Chapter 185

The Abernathy Group's gala was still alive with music and laughter.

But the atmosphere had shifted since Isabella Sinclair made her dramatic exit with the international superstar Ada.

Edith Fairhaven had spent hours perfecting her look, dreaming of dazzling Ada with her talents. Now her chance was gone—vanished along with that cunning vixen Isabella. All her meticulous preparations were for nothing.

That scheming fox had stolen everything!

Outside the grand ballroom, Alexander Kingsley stood like a statue by the floor-to-ceiling windows, his piercing gaze fixed on the empty driveway where the Rolls-Royce had disappeared. His jaw was clenched, his breathing uneven.

"Mr. Kingsley," Gordon ventured cautiously, wiping sweat from his brow. "I hate to say it, but we've been outmaneuvered. The media is buzzing about K Group now. Our event is barely mentioned. And the news of Ms. Sinclair publicly whisking Ada away has reached the chairman. People are questioning our competence—our hotel's reputation is taking a hit."

By the time he finished, Gordon was drenched in nervous perspiration.

This was Isabella's signature move—striking fast and leaving no room for retaliation.

Alexander's voice was rough when he finally spoke. "Since when did you stop calling her Mrs. Kingsley?"

Gordon stiffened. "As long as she doesn't cross you, she's Mrs. Kingsley. The moment she does, she's Ms. Sinclair."

Alexander exhaled sharply, his dark eyes unreadable. "Call her whatever you want. And I'm not angry. This is just how she operates."

Gordon blinked in surprise. Every time Alexander went head-to-head with his ex-wife, he'd end up grinding his teeth in frustration. Yet now, after such a blatant humiliation, he wasn't even upset?

Did he... enjoy this?

"But how did she even get in?" Alexander muttered. "This event was invitation-only. Security was airtight."

Gordon hesitated. "There was a brief system glitch right before her arrival. But our equipment was just serviced—it shouldn't have failed. We suspect a hack."

Alexander's brow furrowed.

A hacker?

Was Isabella capable of that?

Or had one of her brothers intervened again?

"Alex!"

A saccharine voice shattered his thoughts.

Edith rushed toward him, her heels clicking sharply against the marble. Alexander didn't bother turning around.

"Isabella's behavior was outrageous!" Edith fumed, seizing his arm. "She humiliated you in front of everyone! She doesn't respect you at all!"

She knew men like Alexander valued their pride above all. No way would he tolerate such a public slight!

But his response turned her blood to ice.

"You barely know her. Ms. Sinclair has never taken me seriously."

Edith gaped. "Alex, what—?"

"And I don't care."

His frigid stare pinned her in place. "What does concern me, Ms. Fairhaven, is your conduct tonight."

That formal address struck like a slap.

He was distancing himself from her!

"This is an Abernathy event. I was the host. You had no right to represent my company."

"I was trying to help you!" Edith's voice turned shrill. Her grip on his arm tightened. "How could you let that witch sabotage your party? Steal your guest? Make the Abernathy name a laughingstock? What gives her the right? Just because she used to be your wife?"

The moment the words left her mouth, she regretted them.

Alexander's expression darkened. "Who told you about my marriage?"

"My—my brother!" she lied.

"So it was Glynnis." His voice was dangerously soft.

Edith bit her lip hard enough to draw blood.

"What happened between Isabella and me is private. She's moved on. I suggest you do the same."

Rage boiled inside her.

He was defending her! Protecting that woman's reputation!

"Ada's gone. If you're not performing tonight, I can arrange your return to the Fairhaven estate."

He pulled free without another glance and strode away.

Gordon barely suppressed a smirk as he shot Edith a pitying look.

Was this really Jareth Fairhaven's sister?

Her behavior was... unbecoming.

"Alexander Kingsley!"

He didn't stop.

Edith's voice cracked. "Do you still love her? Is that why you defend her?"

Alexander halted. "No. I don't love her."

The answer came too quickly—as if hesitation would betray something he wasn't ready to face.

"Then why? She doesn't love you! She mocks you, steals from you, ruins everything you build! She's evil! Why protect her?"

Her composure shattered with each word.

Edith wasn't like her sister Acacia. Spoiled since childhood, she'd never been denied anything. This was her first taste of defeat—and the more she chased Alexander, the further he retreated.

He turned slowly.

The look in his eyes froze her where she stood.

"Ms. Fairhaven, as someone who's never been married, you wouldn't understand. She was my wife. My tolerance is my prerogative."

Lightning couldn't have struck harder.

"Even if I don't love her, she was mine. No one else gets to judge her."

Rain began to patter against the pavement.

Mari Abernathy slipped out of Windermere Estate, clutching a stuffed bear to her chest. By the time she hailed a cab and reached Abernathy Hotel, her cotton dress was soaked through.

But the bear remained dry.

Trembling with social anxiety, she avoided the grand entrance, sneaking in through the service door.

Head down, she darted through the halls like a frightened mouse, dodging glittering guests.

"Stop right there!"

Her heart leapt into her throat.

Two security guards loomed over her, their expressions dripping with disdain at her bedraggled appearance. "This is a private event. No entry without an invitation."

"I just want to see Ada," Mari whispered. "One look, then I'll go."

"Not happening. Scram!"

The guard grabbed her arm, shoving her toward the exit.

"This isn't a place for charity cases. Get lost!"

Mari's grip on the bear tightened. She would see Ada.

Gritting her teeth, she backed up—then charged straight at the guard!

"Hey—!"

The larger man caught her easily, flinging her aside like a ragdoll.

Mari squeezed her eyes shut, bracing for impact—

Only to land squarely in a pair of strong, familiar arms.