11.

My stomach dropped as realization hit.

 This had to be Alexander’s ex-wife—Riley and Ryder’s mother.

Damn. She was… stunning. Sexy in a way that made it hard to look away.

I thought two beautiful people doesn't work well together. I guess social media was wrong. They do. 

As Ryder and Riley were equally gorgeous.

I glanced at Mum, whose face had shifted from bright and cheerful to cold and tense. Her smile was gone, replaced by a tight-lipped expression as she stared at the woman like she was a ghost.

The ex-wife approached the group with a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Lorelei,” she said, her voice smooth and dripping with sarcasm. “How lovely to see you.”

Mum’s jaw tightened, but she forced a smile. “What are you doing here?”

“Oh, didn’t you know?” the ex-wife said, tilting her head innocently. “I was invited.”

Mum turned to the woman who had organized the event, her voice low but sharp. “How could you invite her?”

The woman stammered, clearly uncomfortable. “I-I thought—”

Mum cut her off, turning back to Alexander’s ex. “I thought you were in rehab.”

The ex-wife’s smile widened, a glint of mischief in her eyes. “I checked out. And it’s a good thing too. Someone has to remind everyone where Alexander’s loyalty used to lie.”

The tension between them was palpable, and I suddenly felt very out of place.

Vivienne nudged me. “This is better than TV,” she whispered.

I didn’t respond, my eyes glued to the scene unfolding before me.

“I’m happy now,” Mum said, her voice tight but steady. “And Alexander is happy too. That’s all that matters.”

“Of course,” the ex said, her tone saccharine. “Enjoy it while it lasts, Lorelei.”

With that, she turned and walked away, leaving the room buzzing with murmurs.

She continued to talk to others while my mum was there. 

I see the reason why she had to work extra hard to beat the ex. I mean look at her…she was everything my other could never be. 

Well my mother in the past. 

Now she is very much a good match. 

For some weird reason, I stood up straight, gulping.

Mum took a deep breath, clearly trying to compose herself. She turned to me, her face softening slightly. “Evelyn, don’t pay attention to her. She’s just… bitter.”

Doesn't she have every right to be? I wanted to say but kept my mouth shut. 

That wasn't very daughterly.

But the look in her eyes told me she wasn’t as unaffected as she wanted me to believe.

Before I could say anything, the ex-wife, Serena Caldwell, returned to the circle of women like she hadn’t just dropped a bomb in the middle of the room. She held a glass of champagne, her movements graceful and effortless, and her smile as sharp as the diamonds around her neck.

“Oh, Lorelei,” Serena said, her tone sickly sweet. “I was just telling the ladies about Alexander’s generosity. He’s always been such a giver, hasn’t he?”

The subtle jab was enough to make my mum stiffen.

“He certainly is,” Mum said, her tone even but strained. “That’s why he’s so successful.”

Serena’s smile widened, but it didn’t reach her eyes. “Oh, I know all about his success. After all, I helped build it.” She took a sip of her champagne, her eyes flicking to the other women. “Isn’t it funny how some people reap the rewards of another woman’s hard work?”

The air around us grew tense, the women shifting uncomfortably as their eyes darted between Mum and Serena.

Mum’s lips tightened into a polite smile. “You must be mistaken, Serena. Alexander’s success is entirely his own. He worked hard for everything he has.”

“And yet,” Serena said, tilting her head, “he seems to have a habit of… downgrading when things get tough.”

I felt my stomach churn at the implication, and I glanced at Mum, who was holding her composure like her life depended on it.

“I’m sure I wouldn’t know what you’re talking about,” Mum said calmly, though her voice had a razor-sharp edge.

“Oh, no need to pretend, darling,” Serena said, waving a hand. “We all know how these things work. One woman gets the ring, another gets the divorce papers. It’s just the natural order of things.”

The women around us exchanged knowing looks, their whispers barely concealed.

“That’s not fair,” I said before I could stop myself.

Serena’s sharp gaze turned to me, and for a moment, I felt like I was under a microscope. “Ah, Evelyn, is it?” she said, her voice dripping with false warmth. “You’re new to all of this, aren’t you? Don’t worry, dear. You’ll learn.”

“Mum, maybe we should—”

“Actually,” Serena interrupted, turning back to Mum, “I was just wondering if Alexander had mentioned the upcoming gala to you? It’s such a prestigious event, and only the most influential people are invited. Of course, Alexander and I used to attend together. We were mostky the host. I doubt if they will give the host to you now, I don't think they will trust someone who use to strip her life away.”

Mum’s smile didn’t falter. “Yes, we’re attending. It’s going to be a wonderful night and I actually have a lot of experience in designing. I would be hosting next year.”

“Oh, how delightful,” Serena said, her smile tightening. “I do hope you’re prepared for the… pressure. These events can be so overwhelming for someone new to our world.”

Mum’s eyes darkened slightly, but her smile stayed intact. “Thank you for your concern, Serena. I’m more than capable of handling myself.”

The tension between them was almost suffocating. I wanted to step in, to say something, but I didn’t even know where to begin.

Before I could figure it out, Serena turned her attention to the group of women, her tone shifting to something more conspiratorial. “Did you know Alexander bought a penthouse for Lorelei and Evelyn? Such a thoughtful gesture, don’t you think?”

The women nodded, murmuring their agreement.

“Of course,” Serena continued, her eyes flicking to Mum, “it’s a shame when someone has to rely so heavily on a man for their success. But I suppose we all do what we must.”

Mum’s composure cracked for just a second, her lips pressing into a thin line.

“I don’t rely on anyone,” Mum said firmly. “Everything I have, I’ve earned.”

Serena let out a soft laugh. “Of course, darling. Of course.”

The whispers around us grew louder, and I could feel my mum’s frustration radiating off her. I wanted to pull her away, to stop this trainwreck before it got worse, but I didn’t know how.

Serena leaned in slightly, her voice dropping. “Just remember, Lorelei, some things are irreplaceable. No matter how much you try to take their place.”

That was it.

“Excuse me,” Mum said, her voice clipped as she turned to me. “Evelyn, why don’t you go check out Ravencrest? It’s time you got familiar with the campus.”

I blinked, surprised by the sudden dismissal. “Are you sure?”

She nodded, her expression softening slightly. “I’ll handle the rest here.”

“But, Mum—”

“I’m fine,” she said firmly, placing a hand on my arm. “I did nothing wrong, Evelyn. It’s not my fault their marriage was crumbling long before Alexander met me. Maybe if she had been caring for her husband and children, they wouldn't have been so cold towards her or lack love. But she was never there.”

She patted my head smiling at me. 

I hesitated, studying her face. She looked calm, but I could see the strain in her eyes, the effort it was taking to hold herself together.

“Okay,” I said softly. “I’ll go.”

She gave me a small smile, squeezing my arm. “Thank you. And don’t worry about any of this. It’ll blow over.”

I nodded, though I wasn’t sure if I believed her. As I walked away, I couldn’t shake the feeling that this was just the beginning of something much bigger.