Chapter 162
I sat back in my chair, arms crossed as irritation twisted in my chest. Maybe I’d been too optimisti about keeping my expectations low.
I thought I could handle this–whatever “this” was between us–without getting emotionally entangled.
But now it felt like I was standing alone on shaky ground, uncertain and… angry.
Before I could spiral any further, my assistant Zoe walked in, her tablet in hand.
“Sophia, I’ve finalized the arrangements for our flight. The business dinner In Tarwin is still on for tonight. Shall we head out now?”
I blinked, snapping back to reality. “Yes, let’s leave immediately.”
Zoe hesitated, glancing at me as though she wanted to say more. “Shouldn’t you let Alpha Lirian know you’re leaving?”
Her question grated against my nerves, making me clench my jaw. After the way he’d treated me, why should I? “No,” I said firmly. “He won’t care.”
That night, Zoe and I boarded a flight to Tarwin, a distant country known for its sprawling cities and a vibrant economy.
The journey was quiet, the hum of the plane’s engines filling the silence between us.
I stared out the window, my thoughts on Lirian. His coldness lingered in my mind like a bruise that? wouldn’t fade. Zoe didn’t ask much, sensing my mood, and instead busied herself with organizing details for our trip.
When we landed, the city’s dazzling skyline greeted us, its lights glittering like jewels against the
dark sky.
After checking into a sleek, modern hotel, we were immediately approached by one of the local cooperative leaders, who personally came to invite us to an exclusive dinner event.
Exhausted but unwilling to decline such an opportunity, we agreed.
Dressed in understated elegance, Zoe and I stepped into the elevator and descended to the grand Tabby.
The air was filled with the scent of polished wood and expensive perfume, and a low hum of
conversation echoed from various corners.
As we exited the lift, we almost bumped into a striking woman flanked by an entourage that could rival a royal procession.
She was tall, her figure statuesque, with a face that seemed too perfect to be real.
Her long, dark hair cascaded over her shoulders in waves, and her makeup was flawless, emphasizing high cheekbones and full lips painted a bold red.
Assistants swarmed around her, one carrying her bag, another holding a phone to her ear, while her bodyguards formed a human shield as if she were the queen herself.
I recognized her instantly. Alina Moore–a rising star in the entertainment industry.
At just twenty–one, she had already made waves as the face of several high–profile campaigns and was gaining traction as an actress.
In a previous life, I remember reading about her rapid rise and eventual loss of power in just a few
years.
However, now she is still a model of confidence and her aura demands attention.
As Zoe and I stepped aside to let her pass, one of her bodyguards brushed against us roughly.
Zoe, petite and delicate, was shoved with enough force to knock her off balance. She stumbled and hit the polished floor with a small gasp of pain.
“Zoe!” I crouched down, helping her up. Her face was flushed with embarrassment, but her knee looked slightly scraped.
“Watch it!” I snapped, standing to face the bodyguards. “What’s your problem?”
One of the men sneered. “Back off, lady. Don’t get in the way.”
Alina turned to glance at us, her sharp eyes narrowing with disdain. She tilted her head slightly and smirked. “What is it? Are you fans? Trying to sneak a photo?”
We’re not fans,” Zoe said firmly, brushing off her skirt. “I don’t even know who you are.”
Alina’s smirk faltered, her eyes narrowing further.
Paparazzi, then. I’m used to your kind. You think you can stalk me and get awayu an
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gestured toward one of her assistants. “Take thei” phones.”
You’re out of line!” I shot back, stepping protectively in front of Zoe. “We’re not paparazzi, and you have no right to make such accusations!”
Before the situation could escalate further, several hotel staff rushed over, their faces etched with concern. “Miss Sophia is one of our esteemed guests,”
one of them explained quickly, bowing in apology toward me. “She’s here for the cooperative dinner, not for anything else. Please, let’s not cause a scene.”
Alina’s expression flickered with panic for the briefest moment, but she quickly recovered, lifting
her chin in defiance.
“Well, how was I supposed to know?” she said haughtily, her voice dripping with false innocence. “It’s not my fault these things happen.”
