Chapter 36
The Casa Lounge was alive with its usual glitz and glamor.
The rich and influential of Willowcrest were scattered across the room, sipping expensive cocktails and trading shallow conversations. Alex Blackwell stepped inside, his expression unreadable, but his thoughts a storm he couldn’t quite calm.
Zoe greeted him almost instantly, her radiant smile lighting up the room. “Alex!” she exclaimed, throwing her arms around him. She kissed him quickly but firmly, a public display of affection that turned several heads.
The room buzzed with whispers and glances. People were clearly wondering if the infamous on-again, off-again couple was back together.
That was the thing about him and Zoe-they always found their way back to each other, even if it was just for appearances. But this time, Alex felt no thrill, no satisfaction.
“Miss me?” Zoe asked, holding onto his arm and leaning in close.
“Always,” Alex replied automatically, his tone lacking the enthusiasm she likely expected.
Zoe didn’t seem to notice. She clung to him, practically glowing. “We need to celebrate tonight,” she said, her voice dripping with excitement. “Another win for my sexy boyfriend.”
Alex forced a small smile, but his mind was elsewhere. He should have been reveling in the moment, basking in the whole thing, yet all he could think about was her.
Mia Turner.
He spotted her from across the room, weaving through the tables with a tray in hand. She was smiling at one of the guests, her demeanor composed and professional.
Alex paused
How is she so calm, so unaffected? After everything that had happened, after he had crushed her, how could she just… how is she like that?
It was infuriating.
His chest tightened, an unfamiliar feeling creeping in. Did he want her to be miserable? To be crying in some corner over him? Maybe. At least then, he would feel like he mattered to her.
Alex is cruel, yes… He’s a blackwell after all
“Alex, are you even listening to me?” Zoe’s voice snapped him back to reality.
“Yeah,” he muttered, though he had no idea what she had just said. His eyes flicked back to Mia, who was now handing drinks to another table.
“Ugh, can we get some service over here?” Zoe said, her voice louder than necessary.
A waitress approached their table, her posture stiff and professional. “Good evening. What can I get for you?”
Zoe barely glanced at her. “Where’s the Turner girl? I want her to serve us.”
The waitress blinked, clearly caught off guard. “Mia is currently on her break, ma’am. She’s been handling a lot of tables tonight.”
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Chapter 36
Zoe narrowed her eyes, her voice sharpening. “That’s nonsense. Call her here. Don’t make me call your boss.”
The waitress hesitated for a moment before nodding. “I’ll get her,” she said quietly, turning and walking away.
Alex frowned, his jaw tightening. He didn’t see the point of Zoe’s request, but he wasn’t about to stop her. He wasn’t even sure he cared enough to intervene.
Zoe leaned back in her chair, a smug smile playing on her lips. “I want to see her face when she comes over here. I bet she’s trying so hard to pretend nothing happened.”
Chapter 37
