"Oh?" Newton responded curiously, stroking his chin."Yeah, Dad," Sophia piped up, "When has someone like Landon ever personally gone to see another woman? "He clearly has Betty in his thoughts. He wouldn't have come by otherwise. Plus, Alyssa already has someone else."Jasper slowly turned his eyes to Sophia. He swallowed anxiously, as if trying to control a turbulent emotion.Newton was surprised to hear this. "Alice has a boyfriend? Who is it?""Victor Schmidt's youngest, Jameson." Sophia had gotten word of this from Liana herself. Even though there wasn't much evidence that the two were dating, she might as well bring this up to stop the old man from interfering with their plans."Alyssa is not dating Jameson Schmidt," Jasper finally spoke up, setting down his cutlery."But I heard they've already gone on several dates, like going to the flower gardens, orchestras …""They are not dating." Jasper's gaze glinted with invisible knives. "Hopefully, Sophia remembers not to sta
The counterfeit worked!Betty had nervously handed it to Ada. She had been terrified of being found out. In fact, she had even devised an escape plan in case she was discovered. Her excuse would involve claiming that she had been deceived by the "friend" who had given her the jewelry.Surprisingly, Ada didn't realize the jewelry was a counterfeit. She had to thank Alexa's disciple, Tyson Nolan, for that. Ada even tried the necklace on, grinning from ear to ear.That was how Ada decided she would work with Berenike Hotel. Just like that, Betty managed to carve a spot out for herself in the hotel's higher management—all without her mother's help!That night, Sophia celebrated with Betty on the balcony, popping bottles of champagne."Once Ada's wedding is over and your father entrusts you with full control of the hotel, you'll be set on the path to securing a position on the board of directors! "Then we can finally kick that bastard Jasper out of the picture!" Sophia exclaime
Jonah frowned, disapproving of how skintight her outfit was. "Are you going out for sports this late in the evening?""Yeah. I'm in a swell mood, Jonah. I have a kayak waiting for me in the river behind the house right this second!" Alyssa grinned."It's so dark out already. What if you fall into the water? You're not the best swimmer." Jonah pinched her waist. "And it's freezing out here, Alyssa. What if you get a cold?"He then turned to Sean, accusing, "What have you been doing? Why haven't you tried talking some sense into her?""My deepest apologies, Mr. Jonah!" Sean bowed profusely."Don't blame him, Jonah. He tried stopping me, but you know as well as I do, no one can stop me."The siblings went to sit on the couch, Alyssa resting on her brother's shoulder. "MINT's editor-in-chief just called me to confirm the auction's flow. Thank you so much for helping me get them onboard, Jonah."MINT magazine's editor-in-chief was fashionista and designer Yves Vanderbilt, a demoness
The night of the charity auction at KS World Hotel did not disappoint. Neither KS Group nor MINT had put much effort into promoting the event. But the local news media and netizens were still all over it like bees to honey, given it was in the name of charity. MINT was an internationally renowned magazine, after all. Anyone would kill to be featured, even an international celebrity.The event was filled with famous superstars that evening, from actors to singers to models. The hotel security was in full action, keeping the peace in and outside the venue. The guests cooperated as well, making sure to quickly make their way inside the hotel once they'd greeted their fans.When a limousine drove up to the hotel entrance, the commotion increased.Out came Sophia and Betty, dressed like sequined peacocks in elegant gowns. Unlike the other wealthy heiresses who arrived via the back entrance or the VIP lane, they chose to face the hundreds of flashing camera lights centered on the
Betty gripped her arm, which now sported a light bruise, and followed her mother into the venue away from the crowd. Even though her mother had successfully won her father over all those years ago, Betty had never seen her more than a prudish, unruly woman who could never make it to the same level as those in her circle.Sophia fell far short of the graceful stature of women like Mandy Lovelace from the Taylor family or Penelope Miller, Zoe's mother. That proved to be a source of misfortune for Betty. After all, one couldn't select their birth circumstances.…This event had two parts—a cocktail party and the charity auction itself. Numerous A-list stars filled the party, and it seemed as if half of the celebrity circle was present tonight.In her role as the general manager of the KS World Hotel and as the leader of the organizing team for the charity event, Alyssa found herself inevitably in the spotlight for interviews with the reporters. Poised and composed, she confident
Betty's words attracted some curious passersby, most in awe at how much Betty was insinuating in those few words. Firstly, she asserted that KS World Hotel was responsible for this mistake, thus making Ada the victim. Secondly, she claimed that Alyssa had yet to resolve the aftermath of said mistake and was using MINT's charity auction to tide things over. Thirdly, she accused Alyssa of being an irresponsible general manager unsuitable for her role. She claimed that Alyssa couldn't meet customers' needs and couldn't maintain confidentiality.That meant Ada's choice to go with Berenike Hotel was affirming that they were far better than KS World in all these aspects.The reporters erupted into yet another flurry of questions like fish that had been tossed bait.Alyssa had anticipated that Betty would do this already, attacking her and the hotel's reputation on such an important evening. She looked at Sophia and Betty's extravagant makeup, feeling that the two of them resembled
Jasper began, "First, remove that nosy, lying, good-for-nothing reporter from this venue and the city. I want him gone for good.""Yes, sir!""Second, have Beckett Group's PR department monitor any comments, statements, rumors, or gossip that could harm Alyssa and KS World Hotel's reputation. Eradicate all of them at once.""On it, sir!" Xavier then went to get those done, leaving Jasper where he was to continue gazing at Alyssa. His gaze softened as he watched her determined expression.He silently said, "No thanks needed. Dance as long as you please. I'll take care of everything in the background for you." …"We are sorry to see you unable to work with Ms. Kingsley, Ms. Alyssa," Sophia said gently, taking advantage of the situation. She continued, "You're only new to this line of work. You're still young. You're bound to make some mistakes. "Never fear, though. You'll learn from them. After all, who here hasn't made a mistake when they were your age? The most important thi
The guests made their way to the next venue in the hotel for the charity auction. Alyssa was quick to dodge the spotlight, making sure no reporters or paparazzi were on her tail. She went to take a breather out in an empty hallway."Ms. Alyssa!" Sean cried, coming up to her. "Are you alright?""Of course I am. Those small fries were easy to placate," Alyssa reassured him, then said, "But you really shouldn't be here right now. You should be watching after the event flow at the venue.""But … But I'm worried about you." Sean's voice was raspy when he continued, "Those reporters were purposely sent to ruin your reputation!""That's to be expected. The media aren't going to praise and worship me just because I'm hosting an event for charity." Alyssa was not the least bit perturbed. She went on to say, "Plus, it makes sense that they would grill me. Technically, this mistake was caused by my slip-up, albeit some other more frivolous-looking peacocks took advantage. "I still have