Sham Marriage Quit Real Heiress Strikes Back novel Chapter 164

Less than two minutes later…

“Come here,” Alexander said from inside the bathroom.

Elena got up from the bed and walked over. “What is it?”

wound wet.”

+ Peacts

is suddenly feel like we’ve

pushed the door open and erything hazy. She walked

When she reached the sho

Before she could finish

Warm water poured clung to her body

Alexander lean

The kiss

Elena

On

ed forever?

1. de. The bathroom was filled with warm steam, making ss the tile floor, steady and cautious to avoid slipping.

“What do you-

denly pulled her inside.

showerhead, instantly soaking her silk nightgown. The thin fabric gure in a way that left nothing to the imagination.

1. er.

ht, leaving no space for hesitation.

1. nt. But he didn’t let go.

Alexander finally release her.

er voice unsteady. “Your injury-

ompletely wet. The doctor had clearly warned him not to let it get soaked.

chance to finish.

ke up the next morning, her legs felt sore and heavy, like she had run a marathon.

e man beside her looked completely unaffected.

Chapter 163 Worth the Price?

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Alexander was already dressed in a crisp white shirt and tailored black slacks, his usual composed and polished self fully restored.

“Want me to go with you tonight?” Alexander asked as he adjusted his tie, a faint smile lingering on his lips.

Elena didn’t even look at him. “I’ll

go

alone.”

Right now, she didn’t want to deal with him at all.

“You sure?” Alexander asked.

Elena grabbed a pillow and threw it straight at him. “I’m sleeping.”

Alexander caught it effortlessly.

“Alright. Get some rest. I’m heading to the office.”

way

Thanks to Alexander, Elena ended up taking half a day off for the first time ever and slept all the until 1 PM.

When she went downstairs, Martha brought lunch over.

“Mr. Kingsley told me not to wake you,” Martha said. “I kept everything warm for you.”

“Thank you.”

After eating, Elena returned to the office.

By the afternoon, once she finished her work, she called Hannah and headed out together.

When they arrived at Tanshire Grand Hotel, security was tight. Several guards stood at the entrance, and luxury cars lined the driveway one after another.

Hannah looked a little worried. “Elena, how are we getting in?”

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Chapter 164 Getting Inside

Hannah lowered her voice. “This kind of event definitely requires an invitation. Without one, we won’t even make it past the entrance before getting turned away.”

Elena thought for a moment.

Then a sly smile appeared on her lips.

“Same plan as always,” Elena said. “Let’s go.”

Half an hour later, Elena and Hannah, now dressed in server uniforms, carried trays as they slipped into the ballroom through the kitchen entrance.

Five hundred dollars had been enough to convince a staff member to hand over two uniforms.

The ballroom was already filled with guests. Soft violin music flowed through the space, elegant and understated.

Elena scanned the room once and immediately spotted Monica.

She stood out effortlessly.

Dressed in a pearl–toned evening gown, she carried herself with quiet confidence and grace, drawing attention without trying.

“Monica’s over there,” Hannah said softly.

“I see her,” Elena replied. “We wait.”

With this many people around, approaching her directly wasn’t the right move. Timing mattered.

They split up, blending into the flow of servers while keeping an eye on Monica.

They didn’t notice Camille entering with Rachel.

The moment Camille saw Elena in a server uniform, she immediately understood what was going on. A sharp, malicious glint flashed in her eyes.

Elena… you really brought this on yourself.

Perfect.

Elena handed a glass of champagne to a passing guest.

As she turned, someone walked straight into her. The tray collided slightly.

“I’m sorry,” Elena said quickly, looking up and saw Camille.

Of course. That’s deliberate.

“Well, if it isn’t Elena,” Camille said, her voice lifting just enough to draw attention.

People nearby began to look over.

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“What are you doing here?” Camille continued, a mocking smile on her lips. “Don’t tell me Velmora Media is doing so badly that the editor–in–chief has to pick up side gigs as a server.”

A few people recognized Elena.

Whispers spread.

Since she had already been exposed, Elena didn’t bother pretending anymore.

She calmly set the tray aside and walked straight toward Monica, completely ignoring Camille.

“Monica,” Elena said, composed and direct, “we’ve met before. I’m Elena, editor–in–chief at Velmora Media. I’d like to invite you for an exclusive interview.”

Monica looked at her, her gaze calm but distant.

“I believe I already said I’m not interested in interviews.”

“Exactly,” Camille said, unable to hold back a laugh as she stepped closer. “Sneaking in like this isn’t going to change anything. Just because you managed to get in and stand in front of her doesn’t mean you’ll get what you want. You should leave before you embarrass yourself any further.”

Monica glanced at Camille but didn’t respond.

She simply waited for Elena to take the hint and walk away.

But Elena didn’t move.

“If you’re not interested in an interview, I completely respect that,” Elena said evenly. “But I heard tonight’s charity event includes an auction featuring fine art and private collections. That happens to be something I know quite a bit about. If you’d like, I can offer a second opinion.”

She paused briefly, then added with a slight smile, “Velmora Media is part of Pinnacle Group, and Pinnacle has ongoing partnerships with Talent Group. When our CEO heard you were back, he specifically asked. me to make sure we played proper host. I’d really appreciate the chance to do that.”

The moment “Pinnacle Group” was mentioned, Monica’s expression softened slightly.

Camille immediately sensed the shift and felt a flicker of panic.

“That’s corporate–level business,” Camille cut in quickly. “A subsidiary doesn’t get to-

“Camille,” Monica said coolly, turning her head slightly, “since when do you make decisions for me?”

Camille froze, her smile turning stiff. “That’s not what I meant…”

Monica ignored her completely and looked back at Elena.

“Alright,” Monica said. “I’ll take you up on that.”

Chapter 164 Getting inside

“My pleasure, Elena replied.

“Rachel Monica said, “take her to change

“Yes, Ms. Sterling Rachel said. Please follow me.”

Elena followed Rachel into the elevator and up to a guest suite. Rachel handed her a dress.

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Elena’s uniform had been stained with red wine earlier, so she didn’t refuse. She changed into the new outfit.

The dress was a soft lake–blue shade, elegant and form–fitting, accentuating her figure naturally.

Standing in front of the mirror, Elena adjusted the fit, then reached for the pendant around her neck and pulled it out from beneath the fabric.

Ever since the last incident with Camille, she had kept it on at all times, unwilling to risk losing it again.

Not this time.

Once she finished adjusting everything, Elena followed Rachel back toward the ballroom.

Once

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