ALINA’S POV.

    I got down from the runway stage, but before I could make my way to Lucian, I was bombarded by a flood of people, some wanting me to create something for them, others eager to partner with me.

    I looked toward Lucian and caught him shooting me an understanding look, a faint smirk ying on his lips before someone approached him and immediately engaged him in conversation.

    “So, my birthday g ising up, and Daddy said to go wild with the expenses.” The beautifuldy I was currently speaking to said, pulling my attention back to her with a cheerful flick of her hair.

    “Do you have anything specific in mind for the kind of outfits you want?” I smiled at her, my voice warm.

    She looked young and excited, she was turning twenty-one, if I remembered correctly. It sounded like her parents were throwing her a ball.

    “Not really,” she said with a small shake of her head, her curls bouncing lightly. “But I know I would be wearing more than one outfit.”

    Of course, rich kids. !--

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    “All right. How about youe to the store when it’s officially open next week, and we can go through a couple of designs. together?” I suggested.

    “That would be amazing!” She squealed, her eyes shimmering before she ran off excitedly to God knows where.

    I stifled a yawn, the exhaustion finally catching up to me.

    “You look beat, ma’am.” Mia approached with a look of concern on her face. “How about you head home, and I’ll finish up things here?” She offered gently.

    “That’s what I’ve been trying to do for the past ten minutes now,” I sighed, my shoulders sagging in exhaustion. “But I just keep getting stopped by people.”

    Mia opened her mouth to say something, but a voice interrupted her.

    “Well, well, well… you really had us fooled.” An amused voice rang out.

    I turned around to see the threedies I’d met at the g some weeks back.

    d you could honor my invitation, Lady Estelle.” I said, smiling at the one who had just spoken.

    “I knew there was more to you than what you were letting the world see.” Lady Aurora chimed in, making meugh softly.

    “Now I really do want to introduce you to my son, you will be perfect for him.” Lady Evelyne who had said something simr to these weeks ago at the g added.

    “In your dreams.” Lucian said tly from behind me, wrapping his arms possessively around my waist before I could respond.

    Lady Aurora and Lady Estelle giggled at the tension, while Lady Evelyne shot him a sharp re.

    I must say, I was impressed. She was the first person that would dare re at Lucian.

    “Well, if he ever misbehaves and you need another man, do well to contact me, okay?” Lady Evelyne jokes,pletely disregarding the death re Lucian was now giving her.

    She definitely seemed like the wild one among the trio.

    I chuckled in response, amused by the banter.

    “Well, we need to go rest our old bones now,” Lady Aurora said with a warm smile. “But we’ll make sure to meet up soon to talk about business.”

    “I look forward to that.” I replied sincerely.

    “All right, tiger. Let’s go.” Lady Estelle teased, dragging Lady Evelyne away, who was still locked in a silent stare-down with

    Lucian.

    “You know she was just joking around, right?” I turned to Lucian once they were finally out of carshot.

    “I don’t take threats of someone trying to steal you for their son lightly, joke or not.He deadpanned, his expression still serious.

    “Well, you can rx,” I said gently, running my hands up and down his arms. “Because even if she wasn’t joking, I wouldn’t be interested anyway. It’s you I want to be with.”

    He searched my face for a moment, and slowly, the tension in his body dissolved. The hardness in his eyes softened but just a little.

    “Ready to go?” He asked quietly.

    “Uh, yeah.” I nodded, then turned to Mia, who had been standing beside us, pretending to be absorbed in her iPad. “You’ve got this, right, Mia?” I asked.

    “Yes, ma’am. You have nothing to worry about. I’ll try and get the contacts of the prospective clients and partners and send them to you as soon as possible.” She replied promptly.

    “Are you sure? Because I could stay if-”

    “Go home, ma’am. I’ve got this.” She assured me with a small smile.

    “All right then,” I said, giving in. “But after today, we are taking a whole week off,” I added with a tired grin. “We deserve it after this.” I gestured around the ballroom, which was now thinning out, left for a handful of people talking amongst themselves.

    “Okay, ma’am.” Mia’s tone held a burst of excitement now.

    “I’ll ask Jordan to stay back and bring you home when you’re done.” I added.

    “Thank you so much, ma’am.” Mia smiled as genuine gratitude lit up her face.

    “No, thank you.” I said, lightly squeezing her arm before Lucian and I finally made our way out of the venue.

    I should have known Seraphina wouldn’t just go down quietly, because as soon as we stepped out into the night air….

    She was pouncing on me.

    “You fucking bitch!” She screamed.