Sham Marriage Quit Real Heiress Strikes Back novel Chapter 89

She stood just a step behind Alexander, close enough to lean in if she wanted to, her eyes lifting to him every few seconds with open admiration.

Elena knew that look. Women did not look at men like that unless they wanted something more.

She had no intention of walking over, and she was about to look away when Alexander seemed to sense it and turned in her direction.

Their eyes met.

Only for a moment.

Then he shifted his attention back to the client beside him and continued the conversation as if nothing had happened before heading out of the restaurant with the group.

A faint discomfort settled in Elena's chest for no clear reason, and Chloe looked even more annoyed.

"Why didn't he at least say hi to you? A nod would've been fine," Chloe muttered. "He acted like you weren't even there."

Elena bit down on her straw. "I told you, until things are completely over with Nathan, we're not acting familiar in public."

So technically, what he did just now was not wrong.

Then why did it bother her anyway?

"Not acting familiar is one thing. Basic manners are another. Whatever." Chloe waved it off when she noticed Elena's expression. She added more food to Elena's plate. "Eat. Food comes first. Men are optional."

Elena laughed. "You're right. Men are optional."

She lowered her head and kept eating, missing the way Chloe's expression suddenly stiffened.

"What?" Elena asked after swallowing.

Chloe slowly set her fork down.

"So what am I then?" A cool male voice came from behind them.

Elena's back went rigid. She turned and saw Alexander standing there. He must have come back at some point, and he had clearly heard everything.

"I thought you left?" she asked, forcing a smile.

"I walked the client out," he replied casually as he pulled out the chair beside her and sat down. He handed his suit jacket to Elena without hesitation.

She took it and placed it on the seat next to her.

The explanation was simple enough. The strange tightness in her chest from earlier faded almost instantly.

"You must be Chloe," Alexander said.

Chloe kept her head down, suddenly fascinated by the table, clearly hoping Alexander would not direct his attention her way.

To her surprise, his tone was calm and polite when he spoke to her.

Elena calls me her favorite person.

But if there were going to be one, she would want it to be Chloe.

"Yes. Obviously yes," Chloe said without hesitation. Then her excitement dimmed slightly. "But is that too last minute? I don't even have a dress or shoes."

"That's already handled," Alexander replied easily. "All you have to do is stand with her."

The rest of the meal shifted into wedding talk between Alexander and Chloe. He showed no impatience, mostly listening while Chloe spoke with growing enthusiasm.

When Elena had married Nathan, there had been no wedding at all, and Chloe had always felt indignant on her behalf. Now that Alexander was planning one and even asking for her input, Chloe spared no detail.

She listed Elena's favorite flowers, colors, even the scent she preferred.

Elena wiped her forehead in silent disbelief.

This man was impossible to read. In public he felt untouchable. In private he was possessive, yet strangely indulgent with her. And with Chloe, he was almost excessively patient.

Which version of him is real?

When they finished eating, Alexander went to settle the bill.

Chloe leaned close to Elena the moment he stepped away. "Be honest. Is this really just about your father's will?"

"Yes. Why?" Elena asked, confused.