The next day. Bailey received a velvet gift box from Alexander.
As she opened it, a diamond necklace exploded with brilliant light in the sunlight–an 18K white gold chain supporting a teardrop–shaped center diamond surrounded by six smaller stones, remarkably similar to the first gift Alexander had ever given her
“Help me put it on?” Bailey turned, her long hair cascading over her shoulders.
Julian’s fingertips brushed the hollow of her collarbone as the cool metal chain touched her skin, making her involuntarily shiver.
Julian fastened the clasp.
“Does it look nice?” she asked
Julian’s gaze lingered on her elegant neck before he finally spoke: “Yes, beautiful.”
Bailey took out the small card that came with the box and read aloud: “Miss Mitchell, I deeply regret the recent incident. Tomorrow at 7 PM, at the top floor of Sky Dome Restaurant, I sincerely hope to offer you my personal apology. Signed: Alexander Winters.”
She smiled slightly.
Five years had passed, yet Alexander’s approach to inviting someone to dinner remained formulaic |
“Should I go?” she asked Julian.]
“Of course you should,” Julian looked into her eyes: “How else will you get what you want?”
Bailey nodded.
That evening, Bailey arrived for the dinner!]
The Sky Dome Restaurant hung suspended at the top of a skyscraper, its glass walls offering a view of city lights spread out like spilled stars.
Her Porsche delivered her to the restaurant entrance.
When she arrived, Alexander was already waiting, seated by the window in a silver–gray suit that accentuated his broad shoulders
Seeing her approach, he stood up to greet her: “Good evening, Miss Mitchell
She smiled at him: “Good evening, Mr. Winters.”
Then he pulled out her chair and adjusted it perfectly for her
Silver cutlery clinked against bone china plates as servers brought out foie gras with truffle bread–the foie gras perfectly seared, drizzled with amber sauce, and garnished with edible gold leaf
Badey took a few bites before setting down her knife and fork
“About the other right, I must apologize for the awkward situation,” Alexander paused while cutting his steak: “Your brother called me yesterday morning. He sounded quite Angry.”
“My cousin is very protective. He takes good care of all his relatives.” she glanced at Alexander: “That night, we merely happened to meet, yet your…. wife rushed over to confrom me. Naturally, my cousin was upset when he found out.“[]
Alexander shook his head. “Miss Mitchell, I swald correct you on one point. Stella is put my wife ”
“Oh Bailey tilted her head, feigning confusion]
“We’re currently co parenting a child, but we’re not married, he stated directly: “At present, I am single.”
Bailey found his declaration somewhat amusing, though she kept her reaction hudden
That night, they had a pleasant conversation.
He drove her to the Hayes mansion, said a gentlemanly goodbye, and asked: “This weekend, a film I’ve invested in premieres. Would you care to jou mise, Miss MuchelT“]||
Hailey nodded: “Certainly”
Turning away, she walked cheerfully into the house
In the living room, Julian sat in a chaise lounge by the floor–to–ceiling windows, looking through a photo album.
Bailey slipped off her high heels, putting on flat slippers as she slowly walked to his side]
In the album was a gentle faced woman wearing a loose sky–blue dress. She held two boys, one on each side, with Alexander’s late father standing behind them.
Bailey froze, asking softly. “Who is this?”
Julian raised his hand, gently touching the photograph, his voice low. “This is my
He pointed to the two boys in the photo: “This is me, and this is my cousin, Matthew Winters.
Bailey slowly crouched down, looking at the photograph, asking quietly: “Are they the reason you want revenge on Alexander?”
Julian smiled, though has eyes contained no humor
“Yes,” he said. “The deaths of my aunt and cousin are directly connected to Alexander.”
