Rebirth Of The Heiress And The Tycoon's Lover (Alina) novel Chapter 307

**Collapsed 307**

**Chapter 307**

**AUTHOR’S POV.**

Thirty-six vouchers.

Talia’s keen eyes finally caught the unmistakable glazed expression in Alina’s gaze, a silent plea that screamed, ‘Get me out of here before I lose it!’ Without a moment’s hesitation, she charged forth like a knight wielding her heels as armor.

Navigating through the throng of eager business wives, she deftly squeezed in between two of them, clapping her hands lightly to gather attention.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” she proclaimed, her smile radiant and unapologetic, “Miss Evergreen needs to step away for a moment to change into her second outfit of the evening.”

A chorus of gasps erupted from the crowd, each woman instantly understanding the unspoken urgency.

“Oh! How could we forget?”

“This dress must be a nightmare to move in… poor thing!”

“Honestly, it looks divine, but I can only imagine how uncomfortable it must be.”

“Absolutely, go, go! We want her to feel at ease.”

Alina managed to muster the sweetest smile she could conjure. “Thank you all. I’ll be right back,” she assured them, her voice laced with gratitude.

As she and Talia slipped away from the crowd, Alina released a breath so deep it felt as if she were shedding an old skin.

“Thank you,” she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. “I really needed that.”

“I know,” Talia replied with a playful snort. “You looked like a baby deer caught in the headlights. I had to swoop in and save you.”

“Tell me about it.” Alina rolled her eyes dramatically. “It felt like everyone in that ballroom was trying to play matchmaker with their sons, nephews… I’m pretty sure at least three of them were mentally pairing me with their daughters too.”

Talia erupted into laughter, the sound bright and infectious. “Well, you’re an heiress now. Everyone wants to secure a beneficial marriage to bolster their own empire. Can’t blame them for trying to shoot their shot.”

“Please,” Alina groaned, the weight of her reality pressing down on her. “I’m already trapped in this blood-merger engagement that feels like a noose around my neck. I don’t need any more complications. Besides, Dad would never agree to any of this anyway.”

“Well, that’s a silver lining,” Talia shrugged, her tone lightening the mood. “At least the blood-merger thing keeps the other matchmaking attempts at bay.”

“Yeah…” Alina sighed, the tension easing slightly. “You’re right about that.”

They entered the private preparation room, where a team of helpers awaited, ready with her second outfit.

The dress was a bold choice yet elegantly simple, featuring delicate spaghetti straps and a structured bodice that flattered her figure. The clean lines and mid-thigh hem exuded a youthful elegance, glimmering softly under the lights—a statement piece that whispered rather than shouted.

As the stylists zipped her up and added the final touches, Talia nodded in approval, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “You look like trouble,” she declared with pride.

“Good,” Alina replied, lifting her chin defiantly. “I feel like it.”

They stepped out into the corridor, the soft click of their heels echoing against the polished floor.

And then it happened.

A figure darted swiftly down the far end of the hall—tall, familiar, and utterly wrong.

The silhouette sent a jolt of ice through Alina’s veins, freezing every muscle in her body.

“Did you see that?” she gasped, her breath hitching in her throat.

Talia turned sharply, her expression shifting from playful to serious. “Yes. Jessica.” Her eyes narrowed, suspicion etched on her features. “What the heck is she doing here?”

“Jessica,” she said flatly, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside her. “A lady named Jessica. Back in Elaris, she was Lucian’s secretary—”

“More like an obsessed stalker,” Talia interjected with a scoff.

Alina pressed on, “Then something happened, and she was fired.”

“And publicly disgraced,” Talia added with a smirk that held no sympathy.

“I think she’s here for revenge,” Alina concluded, her stomach twisting into knots. “Or something worse.”

Damien swore under his breath, the tension in his posture shifting as he assumed that calm, authoritative Evergreen demeanor. “You need to return to the party. Now. This event is about you. You cannot go missing.”

Alina shook her head vehemently. “But Jessica—”

“Let us handle Jessica.” Damien’s tone softened as he placed a steadying hand on her arm, his eyes meeting hers with reassurance. “Just go. Shine. Talia and I will take care of everything.”

She swallowed hard, looking at Talia, anxiety tightening her chest. “Please… she can’t ruin this. My mother put so much effort into it.”

Talia stepped closer, her eyes sparkling with that dangerous little smirk of hers. “When,” she asked, tilting her head playfully, “have I ever failed you?”

Alina let out a shaky breath, gratitude flooding her features. She nodded once, gathering her resolve, the weight of her second outfit settling comfortably against her skin.

“Alright,” she said firmly. “Handle it. And… be careful.”

Talia winked, confidence radiating from her. “Always.”

Damien gestured back toward the ballroom doors, his expression resolute. “Go, princess. They’re waiting for you.”

With one last look at her best friend and brother, Alina squared her shoulders, lifted her chin, and walked back toward the glittering roar of her own celebration, fully aware of the storm quietly brewing behind her, praying that Damien and Talia could quell it before it consumed them all.