Chapter 26

Waylon's words sent a flutter through Alexia's chest,prompting her to glance his way and meet his eyes.

Their eyes met for a fleeting moment, and she quickly turned away, hoping no one would notice the flicker of nerves on her features.

Upon reaching a private lounge, Alexia settled into her seat and took in the arrangement around her.Never before had she witnessed so many heirs from distinguished families gathered in one place.

A pair of subtle nods from Elton and Korbin greeted her arrival.

Every person here carried the poise of old money,their watchful eyes quick to size up the room. It didn't take long for them to realize Alexia wasn't a stranger to influence, especially with her easy rapport with the heirs of the most powerful families.

With a sense of occasion, Elton lifted his glass in her direction. "It's good to see you back."

There was no mistaking the significance behind his words.

Glances full of recognition flickered around the room,and soon, everyone was joining Elton, lifting their glasses high.

"Welcome back!"

The room buzzed with genuine excitement, the greeting ringing out for her.

Such a reception left Alexia more than a little overwhelmed.

Waylon, on the other hand, stayed poised and unbothered, deftly guiding the energy in the room."Just juice for her this evening," he said smoothly.

That set off a ripple of friendly laughter and a round of winks among the guests.

"Looks like Waylon is keeping a close watch,"

someone teased.

Alexia just smiled, taking the good-natured teasing in stride.

"Let Alexia relax and have her fun."

"If juice is her drink of choice, that works for us. She can keep the mood, and we'll handle the liquor."

Watching the others sip their drinks, Alexia felt a wave of awkwardness wash over her. Under the scrutiny of Waylon's steady gaze, she picked up a glass of mild fruit wine and polished it off in one motion.

"Thank you." Alexia might have been proud, but she knew when to show respect. Good manners were never something she forgot.

Waylon wasted no time sliding her glass away."That's enough for tonight."

A small frown formed on Alexia's lips."You know,I can handle my drinks."

Waylon's lips curled in amusement, as if her claim was pure entertainment. "Is that so? Must be the same confidence people get when they're already tipsy."

He'd witnessed her inebriated before, and those episodes had been nothing short of a trial for him.

With one brow arched, Alexia asked him, "And what makes you think you know me so well?"

"Let's just say I've handled my share of some intoxicated troublemaker," Waylon replied, voice cool as ever.

Curiosity flickered in her eyes, but before Alexia could press further, several senior gentlemen approached in sharp suits. Waylon stood to greet them, exchanged a few formalities, then turned to Alexia. She nodded. "Go on. I'll be just fine here."

With Waylon mingling, the lounge kept its cheerful buzz. No one brought up the Gibson family,each guest careful to keep things smooth for Alexia.

Whenever Waylon's name popped up, Elton and Korbin made sure to keep the mood light, careful never to make her uncomfortable.

After a handful of lighthearted games, Alexia slipped away for a breath of air.

She found herself wandering into a quiet corridor,only to unexpectedly encounter Marilee, dressed in an elaborate embroidered gown.

As they brushed past each other, Alexia didn't so much as break stride, acting as though Marilee were invisible-until a firm voice stopped her in her tracks.

Marilee gave Alexia a slow, appraising look before breaking into a tight smile. "You've certainly found your way up the social ladder. I never pictured you clinging to Waylon's side. You must feel on top of the world making such a scene tonight, don't you?"

Not a flicker of emotion crossed Alexia's face. "It is pretty satisfying, actually. Why do you care?"

That blunt response brought a flash of anger to Marilee's eyes. "Enough with the act. Ever since you were tossed from the Jenkins family and dumped by Roger, you've been bitter. You couldn't stand losing your old life, so you threw yourself at Waylon. All this just for a littleattention and to prove you've still got backing,right?"

Alexia quirked a brow. "Sounds like you're jealous. Is that it?"

Her casual jab, delivered with cold precision, nearly sent Marilee over the edge.

Jealousy burned, no question about it.

But Marilee wasn't the only one. Alexia had become the object of envy for half the women in the banquet,all because she stood beside Waylon, bathed in admiration.

That realization made Marilee's sneer deepen."Don't let this go to your head, Alexia. Men like Waylon have women lined up for miles. It's only a matter of time before he gets bored. When he does, I can't wait to see you brought down a peg."

Any patience Alexia had was gone. "Well, you'll just have to wait and see for yourself."

Her cool dismissal left Marilee momentarily speechless, stung by the indifference.

Why did Alexia always act so untouchable?

What made Marilee so unworthy of even being considered her rival?

She seethed. How could a woman who'd been cast aside, who lost everything to her, still carry herself with such confidence?