Chapter 36
"Oh my, I didn't see you here young Masters. I'm equally happy to see you here." Mr. Will was surprised to see David and his group of friends standing here as well. Of course all the young men came from a reputable family that even him can't overlook their background so he greeted them. "Thank you, Mr. Will. We actually left our table there and came to chat with Miss Gray here. I must commend you again, Mr. Will. You've thrown another successful party." Peter was the one who replied on behalf of himself and his friends who nodded their heads in agreement. "Haha, Mr. Allen, thank you for your kind words. I hope you're enjoying yourself. Allow me to introduce you to our honorable guest, though I'm sure you already know him. Gentlemen please meet Mr. King." Mr. Will introduced Alex to David and his friends. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. King. I've heard a lot about you." David was the first person to greet Alex and stretched his hand out for a handshake.
Alex stared at the outstretched hand before Derek stepped forward and took David's hand. Peter and the rest also greeted Alex, and Derek was the one who shook their hand just like David. The young men gritted their teeth and swallowed back their anger and embarrassment at Alex's treatment but no one dared to voice out their displeasure so they smiled like everything was fine.
"Isn't our young miss Sophia looking stunning tonight?" Mr. Will quickly turned his attention to Sophia. He had noticed the awkward atmosphere so he decided to use Sophia to turn everyone's attention away.Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.
He is doing a pretty job as the party host.
Sophia blushed when she heard Mr. Will's comment. Of course, she knew that she looked stunning thanks to everyone telling her that already. However, Alex's aloofness disappointed her, and she couldn't help asking, almost begging, "Mr. King, don't you think I look pretty?"
'The spotlight has been following me, and everyone's paying me attention, so should he.' Her possessive nature was awakened, and she swore to herself that she had to get him.
It mattered not if he was her sister's boyfriend. It mattered not what it was, who they were, if she wanted them, she had to have them.
Alex made no reply without taking a look at her.
The whole room burst out laughing, especially the envious female spectators, who were delighted.
"Silly bitch, you think you can steal all the wealthy men's attention here?"
"What about the rest of us?"
"You might be pretty to other men, but your beauty isn't enough to steal Alexander king's attention."
Sophia was wrapped by embarrassment and humiliation. How she wished she could make an instant disappearance.
The pride and pleasure displayed on Beatrice's face earlier vanished immediately and was replaced by dreadfulness. She quickly came to Sophia's rescue, "Silly girl. Why are you upset? Mr. King was just teasing you." She consoled her daughter before turning around and beckoned Roseline with a smile, "Come, Roseline. Don't stand there alone and say hello to Mr. King."
It was then when Sophia recalled the incident earlier at the jewelry shop, and she went into a sulk. She threw her mother a reproachful look, but Beatrice gestured to her to stay calm. Though infuriated, she remained quiet and watched.
Rose could guess what Beatrice was planning to do but she acted like she didn't know and stepped forward while everyone watched and judged.
"Really? That's Roseline Gray? She looks average."
"She doesn't hold a candle near Sophia. Her sister is much prettier than her."
"But I heard that the late Madam Ruby Gray was a beauty that no one in her time could beat. Why is her daughter looking rather plain?"
"Shh, Ruby Gray is a name that shouldn't be brought here. Even though that woman was trouble, there are still a few of us that miss her."
Rose ignored the whispers and gossip of the guests and focused on what was going on.
"How are you, Mr. King?" Rose slightly nodded and greeted Alex with a warm small smile, showing wonderful mannerism and elegance. She acted like it was the first time she had met him, and nothing had happened earlier in the day.
Alex looked at her closely. She exhibited a special aura around her like she had once fully experienced life and understood everything like there was nothing that she feared. She looked delicate and modest, but deep down, she kept her unyielding pride and self-esteem. She concealed herself very well, but he knew from first sight because he was the same as her.
Still, it was impressive how well she could act. But a frown appeared on his face when he saw those same lifeless eyes. What could have made a young girl like her have this kind of look?
He didn't say a word but simply stood there, facing her, for a good few minutes. Time seemed to have stopped. People watched the two intensely, then looked at one another occasionally and smiled unkindly, all expecting an entertaining show.
Sophia and Beatrice were pleased with themselves, thinking they had made a good move and got Rose trapped.
'Now Alexander will finally notice my beauty. One must be blind to choose Rose over me.' Sophia restored her confidence as she thought again 'Don't you regret it now? Hahaha. Roseline, here's the end of your sweet dream. Time to wake up.' she laughed victoriously in her mind like she had already won.
Rose acted calmly and casually. She returned Alex's stare and showed no signs of awkward feelings. Those that had survived death feared nothing For her, this was just something trivial. However, she was starting to get irritated by how he was just staring at her without saying anything and it was putting
her in the spotlight.
Alex looked Rose up and down, then remarked coldly, "Roseline Gray. Such awful attire. Which second-hand shop did you get it from?"
He suddenly had the urge to destroy her mask of innocence and dig the dark side of her. It would be intriguing.
The crowd was expecting Rose to
be upset and crying for such ruthless remarks, but she, again unexpectedly, extended her hands out in an indifferent gesture. "Well, it isn't my fault. It just so happens that people have different tastes You can never please everyone, and some people just don't know how to appreciate others. Don't you agree with me, Mr. King?"