Chapter 2 - THE UNINVITED GUEST
The silence that followed Connor’s innocent question was deafening. The ballroom around them seemed to freeze, the elite of Manhattan holding their collective breath. Vanessa’s eyes darted from the boys’ dark hair and gray eyes to Alexander’s rigid jaw. The resemblance wasn't just a suggestion; it was an undeniable genetic blueprint.
"Alexander," Vanessa's voice trembled, a crack in her perfectly manicured armor. "What is this? Who are these children?"
Alexander gently pulled his arm free from Vanessa’s grip. He didn't look at her; his eyes were locked on Olivia, who was pulling the boys closer, her maternal instinct flaring. "Vanessa, this is not the time or the place."
"Not the time?" Her voice rose, shrill enough to turn heads. "You're at a gala with me, and suddenly your ex-wife appears with a litter of—"
"Finish that sentence," Alexander interrupted, his voice dropping to a dangerous, icy register that sent shivers down the spines of hardened board members, "and you will never walk into a building with my name on it again."
Vanessa recoiled. The threat was real, and everyone within earshot knew it. Alexander stepped between his ex-wife and his current girlfriend. "Go home, Vanessa. We are done."
He didn't wait for her dramatic exit. He turned to Olivia. "Let's get out of here. My driver is outside."
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Olivia hesitated, but the media vultures were already pulling out their phones. "Okay," she whispered. As they walked out, Elliot slipped his small, sticky hand into Alexander’s. A jolt of electricity shot straight to the CEO's heart.
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