancing at Amelia who was now standing beside her husband, slowly shaking her head, probably discouraging me of what I was going to say. 

"Does that mean...?" Clifford slowly mumbled.

"I am Alexander King's daughter," I said, and suddenly, a surge of adrenaline quickly cursed through me. Even if I didn't get the reaction I was expecting, it still felt liberating, finally letting out the truth and telling everyone who I really was, especially to Clifford. There was no hiding anymore, no more pretending as someone else, and this time, Clifford would get what he deserved, and I would see through it as a King.