Chapter 5: Unraveling Tensions

Anita's heart rose as Alexander held her by the hand and took her away from the reporters. His hand firmed on her hand protectively.

 

She was sweating profusely and anxious at the same time, and she was sure that the lovely make-up that Angie had taken her time to do that evening before she left home would have been ruined by now.

 

Her mind was raised with questions and scenarios, fearing what could happen next.

 

Just after they had successfully escaped from the watchful eyes of the reporters, Alexander suddenly let go of her like he had been holding a plague and was relieved to finally have to let it go. And without saying a word to Anita, he walked away from her. Anita felt relief and confusion.

 

Anita, who was still in shock, first looked at her hand and then looked up at his retreating as he walked toward his car.

 

Determined that she would not let him go that night without a word, she followed immediately behind him and suddenly called his name just as he was about to enter his car, but then she almost regretted it immediately as he turned to face her once again, his brows raised.

 

Anita stood stunned in one place when she finally got to look into his face once again. She could not deny the fact that this man was not only arrogant but also had an intimidating presence.

 

Unable to find her voice, a whirlwind of thoughts raced through her mind, and she stared into the face of the man with whom she had had a one-night stand five years ago.

 

Did he recognize her? What did he want? Would he demand custody of Austin? She needed answers, and fast.

 

That and many more questions went through Anita's mind as she and Alexander stood face to face, just a few inches apart.

 

The two stared into each other's eyes without saying a word, and she started to think it was a bad idea to approach him after saving her, but suddenly Alexander spoke up.

 

"You called me," he said in the meanest and coldest voice Anita had ever heard. In her life, she was never used to being spoken to like that, but of course, she would have to endure it since she would have to spend a lot of time with this arrogant man in front of her, at least till she got what she wanted.

 

Anita cleared her throat and straightened herself up for the task that was in front of her.

 

"Uhhmm.... Actually.... I just wanted to thank you for helping me out there. I really wonder what would have happened if you did not get me out of there." She let out a nervous laugh and scratched her neck.

 

Alexander just nodded his head and turned toward his car again.

 

Anita, who was already nervous seeing that he was about to leave, knew that she needed to do something fast before he left—something that could get her closer to her goal.

 

"No. Uhmm," she said hurriedly, and he stopped and turned to face her again, his facial expression, and Anita's heart skipped a beat.

 

"Sorry… I mean, could you maybe drop me at my house?" She asked, demonstrating nervousness with her hands.

 

Alexander had a blank expression on his face, and Anita could hardly tell if he was considering her request or if he was about to deny her blatantly.

 

Anita had her eyes fixated on his lips and face, waiting for his response. He was about to say something when Anita suddenly heard her name being called from behind.

 

She recognized the voice as that of Lawrence and her bodyguard.

 

Anita slowly turned around with her eyes and fists tightly shut.

 

"Fuck!" she mumbled to herself, her fixes clenched.

 

Lawrence, who did not even notice how uncomfortable she was with his arrival, walked towards her and hugged her tightly.

 

"Are you okay, Anita?" He asked when he disengaged from the hug and pushed a few strands of her hair backward with the tip of his index finger.

 

Anita stood still as he went on and on with his annoying drama, not moving an inch.

 

Why now of all times? Why would he choose to spoil the little chance she had of Alexander dropping her home?

 

Anita had reasons to believe that if Lawrence had not shown up, Alex would have agreed to drop her home, and with that, she might even succeed in seducing him, and they might even end up in the hotel room on the way.

 

But now this annoying guy has ended up ruining it.

 

Anita knew that she needed to act fast with Alex because, with the way Sandra acted tonight, she did not have much time to achieve her goal.

 

The atmosphere got a bit tense for Anita as she looked from Alexander to Lawrence, who did not even look like he noticed the inconvenience he had caused her.

 

Alexander, who had a blank expression on his face all along, finally spoke.

 

"My friend is here now; he will drop you." He said simply, and with that, he got into his car and drove off without sparing Anita another glance.

 

Anita stared back at Lawrence, who was letting out a sheepish smile scornfully. She picked offense in the way he had hugged her in front of Alexander; now he would think she was in some sort of relationship with him.

 

She hated Lawrence even more because she believed that his closeness to her would do nothing but ruin her chances with Alexander since they were close friends.

 

"Don't bother yourself; my personal guard will drop me," Anita said angrily and walked out on him, her hills making clicking sounds on the ground as she walked away, her manicured fingers rugged into her palm.

 

Scarlet, who was standing in a corner watching them, saw Anita walking away from Lawrence, and she quickly saw that as an opportunity. After all, it has always been her dream to be the girlfriend of a billionaire, and Lawrence would not be a bad catch.

 

She quickly went to Lawrence, hoping to get close to him.

 

"Hi Lawrence, how are you?" She smiled, biting her lower lip, and Lawrence scoffed.

 

"I'm sorry, I'm not in the mood to talk to you now," Lawrence replied angrily and walked away.

 

Scarlet stood there motionless, her hand covering her face, looking down. All her anger was not directed at Lawrence, who just embarrassed her; instead, it was directed at Anita.

 

"Who does she think she is? That hoe?"

 

"First it was the director, and now it was Lawrence, " she said with gritted teeth.

 

"Why was she getting all the men to herself?"

 

"Why did that woman choose to constantly irritate me?" She stomped her feet.

 

She could not help but think that if Lawrence was interested in Anita, it was quite obvious by the way he was sticking to her all night.

 

She had had high hopes all night that she would get the chance to get in touch with Lawrence that night since the director had earlier told her that he had sent invites to their company.

 

Scarlet was thinking that she would finally get the chance to catch his attention, only for that bitch to ruin it for her.

 

"What is so special about Anita? Is she that good in bed?"

 

She stomped her feet once again and walked back inside the hall angrily while looking around to make sure no one saw what just happened.