Chapter 76

I stand in the vibrant garden of the conference venue, the fragrance of blooming flowers mingling with the air. The recent meeting with the Alphas had left me mentally drained, and I welcomed the tranquility of the garden as a reprieve. Little did I know that this moment of respite would be shattered by an encounter I had been hoping to avoid.

As I stroll along the winding paths, lost in my own thoughts, a figure suddenly appears before me. It takes a moment for my mind to register the face, but as soon as I recognize Phoenix, my heart skips a beat. His striking presence, coupled with the memories of our complicated past, sends a jolt of anxiety through me.

"Hello, Alessia," Phoenix says, his voice filled with a mixture of surprise and anticipation. "Fancy meeting you here."

I force a polite smile, attempting to hide the unease that churns within me. "Phoenix. It's been a while."

His piercing gaze lingers on me, assessing my every move. "Indeed. I must say, you look even more captivat