Chapter 47

"That nanny's temper is downright vicious. Poor Betsey-so soft, so fragile-she couldn't even get her injured cat to a vet. Honestly, how she endures that environment every day is beyond me," Alexia said.

The message couldn't have been more obvious Serena,quick on the uptake, recalled the uncertainty in Betsey's voice from earlier. Rage simmered beneath her calm. "Thank you for letting me know. I'll deal with this personally. Appreciate it, Alexia."

"No trouble at all."

As soon as the call disconnected, Chloe exploded. She lunged at Alexia with all the fury of someone unhinged. "You cost me my job, you bitch!"

But Alexia's reflexes were swift. Chloe's wrist was caught in an iron grip, then forced backward with brutal efficiency.

A cry of pain ripped from Chloe's lips as she collapsed to the floor.

Betsey recoiled, eyes wide. Alexia, her expression like ice, looked down at the woman sprawled in agony.

"Ada, get security up here. Let them know there's been a break-in and I've been attacked. Have this woman thrown out and barred from the property for good. If they hesitate, I'll call the police myself. She doesn't own an apartment here, yet she stormed in and tried to attack me. I doubt Newhall Garden wants that stain on their reputation."

Ada sprang into action, her voice edged with disdain."She's lucky all you're doing is calling security. People like her forget where they stand!"

A mocking smile curved Ada's lips as she added, "At your age, your own kids must be grown by now.Where do they work, I wonder? Which companies? No answer? That's fine-I'll dig it up myself."

Chloe finally seemed to realize the gravity of her actions.Fear replaced anger. "Please! I lost control! It wasn't on purpose! Don't punish my children for my mistake. I'm begging you!"

Alexia's smirk was merciless. "Oh, now you're frightened? Maybe you should've thought about that before mistreating someone else's child."

Chloe fell silent, stricken with dread. Security soon arrived, wasted no time, and escorted her off the premises.

The security staff rushed over,bowing their heads with apologies. "Please forgive us for what happened,ladies. We'll be stepping up patrols to make sure nothing like this ever occurs again."

Turning her attention to Betsey, Alexia spoke gently."Head home now. I'll handle getting the cat checked out. Once it's all healed, you and your mom can come collect it together."

Tears shimmered in Betsey's eyes, gratitude written across her delicate features. "Thank you so much!"

With Betsey safely sent off, Alexia and Ada carried the injured cat straight to the vet.

On the ride over, Ada fumed, unable to let go of her anger. "That wasn't any accident. I'd bet anything that woman chucked the poor thing off the balcony.Cosmo Biotech, I know the name. The girl's mom must be Serena Adams. Who'd believe someone like her-such a powerhouse-could be fooled by someone so despicable?"

A puzzled look crossed Alexia's face. "Serena Adams is really that important?"

Ada didn't hesitate. "Absolutely. There aren't many women who've built their own empires in this business,but she did it. The whole Adams family is still standing because of her. Prof. Ellis's lab is even slated to collaborate with them on future projects."

Alexia grew quiet, mulling over Ada's words-right as her phone began to ring. Waylon's name lit up her screen.

"Where are you right now?" Waylon asked.

"I'm heading to the hospital," Alexia replied.

Her answer was barely out before Waylon's concern came through, sharper than before. "Are you hurt?"

With a quick glance at the ginger cat curled up in the pet carrier, Alexia reassured him, "Not me-a cat.I'm taking it to the vet. What's going on? Is there something you need?"

A moment of silence stretched between them,almost as if Waylon had let out a sigh of relief. "It's fine. Take care of your cat for now."

Alexia didn't let it slide. "Hold on. You wouldn't have called if there wasn't something up. Out with it!"

From the driver's seat, Ada glanced over, clearly intrigued.

Waylon's next words carried a soft, husky undertone that made his smooth voice even more captivating."It's nothing urgent. I'm in the middle of making glazed ribs and hit a wall. Figured you could help me out."

Ada's eyes widened in disbelief.

Could he be serious?

No one could deny that Alexia's glazed ribs were unforgettable-tender, rich, with just the right blend of sweetness and tang.

Still, for someone like Waylon-who could summon a Michelin chef with a single call-to need help in the kitchen?

Shock registered first for Alexia, realizing he was actually cooking. But then, concern replaced surprise as she picked up on the roughness in his voice. "You sound off. Are you sick? Did you run a fever and forget to take something?"

"Not yet," Waylon replied casually.

"And why haven't you taken anything?" Alexia asked.

A trace of stubbornness colored his answer. "Because I want glazed ribs, and nothing else will do."

Alexia's mind flashed back to the favor she still owed,and resignation crept in. "Alright, you win. Don't lay a finger on anything else. I'll get there as soon as I can!"

The call ended, and Alexia turned to Ada with a sheepish grin. "Ada, could you drop the cat at the vet for me? I'll swing by as soon as I handle this."

Ada let out a long sigh. "Sure. It's not like anyone tells Waylon no. But honestly-are you even aware that

Confusion flickered in Alexia's eyes. "What are you trying to say?"

Waylon was clearly making a move on Alexia. Though the words hovered on her tongue, Ada thought better of voicing them. Some things were just better left unspoken.