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
"What are you saying?" Jasper frowned, taken aback."Leave me alone. I don't need you to be nice to me. Not anymore." Alyssa slowly stood up, trying not to wince as her gastritis acted up. She added, "Don't try shoving your useless affection here now that Liana has broken your heart. I'm not a trash recycling center—not even if you beg."Jasper clenched his hands into fists, anger rising fast with her insults.He had come to help her out because he was worried about her. Why did she have to demonize him so? Why did she humiliate his small gesture of kindness?Alyssa put on her heels again and left the room while Jasper slowly cleaned up the cupcake mess on the floor, heart aching.Alyssa was no longer the kind, affectionate woman who would smile at him and tend to him with all her heart. Their failed marriage remained a lasting trauma in her heart center. It sculpted her into the hard-shelled, abrasive, and fierce woman. One small hint of kindness was enough to make her pu
The surrounding guests and reporters shot Alyssa incredulous, awe-filled looks."My apologies, Madam Yves. I didn't know you were waiting for me," Alyssa said with a blush.Yves grinned. "Don't sweat it. You've had a busy night."She then wrapped an arm around Alyssa's shoulders, making the two look quite like close friends. She said to the reporters, "Come on, where are our photos?"Alyssa was just as shocked as everyone else.This was the first time a cold, terrifying, dominating woman like Yves had initiated a photo with someone else. The reporters thought that Alyssa must be someone special or unique to have caught her attention. How tremendous!Betty and Zoe were devastated, especially the latter, who felt shame burst inside her veins like fireworks.Why? Why was this happening? Why were all the famous, influential, powerful people flocking toward Alyssa? Zoe couldn't figure out why. Alyssa did her best to appear calm and happy while taking the photo with Yves,
Yves' eyes lit up at the thought of Jonah. Alyssa was speechless. She tried to figure out what exactly her brother had done to make her love him."You really did a number, Jonah," Alyssa muttered under her breath. …Jasper had finished three cigarettes outside the venue. Yet, he remained upset and disappointed. Nonetheless, he still dragged himself to the auction venue when it was time.While he continued walking, another man approached the scene from the opposite end of the hallway.The two immediately locked eyes as they stood outside the venue entrance. Tension hung in the air between them, with Jasper's intense glare clashing against Jameson's icy gaze.The latter pushed his gold-rimmed glasses up, a smirk rising on his lips. "What a coincidence. Are you here to contribute to charity too?"Jasper smiled lazily. "Nah. I'm just here to help her in any way I can."Jameson slowly curled his hands into fists, knowing who Jasper meant.…The charity auction was finally startin
The opal necklace incited a wave of awe and gossip to resound through the hall. Anyone could see just how fine the craftsmanship of the opals was and instantly estimated its value to be at least seven digits.The Schmidt family was truly being generous tonight by donating this piece!Just then, a spotlight fell on Jameson, making the crowd turn their attention to him. Many gasped and squealed at how refined this man looked.Yet he only had eyes for Alyssa, as if she was the only thing that mattered."Who is he? He's so handsome. He looks like some carved marble statue!""That must be someone from the Schmidt family. How else could such a precious jewelry piece be available tonight?""I've never seen him before!""Hmm, if he's already contributing this much to Ms. Alyssa, does that mean … they're together?""So what if they are? Ms. Alyssa is a modern-day Queen Sheba. They match very well together!"The more Jasper was privy to these conversations, the more irritated he was. Wi