Chapter 163
The staff continued to apologize on her behalf, but I didn’t miss the flicker of unease in Alina’s eyes.
She muttered something under her breath about “wasting time” and stormed off with her entourage in tow, her pride evidently intact but her demeanor shaken.
She didn’t offer an apology, and as she disappeared into the grand hall, I couldn’t help but feel both annoyed and vindicated.
Zoe gave me a small smile. “Well, that was dramatic.”
“Are you okay?” I asked, ignoring her attempt to downplay the incident.
“I’m fine,” she said, rolling her eyes. “But you handled that well.”
The dinner party itself was a stark contrast to the earlier drama. The grand ballroom was filled with the city’s elite, all dressed in their finest.
Crystal chandeliers bathed the room in warm light, and the hum of refined conversation mingled with the soft strains of live music.
People approached me frequently, eager to make introductions or discuss potential collaborations. I navigated the social landscape with ease, though my thoughts occasionally drifted back to Lirian.
As I sipped on a glass of champagne, my phone vibrated in my clutch. The screen lit up with Lirian’s name, and for a moment, I debated ignoring it. After a beat, I sighed and answered.
“What’s wrong?” I asked, keeping my tone neutral.
“You’re not home,” Lirian said, his voice low but steady.
“No, I’m not. I’m working.” I replied curtly.
“Where?” he pressed, the faintest edge creeping into his voice.
“Tarwin,” I said, swirling the champagne in my glass.
“Why didn’t… why didn’t you tell me?” he asked after a pause. His hesitation was palpable, as if he was struggling to find the right words.
His sudden concern made my temper flare. Memories of his cold dismissal earlier and his complete
Lack of response to my messages flooded back, and my grip on the phone tightened.
Aren’t you busy?” I shot back, my voice cool. “I figured you wouldn’t care what I was doing.”
Another
group of businesspeople approached me just as I ended the call with Lirian.
Their energy was electric, their words flowing fast as they pitched a play they wanted me to invest
- in.
The enthusiasm in their voices was palpable, and it piqued my Interest.
I had a vivid memory of this play from my previous life–it had been a massive hit, one that catapulted its lead actress into the limelight. T
hat actress, Alina Moore..
Her role in that production had transformed her from a promising newcomer to a household name.
After letting them explain their pitch, I leaned back in my chair, my gaze steady. “I’m willing to invest,” I said, my tone measured. “But I have one condition.”
The group exchanged curious glances, their eagerness undeterred. “Of course. What would that be?” one of them asked.
“Alina Moore needs to apologize to me and my assistant for her behavior earlier,” I said firmly. “Publicly.”
The confident smiles faltered slightly, replaced by hesitance. One of them chuckled nervously. “Miss” Moore is… well, she can be quite spirited. We’re sure she didn’t mean any harm-”
“Intent is irrelevant,” I interrupted, my voice sharp but calm. “Respect is non–negotiable, especially if I’m putting my money behind something that benefits her career.”
Word must have traveled fast because minutes later, Alina appeared, flanked by her ever–present entourage. Her arms were crossed, her expression stormy.
“I’m not apologizing,” she snapped, her voice rising. “Do you even know who my boyfriend is? He’s a high ranking of the Iron Claw pack! You’ll regret crossing me.”
Everyone knows that Lirian is the one who’s really in charge of the Iron Claws now.
I blinked, momentarily stunned by her audacity.
Fuen, I laughed, a low, incredulous sound that cut through the tension in the room.
Gupte jes
Your boyfriend?” I repeated, amusement lacing my voice. “You’re dating the high ranking of the Iron Claw pack, are you?”
She straightened, her chin lifting defiantly. “Yes, and he’ll make sure you pay for this.”
The sheer absurdity of her claim made it hard to keep a straight face.
Lirian had many faults, but his taste in partners didn’t lean toward pretentious drama queens like *Alina.
Still, her conviction was so strong, I could see why someone else might have believed her.
I tilted my head, a smirk tugging at the corners of my lips. “You’re not the first woman to claim to be his girlfriend,” I said coolly..
“But I’ll give you credit–you’re the most committed to the lie. It’s almost impressive.”
Before Alina could retort, my phone buzzed in my hand. Lirian again. I sighed, my patience wearing thin, and answered.
“What now?” I asked, my tone clipped.
There was silence on the other end. For a moment, I thought the line had disconnected. Then I heard
im take a deep breath.
“Do
you still want me?” he asked softly, his voice carrying an uncharacteristic vulnerability.
The Alpha’s
