Chapter 13
Beneath the brilliant crystal chandeliers, Bailey stood taking a cocktail from the table:|||
She kept her eyes downcast, but her peripheral vision remained fixed on Alexander in the distance.
“Bailey
Alexander rushed toward her []
A server approaching to refresh the table’s offerings was knocked aside by his haste. The tray crashed to the floor, cocktails spilling everywhere, instantly shattering the ballroom’s elegant atmosphere and drawing the attention of startled guests
Alexander grabbed Bailey’s hand, his palm’s warmth seeping through her skin, instantly raising goosebumps along her spine
Those painful memories invaded her mind like physical entities, yet she couldn’t reveal even a hint of recognition
“Bailey!” Alexander’s voice overflowed with excitement and joy.]
Bailey turned, meeting his eyes directly.
“Sir, you must be mistaking me for someone else,” she said calmly.
Alexander’s expression froze
Bailey pulled her hand free, frowning slightly: “You’re hurting me.“]
Alexander released her, though his gaze remained fixed on her face, filled with fascination and disbelief.]
Just then, Julian rushed over from across the room
His large hand gently rested on Bailey’s shoulder, subtly pulling her into the protection of his embrace
“What’s going on?” he asked.]]
Alexander observed their intimate gesture, his previously composed expression turning almost foral
“Julian, you brought her here? Alexander’s voice was harsh and raspy
“So what if I did? How is that your business? Julian wasn’t about to back down, his tone ice–cold and confrontational as he pulled Bailey closer protectively
A mutual friend quickly stepped in to defuse the situation, patting Alexander’s shoulder to explain:]
“This young lady is Julian’s distant cousin, recently returned from abroad.”
Turning to Julian, he continued: “Julian, please understand, Alexander meant no offense. Your cousin, I must say, bears a striking resemblance to his missing wife. We were just discussing this councidence.”
Bailey lowered her gaze to conceal the emotions swirling in her eyes as she listened to the whispers around her
Born into academic aristocracy, she had once attended countless such events with Alexander. Yet now she was returning under a completely different identity]
Julian cast Alexander a contemptuous glance: “Look carefully–she’s not your unfortunate wife. This is my cousin.”
His lips twisted into a sneer as he addressed Alexander: “You, stay away from her.“]]
With that, Julian took Bailey’s hand and led her away from Alexander
Throughout the event, Bailey could feel a burning, sorrowful gaze following her every nove
Shollenned close to Julian’s ear, whispering: “Cousin, speaking to Alexander like that–won’t it discourage him from taking the bait?”
Julian gave her a look of exasperation, bending down as his warm breath tickled her ear. “Bailey, now I understand why you couldn’t hold your own
“Men are predictable creatures. The more eager you seem, the less they care. Conversely, the more competition they face, the mure interested they become.”
Bailey kept her eyes downcast, suppressing the question that had risen to her throat.
She wanted to ask: Julian, are you the same way?
But she had no right to voice such thoughts.
I need to visit the restroom,” she said softly, gently removing his hand from her shoulder.
Julian gave her a long, inscrutable look
Bailey entered the ladies‘ room
Standing before the mirror, she stared at the face that was both familiar and strange, her emotions tangled and complex
She mentally repeated to herself: Bailey, the most important thing now is revenge. You have no right to consider anything else. After several repetitions, she gradually calmed herself!]
Bailey adjusted her appearance in the mirror, then walked out
In the hallway outside, Alexander leaned against the wall Seeing her emerge, he straightened, his eyes studying her intently.
