Andrew At Work

While strolling into the parking lot, Alice's eyes widened at the text from Mason, sharing details about the designer contest venue. Skylar, already in the car, awaited her patiently.

"What was that for?" Skylar asked.

With a snort, Alice narrated the entire scene at Mason's apartment, leaving Skylar fuming at Monica and Mason's boldness.

"Alice, why on earth did you agree to help her? She's nothing but a dishonest opportunist, a big liar. Both of them are taking advantage of your popularity for their own benefit."

"In a low baritone, Alice asserted, "I've never turned down Mason before for anything, and I won't until I've settled the score with them. I don't want him to catch on that I know their secrets." Leaning back in her seat, she closed her eyes.

"Instead of wasting time, confront them with the proof you have," Skylar advised while driving, stealing glances at Alice's profile through the corner of her eyes.

"It'd be too easy for him. He'd apologize, plead, and coerce me into forgiveness, only to later blame me for everything I'm seeking vengeance for in his life."

"Indeed..." Skylar sighed. Alice is the one who truly knows Mason inside and out.

"Then expose that arrogant snob! How could he disregard your sacrifices for him and his company?"

"It's not the right time. Remember, revenge is a dish best served cold."

Shaking her head, Skylar understood that once Alice was set on something, nothing could sway her. Despite this, she persisted in making an effort.

"It's absurd for you to walk the ramp in a designer contest. It might mar your pristine career and pose a potential obstacle to your comeback. Besides, I have a gut feeling it's a trap."

"I share the same thoughts...."

"For real?" Skylar slammed on the brakes, the tires screeching as the car jolted to a sudden stop.

Alice straightened her posture, casting a frowning glance at Skylar.

"Sorry, sweetie..." Skylar offered an apologetic smile. "But once you know it's a setup, stepping on the ramp is out of the question."

"Nothing to worry about; just follow my instructions. The contest is arranged by the Royman group of companies in one of their hotels." Alice's eyes sparkled with confidence, leaving Skylar wide-eyed in surprise.

"Great, that settles it. I'll make the most of this opportunity."

"Hmm, assist me gather intel on the contest and Monica's design. Additionally, reach out to your paparazzi connections to uncover any evidence of Mason and Monica being in cahoots."

Skylar nodded and steered the car towards Royman Seaview, one of the city's largest hotels.

"Boss, Vicky is here." Ronny informed as he entered Andrew's office.

"Hmm..." Andrew emitted a thoughtful sound, not lifting his head from the laptop.

"Good evening, boss."

Andrew gave a nod in reply, eliciting a sigh from Vicky. His boss's demeanor was consistently distant and unapproachable.

"Miss Alice Cooper, raised in a affluent New York business-class family. Alongside her parents, she shares her life with grandparents and a brother in a joint family setup."

"Monica Parker, a former acquaintance and friend from NYC, briefly worked as her designer. A few years ago, during Monica's challenging times, Miss Cooper extended her help, and..."

"Hold on, I'm not interested in irrelevant characters. Just get to the point," Andrew interrupted sternly. He despises wasting time, and discussing Monica serves no purpose for him.

"You should be aware of her, the antagonist in Miss Cooper's life," Vicky retorted, and Andrew's frown grew deeper.

Vicky met Andrew's silent stare and pressed on, "She's the third wheel complicating things between Miss Cooper and her ex-boyfriend, Mason Rex."

"Mason Rex viciously silenced every rumor, shielding it from Miss Cooper, but where there's smoke, there's usually fire. Miss Cooper likely caught wind of it, and last night, she caught them red-handed in the act of betraying her."

"What?" Andrew was bewildered by Vicky's disclosure of such personal details. "How did you find out?"

A smile played on Vicky's lips. Surprising his boss with his work was a compliment he took pride in.

"I have my connections." Of course, being a seasoned pro in his job is why he's been on Andrew's team for 8 years.

Andrew is aware he won't disclose the information's source. He sighed and nodded. "Keep going..."

"Miss Cooper and Mason Rex were set to clandestinely register their marriage this morning, but he failed to show up at the civil affairs bureau..."

"That's enough..." Andrew said sternly, but Vicky's smile expanded, retaining its enigmatic quality.

"You're well-versed in every detail about Alice Cooper, but keep it under wraps here. Don't spill the beans until it's officially announced."

Vicky nodded and mimed locking his lips. "By the way, congrats. Finally tied the knot," he teased playfully. Vicky is refreshingly candid with Andrew, unlike others who fear him.

Andrew shot Vicky with a sharp gaze, and Vicky, in response, signaled again to zip his lips. Andrew shook his head, sinking into contemplation with disappointment over thoughts about Alice.

'Hmm, betrayed by the boyfriend, deceived by the friend, how pathetic. Have I erred in choosing my bride? Alice, a self-made woman like me, made me prioritize her, but it appears she can't look out for herself.'

"I've learned that Monica is green with envy towards Miss Cooper and her success, and it's not a well-kept secret."

"Are you hinting that she planned this on purpose?"

"Perhaps, perhaps not; nothing's carved in stone."

"Okay, assign someone to keep tabs on Monica and Mason while ensuring Alice's security."

Vicky was taken aback, questioning why Andrew was involving himself in these affairs. It was out of character for him. Even Andrew couldn't pinpoint why he felt compelled to worry about his contractual wife. Nevertheless, she was now Mrs. Alice Andrew Kingston, and it fell upon him to safeguard her.

"Boss, there's some information about Miss Cooper..." Ronny walked into the room and shared.

"Shoot....." Even though Andrew was keen to learn about Alice, he kept up a facade of cold indifference.

"She is here with her manager."

"What's the big deal? Celebrities are common guests in our hotel," Andrew asserted with pride. "Don't bother wasting my time."

"It's not just a casual dinner; it's an event, and you need to be updated about it," Ronny countered.

"Andrew inquired, a frown creasing his forehead, and Vicky also shifted his attention to him.

"Our company is hosting a designer contest in our hotel, and I found out from the crew that Miss Cooper will be gracing the ramp as a model for designer Monica Parker."

"What the hell..." Andrew muttered, clearly indignant.

"Being a Hollywood celeb, why is she participating as a model in a contest for designers, and that too for Monica, her nemesis?" Vicky said.

Andrew's fist tightened in irritation. 'How low can she stoop, taking on such a menial task as a celebrity, especially for those who betrayed her? Is she that susceptible to being exploited?'

Andrew perceived Alice as a pathetic pushover, assuming she was easily bullied, and convinced himself he had to safeguard her for the next year—completely oblivious of the true bold and shrewd side of Alice.

"Ronny, instruct my personal security team to be on standby and monitor all surveillance footage. Vicky, gather information to determine if this is a setup."

"Boss, you could participate as a special judge, considering your position as the founding chairman of Royman Group. It would be greatly appreciated," Ronny suggested.

"No, I won't be a part of it. I'll observe the event live from my office. Connect me to the channel covering the event," Andrew declared, gesturing towards the large LCD screen in the corner of his office.

Ronny nodded, walked to the far corner, and powered on the LCD using the remote. Andrew strolled to the couch in front of the screen, seating himself regally as he gazed at the display. The announcement echoed, signaling that the contest was about to commence.

Andrew tilted his head, glancing at Ronny and Vicky from the corner of his eyes. Both crouched and then strode out to execute the given orders.