Scarlett only chuckled softly. "Relax, I’m just saying facts."
Alexa’s smile faltered, but she forced out a laugh, flipping her hair again. "Well, I suppose so of us prefer surrounding ourselves with high achievers, not amateurs."
Scarlett’s lips curved dangerously. "Oh, don’t worry. So of us achieve quietly. Others just talk loudly about the ones who do."
Freya bit her lip to stop herself from giggling, and Bella sighed softly, wishing she could lt into her chair.
This was going to be a long night.
⊹₊˚‧︵‿₊୨୧₊‿︵‧˚₊⊹
Leo’s jaw tightened as he drove through the city’s glowing streets, his mind replaying the image of Bella in that black dress, soft curls, glittering eyes, that shy smile. She’s not a child, he reminded himself, but the words did nothing to calm the restless heat inside him. She’s my wife. My woman. And yet, she was out there at a bar with Scarlett of all people.
When the ssage from Zion arrived, inviting him to the sa bar, Leo didn’t even hesitate. He simply grabbed his jacket and keys, his gray eyes dark and cold as a storm.
The bar was loud when he entered, music thundering through the floor. The mont Zion spotted him, he waved from a corner near the private lounges. "Leo! Over here!"
Leo walked over, his tall fra drawing glances as he moved through the crowd, dark shirt, open collar, expression unreadable. When he stopped before Zion, he asked flatly, "Where are the others?"
Zion cleared his throat, his ears reddening almost instantly. "Ah, others? No, I ca alone." He looked away quickly, pretending to check his phone. "I wanted to talk about that project we were planning to collaborate on, yeah, that."
Leo’s eyes narrowed, sensing the lie imdiately. "You ca here alone to discuss a project? In a bar?" His tone carried just enough edge to make Zion flinch.
Zion rubbed the back of his neck, his words tumbling nervously. "I, it’s just, the environnt helps think. Inspiration, you know?"
Leo exhaled sharply through his nose but said nothing. He wasn’t in the mood to untangle Zion’s excuses. "Fine," he muttered, gesturing for him to lead the way.
Zion hurried ahead, taking him up to the VVIP floor, where a private lounge had already been reserved. Leo followed silently, his sharp gaze drifting toward the glass railing overlooking the lower section of the bar.
Zion, however, seed anxious, his eyes constantly darting toward the floor below, scanning through the crowd like he was waiting for soone.
"What’s wrong with you?" Leo finally asked, folding his arms.
"Nothing," Zion said a bit too quickly, his voice slightly higher than usual. He turned away, trying to look casual, but the faint flush on his face gave him away.
Leo raised a brow. He’s acting strange.
⊹₊˚‧︵‿₊୨୧₊‿︵‧˚₊⊹
"Ma’am, you can’t drink alcohol. We can order you so juice instead," Freya said softly, her voice almost trembling.
Alexa’s sharp eyes darted to her. "Juice?" she repeated with mock sweetness that quickly turned sharp. "Everyone here is drinking alcohol. Why can’t I?" Her lips curved in irritation as she narrowed her gaze at Freya.
The young maid’s shoulders stiffened. "I, I’m sorry, ma’am. Of course, as you wish."
Before she could stop her, Alexa grabbed a glass of whiskey from the tray and downed it in one long gulp, her throat moving gracefully as the amber liquid disappeared. She set the glass down with a loud clink, then smiled in that dangerous, self-satisfied way of hers.
Across from her, Scarlett raised a brow, whispering to Bella with a smirk, "Your husband’s crazy admirer is going to start a bar fight in five minutes."
Bella’s lips twitched nervously. "Scar, don’t say that. She’s just... expressive."
"Expressive?" Scarlett muttered. "She’s one glass away from exorcism."
Alexa turned toward them, her voice suddenly sweet and poisonous at once. "So, where are your friends?" she asked lazily, swirling the remaining ice in her glass. "Or do they all have jobs that don’t allow them to take leave after scrubbing floors?"
Her laughter rang through the air, sharp and mocking.
Scarlett blinked, unimpressed. "Wow. Did you rehearse that line in front of a mirror or did it just co naturally?"
Alexa’s smile tightened. "You’re funny," she said in a tone that clearly ant you’re annoying.
"I know," Scarlett replied smoothly, crossing her legs. "That’s why people actually invite to parties."
Bella sighed softly, trying to stop them before it escalated. "Let’s not fight, please?" she said gently, glancing at Freya, who looked like she wanted to disappear into the wall.
But Scarlett wasn’t done. She leaned forward slightly, her voice calm and pleasant. "You really should slow down with the drinks, Alexa. Wouldn’t want your evening to end on the floor, would we?"
Alexa froze for half a second, her painted lips twitching before she forced another brittle smile. "Oh, sweetheart, don’t worry about . I never fall."
Scarlett grinned. "Not yet."
Bella quietly buried her face in her hands, muttering under her breath, "Why do I feel like I’m babysitting two lions in the sa cage..."
And Freya, poor Freya, simply stared at her shoes, silently praying the night wouldn’t end with one of them throwing a glass.
"Sorry I’m late..."
The lounge door swung open, and every head turned.
A tall man stepped in, his long dark trench coat flowing around his legs as he walked. Underneath, a crisp white T-shirt hugged his lean fra, and a sleek silver chain peeked faintly against his collarbone. A tablet was tucked under his arm, glowing faintly, and his whole aura scread effortless confidence.
His hair was slightly tousled, soft brown strands falling over his forehead, and when the light hit his face, everyone saw it, those eyes.
A srizing shade of aurora blue, clear and cold like glass touched by dawn light.
He pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose, scanning the room. The mont his gaze fell on Scarlett and Bella, his lips curved into a slow, charming smile that deepened the dimple on his right cheek. But when his eyes landed on Alexa, that warm look imdiately shifted into one of subtle disgust.
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