Alex's determination echoed in each step as he returned to the bar, the yearning to see Emily fueling his decision as he could not get his mind off her. He was determined to see or talk to her, even if it would cost him to make use of his influence and fame for the very first time.He was acutely aware of the weight of his own reputation and privilege in this moment. But for Emily, he was willing to set aside his pride and make use of his influence for the first time in his life.The bartender, a stern and disapproving figure, met his gaze as he approached her with a scowl that could curdle milk."Don't tell me you are here again because of that arrogant brat?!" Her words, laced with venom,cut through the ambient noise of the bar as she voiced her disdain like a knife.He wondered why she called Emily an arrogant brat because she had never portrayed the alleged trait before him."Could she have been pretending all these while even being a virgin?" He shoved off the thought, determined

With a surge of adrenaline, Alex swiftly moved to block the door with his hand, his fingers gripping the edge in a desperate attempt to halt its progress. But in his haste, he misjudged the force behind her actions, and the door slammed shut with a resounding thud, catching him off guard."Fuck! Fuck fuck!" His voice echoed loudly in the cramped space as he winced.Still standing behind the door, Emily apologised profusely, her voice tinged with genuine remorse."Oh! I'm sorry," she uttered softly, her tone laced with concern."Just let me in, okay?" He pleaded, his voice muffled slightly by the barrier between them.She hesitated, torn between her desire to keep him at bay and the underlying guilt that gnawed at her conscience. "Just wait for a few moments, please." She finally relented, her hand hovering uncertainly over the door handle.Sensing her hesitation, he knew he could not afford to let her shut him out again. With a determined resolve, he reached out to stop her, his fi

"Hello, mister?" Emily's voice snapped Alex out of his thoughts.The gown complimented her graceful figure. It draped elegantly over her shoulders, falling just above the knees. In an understated yet striking way, she captivated his eye as she walked towards him, her natural beauty and inner light shinning through her smile."Ummm...words can't describe how elegant you look." He complimented her while his hands were shoved in his pockets."Awwn...you are definitely killing me with compliments and teases tonight." Her cheeks reddened."That is because you are worth it." "I knew it was going to look good on her." The attendant, who had suggested the dress to them, chipped in."Thank you." Emily replied."One more thing..." Alex walked back to where he had kept the high-heeled shoes beside the seat he had been sitting on."What is that?" She asked curiously. "With how stunning the gown looks on you, you should complete your elegant look with these..." He unboxed the package where the

As Alex's hand gripped the doorknob, anticipation tingled through his veins. With a slow twist, the door yielded to his touch, revealing a scene that made his jaw drop.There, in the room, Derek straddled Isabella, his hands moving deftly over her skin, glistening with oil. She was clad only in a bumpshot and bra, her buttcheeks exposed.But what struck him even more than the compromising position was the lack of reaction from either of them as the door swung open. They both turned casually, meeting his gaze with surprising calmness."What the fuck are you two doing?" Alex's voice cracked with disbelief and annoyance, his eyes flicking between them.His irritation simmered beneath the surface as he addressed Derek directly. "How dare you remain in that position in my presence?"His words dripped with disdain as he struggled to comprehend the audacity of the situation.I'm sorry, sir," he said, his tone respectful but unapologetic as he finally stood up, lowering his head slightly in

Alex fumed all through the day, passing the aggression on to his employees.He was not only furious because he lost the contract, but also because Santiago cunningly hijacked it from him.He was still stuck in his seat, thinking about how to deal with him, when he received a call from Emily."What's up?" He asked, his tone still laced with fury."What's up? You sound pissed." She understood something was wrong with him from his response."Nothing. Something is just bothering me."She wanted to ask him what it was, but she resisted.She didn't see the need to because of the way he was acting."Okay, whatever. I only wanted to thank you for yesterday and ask if we'd be seeing—you know what? Forget about it. Thank you."She hung up before he could say anything.He sighed. "I've messed up again."He realised that his dark side had gotten the best of him again.At that moment, he reflected on the moments the two of them had shared together."Why am I even concerned about her opinion or rea