Alexander POV
It was 1
past ten when I finally decided to walk
For most of the evening. I had watched from afar, leaning against the wall of the bar as Christiana celebrated her victory with her staff. The exhibition had been flawless, better than I could’ve imagined, and she had carried out every detail like the brilliant woman I knew she was. The pride I felt was something I hadn’t anticipated, a quiet surge that swelled in my chest as I watched her work the room earlier, now celebrating with her people.
She didn’t need me–not for her success–but I couldn’t deny I’d had a hand in tonight’s guest list. Still, she hadn’t figured that part out yet. I smirked to myself, sipping the glass of water I’d ordered while staying out of sight. The bar was full of laughter, toasts, and the occasional off–key singing from one of lier more inebriated staff. Everyone seemed at ease.
Until I made my move.
The moment I stepped inside the rented–out hall, it was like someone had flipped a switch. Conversations halted mid- sentence, laughter died, and heads turned toward me. There was a middle–aged man in the middle of raising his glass, already slurring through some half–coherent toast, but he trailed off when he saw me, blinking as though I’d appeared out of
thin air.
I gave him a polite nod, flashing a smile that didn’t quite reach my eyes. “Don’t let me stop you.”
The recognition spread like wildfire. I could see it in their faces–the quiet awe, the nervousness, the uncertainty. My status as à billionaire preceded me, and there was no doubt in my mind that Christiana’s staff knew exactly who I was: her ex- husband. Some looked on with curious gazes, others with a hint of trepidation. It was an old story, one that always seemed to shadow me wherever I went, but I was used to it.
I glanced around, searching for Christiana.
There she was, sitting at the center of the celebration like a queen, her cheeks flushed from the night’s excitement–or maybe the alcohol–and her eyes widened slightly when she sawine. But to her credit, she didn’t flinch. Her lips pressed into a tight line, but she stayed calm, watching me with that same composure she always wore like a second skin.
“What are you doing here, Alex?” Her tone was neutral, but I could hear the edge underneath it.
I walked over to her, ignoring the whispers that had started to circulate among her employees. “I wanted to join the celebration. After all, it’s been quite a night, hasn’t it?”
Her eyes narrowed ever so slightly, but before she could respond, I turned my attention to the man sitting beside her. He looked like he was about to faint from sheer nerves, his hands clenching the edge of the table.
“Excuse me,” I murmured, leaning in close enough that only he could hear me. “Mind if I take your seat?”
He didn’t hesitate. He was up on his feet in an instant, almost knocking over his drink in his rush to move aside. I slid into the now–vacant seat next to Christiana, a casual smirk playing on my lips as I settled in.
Christiana watched me with a raised brow, her eyes flicking toward the empty seat before locking back on me. She still hadn’t fully relaxed, but she was doing a hell of a job keeping her composure.
“Carry on,” I said, glancing around at the staff who were still watching me like I was an alien that had crash–landed into their party. “Don’t mind me.”
It took a moment, but slowly, the conversations picked back up, though much more subdued now. I could feel the stolen glances in my direction, the quiet murmurs as they tried to process my presence. I didn’t mind. It wasn’t often I got the chance to see people this off–balance.
1/2
18:07 Fri, Oct 18
Chapter 63
My gaze shifted back to Christiana, and I noticed the half–full glass of beer sitting in front of her. Without a second thought. I picked it up, swirling it casually before taking a long sip.
The room went quiet again, like someone had hit pause for the second time.
Christiana’s eyes widened, her lips parting in disbelief. “Alex, what are you doing?”
I met her gaze, holding the glass as I leaned back in my chair. I couldn’t help but notice the faint blush creeping up her neck and onto her cheeks. Was it embarrassment? Something else? I wasn’t sure, but it amused me nonetheless.
“I was thirsty.”
I said with a shrug, taking another sip just to push the point.
Her eyes flashed with irritation, and I could tell she was biting back some snarky remark. But before she could let loose, I leaned in closer, lowering my voice just for her ears. “By the way it was me. I invited those guests over for your exhibition.”
The shock on her face was immediate. Her lips parted, her brow furrowing as she processed what I’d just said. For a moment, she was speechless, and I allowed myself a quiet, satisfied smirk.
“You” She blinked, then cleared her throat, her voice regaining its edge. “You invited them?”
I nodded. “You’re welcome.”
Christiana hesitated, her expression shifting. For the briefest moment, something like gratitude flashed across her face, and she muttered. “Thank you, Alex.”
I waved it off. “It was nothing.”
Her gratitude didn’t last long. She leaned back in her seat, crossing her arms as she fixed me with a sharp gaze. “If you think this means I’ll let you back into my life, you’re kidding yourself
I chuckled, unbothered by her sass. “I did it out of free will, Christiana. Learn to accept help without being paranoid.”
Without missing a beat, I took another long drink from her been ignoring the stunned looks from her employees, who were
no doubt marveling at our exchange.
This was going to be fun.
