Sham Marriage Quit Real Heiress Strikes Back novel Chapter 70

Has Elena lost her mind? Lydia just said no more toasts for Mr. Kingsley, and now she's stepping forward? Is she trying too hard?

"Mr. Kingsley, I'm Elena from the editorial department. I just joined recently. I'd like to offer you a toast."

She could not think of anything clever to say and lifted her glass awkwardly.

Lydia, already irritated, shot her a look and picked up her own glass. "Mr. Kingsley has had enough. Elena, you're not new to the workplace. You should know better. I'll take this one for—"

Before she could finish, Alexander rose to his feet, wine glass in hand.

His glass touched hers with a soft clink, and he held her gaze a second longer than necessary.

With a faint smile curving his lips, he said, "Elena, I've heard good things about you. You've been doing solid work. Welcome to Velmora."

The room fell into a strange silence.

Lydia was left standing there, still holding her glass.

Elena drained her wine in one go. Her tolerance was low, and half a glass was enough to flush her from ears to collarbone. She brushed her hair back awkwardly, and that was when Lydia noticed the faint mark on her neck.

Lydia's smile returned almost instantly. "Looks like you and your husband are doing great. That's quite a mark you've got there."

The others immediately chimed in with teasing laughter.

Elena hurried to adjust her collar to cover it. Alexander's gaze lingered with quiet amusement, and her face grew even hotter. "We're fine," she replied.

In a setting like this, the more she explained, the worse it would get. She returned to her seat.

Alexander sat down as well. Lydia turned to Ryan with a smile. "The person you recommended is impressive. Strong skills. I heard she's Nathan's wife. They must be very close."

Ryan said nothing. It was not his place to comment. He had only followed instructions.

When Ryan did not engage, Lydia shifted her attention back to Alexander. "Are you okay? Do you want me to grab you something for the alcohol?"

"No."

His tone had returned to its usual cool distance.

After sitting a while longer, Elena told Sophia she was heading to the restroom and stepped out.

She had just finished and was about to leave when voices drifted in from outside.

"Did you really see it? Mr. Kingsley pinned another woman?" Luna's voice carried clearly.

"This was painfully boring so I dipped. Out shopping with the girls. See you later, Elena."

"Text me when you get home."

She replied and went back inside to grab her bag.

Outside the restaurant, people were beginning to leave. She had been drinking and could not drive, so she planned to call a ride.

Just as she opened the app, a message from Alexander appeared.

"The car's parked under the tree by the corner. Ryan's there."

She looked up. Alexander was standing less than ten feet away, speaking with a few senior managers. She had no idea how he had found time to text her.

A strange thrill ran through her.

No one seemed to notice her. She slipped her phone into her bag, walked down the steps, and headed toward the black Rolls Royce parked beneath the streetlight.

She tapped lightly on the door. Ryan opened the rear door for her. Elena got in.