From Heir's Ex to His Aunt novel Chapter 11

Chapter 11 He Is the Man

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All eyes immediately turned toward the entrance. A breathtaking woman appeared, clad in a sophisticated dress, her hair meticulously styled, a sandalwood box cradled in her hands.

In stark contrast to Aria, who resembled a garish Christmas ornament, Alicia exuded effortless elegance. She carried herself with a poised grace that was simultaneously regal and irresistibly alluring.

It was rare to encounter someone who could embody innocence and seduction so seamlessly.

Suddenly, Tasha recalled a phrase she’d recently seen online that perfectly described someone like Alicia- innocent yet undeniably alluring.

Alicia’s features were delicate and flawless, complemented by an aura that was both composed and striking.

People said true beauty went beyond just looks. Faces made to be perfect often felt boring, without the spark that drew others in.

Real charm seemed to come from more than skin–deep.

Still, every now and then, a woman had both inner and outer beauty.

When such a woman also wields intelligence, she becomes nearly unstoppable–a formidable presence to men and a subtle threat to other women.

That, precisely, was the effect Alicia had on Tasha.

With all eyes riveted on her, Alicia glided forward with measured poise and spoke gracefully, “This is my first time meeting everyone, so I prepared some snacks at home. I apologize for being late–please forgive

me.”

Aria bristled. “Snacks? You clearly-”

Kyana quickly seized her hand, rising to welcome Alicia. “It’s alright, you’re here now. Come greet the elders.”

She drew Alicia close, exuding warmth. To outsiders, their interaction seemed like the perfect stepmother- stepdaughter dynamic. If their bond were truly harmonious, Alicia wouldn’t have gone abroad less year after her mom died.

In wealthy families, secrets were common, and no one was surprised anymore.

Alicia set down the box and offered courteous greetings to the Burton family, her composure flawless.

When she approached Tasha, Tasha greeted her with a warm smile. “I heard you’ve been living abroad. Didn’t expect you to know your way around the kitchen.”

“My mom loved cooking when she was alive,” Alicia replied. “I picked up a few things from her.”

She opened the box carefully. “Just some snacks–nothing a professional chef could rival, but a little something from me.”

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Chapter 11 He is the Man

Tasha’s eyes lit up. “Shortbread cookies!”

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Alicia had done her homework. Tasha was originally from Swindleham, and after years in Litchbrook, she must miss the flavors of home.

“Yes,” Alicia said, placing the cookies carefully on an elegant plate for easy serving. “I used butter from a Windortown farm in Swindleham.” She had even cut them into precise quarters.

“Madam Steele, do try one. I hope it pleases your taste.”

Using local Swindleham butter was thoughtful enough–but Alicia had gone the extra mile to select the finest quality. Tasha’s hometown was right in Windortown, making it all the more special.

Normally fastidious, Tasha couldn’t stop praising Alicia. She gestured for Alicia to sit beside her.

“You’re young,

“Tasha commented with a chuckle, “but your skills could easily rival a professional’s.”

Alicia smiled. She’d gone out of her way to get the best pastry chef to make it.

They sat together, sharing the cookies and conversation, the atmosphere pleasantly warm and easy.

The more they conversed, the brighter Tasha’s expression became. “You play the mandolin as well?” she asked, clearly delighted.

Most children these days gravitated toward modern instruments, yet the Burtons were different–a family of longstanding prestige in Litchbrook, their legacy stretching back more than a century.

Despite the passage of time and countless changes, they had never relinquished their traditions.

Alicia nodded gracefully. “My grandma excelled at classical music. I picked up a little from her when I was

young.

Watching Alicia and Tasha connect so effortlessly, Aria felt a rising sense of panic.

Before she turned seven, she lingered in the shadows, the hidden illegitimate daughter, observing Alicia’s life of privilege with a mixture of envy and resignation.

But after her seventh birthday, she became the Gibson family’s pampered little princess, looking down on the once–flourishing Alicia with a sense of triumph–and she had relished it.

If Alicia were to marry into the Burton family, Aria realized with dread, there would be no surpassing that union. She would remain under Alicia’s shadow indefinitely.

Desperation creeping into her tone, Aria interjected, “Madam Steele, shouldn’t Mr. David be here by now?”

Tasha’s voice remained calm and soothing. “He should be on his way. There’s no cause for concern, Ms.

Aria.

Kyana pinched Aria discreetly. Why can’t she stay calm? Asking about a man like that makes her seem desperate. People might laugh. The Burtons are polite, but who knows what they really think?

Meanwhile, Tasha and Alicia’s rapport deepened effortlessly, their conversation flowing from music to

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Chapter 11 He Is the Man

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coffee. Alicia’s responses were poised, precise, and perfectly timed, which only intensified Aria’s anxiety.

“Madam Steele, I happen to enjoy coffee as well,” she forced out, attempting to redirect attention to

herself.

“Oh? What varieties do you usually favor, Ms. Aria?” Tasha asked politely.

Aria replied, “I like lattes and cappuccinos.”

Tasha, however, missed the playful undertone. To her, Aria merely seemed impatient, unsure how to engage with her elders. Does she think this makes her charming?

The misalignment created an awkward silence.

Alicia, on the other hand, was fully aware of the undercurrents. At a matchmaking dinner, a woman of Tasha’s standing wouldn’t engage with someone without reason.

She was subtly testing the reactions of both Alicia and Aria–and Aria had already stumbled with her feeble attempt at humor.

The contrast between the two women was stark.

Alicia’s approach exuded strategy and calm, while Aria floundered, desperate and clumsy.

Before entering the room, Alicia had already scrutinized every man present.

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