The Billionaire’s Regret -Alessa (by Bukolami) novel Chapter 82

**Shadows Beneath the Silent Moon**
**Rising Echoes by Aiden R. Vale**
**Chapter 82**

Lydia exhaled sharply, her eyes rolling dramatically as she muttered a string of curses under her breath, frustration bubbling just beneath the surface. The morning light streamed through the grand windows, illuminating the chaos that had overtaken the mansion in preparation for the evening’s ball.

Alessa entered the dining room with a purposeful stride, her gaze landing on Tracy, who was indulging in a hastily assembled breakfast. Tracy’s cheeks were stuffed with food, and she mumbled, “I didn’t have breakfast,” her voice muffled but laced with urgency. Alessa merely nodded, her mind already racing ahead to the evening’s festivities.

“Have you managed to select the best entertainment for tonight?” Alessa inquired, her tone light yet probing.

Tracy looked up, her brow furrowing in concern. “Do you know why Thane is avoiding me?” she asked, her voice tinged with a mix of annoyance and confusion. Alessa raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the sudden shift in the conversation.

“Is that your way of answering my question?” Alessa shot back, a playful smirk creeping onto her lips.

“Did you tell him to avoid me?” Tracy pressed, her tone shifting from curiosity to accusation.

With an exaggerated roll of her eyes, Alessa took a seat at the table, crossing her arms. “Yes,” she admitted bluntly, her tone leaving no room for misunderstanding.

“Why?” Tracy’s frown deepened, a sense of betrayal flickering in her eyes.

“Because he’s a bodyguard,” Alessa explained, her voice steady. “He shouldn’t be distracted by anything, and you, my dear, are a distraction. So it’s best if you keep your distance.” The words hung in the air, and Tracy glared at her, indignation radiating from her posture before she turned away, her expression unreadable.

“Will you answer my question now?” Alessa probed, her curiosity piqued.

“Whatever,” Tracy replied, a hint of laughter escaping her lips despite the tension.

As the hours slipped by, the mansion buzzed with activity. Lydia busied herself as best as she could, directing the maids on how to transform the ballroom into a spectacle worthy of the occasion. She felt a sense of pride in orchestrating the details, each decision a reflection of her vision.

Meanwhile, Tracy was entrenched in organizing a myriad of items alongside Alessa, who had stepped out to fetch her own dress and the dresses for her children. Alone in the expansive living room, Tracy sifted through a comprehensive list of tasks, ensuring that everything was in order. Once satisfied, she stood up, determination etched on her face, and stepped outside into the sprawling grounds.

As she wandered through the mansion’s gardens, she passed a flurry of guards and maids, all caught up in the whirlwind of preparations for the ball. The air was thick with anticipation, and Tracy felt a mix of excitement and anxiety as she searched for Thane.

He finally raised his gaze to meet hers, and the air between them crackled with unspoken tension. “I will take my leave now, ma’am,” he said, attempting to sidestep her, but Tracy stepped directly into his path, closing the distance between them. The proximity sent a shiver down his spine, and he fought the urge to pull her closer.

“Do you need something, ma’am?” he repeated, his voice dropping to a husky whisper, thick with unvoiced desire.

“Yes,” Tracy murmured, her eyes flickering to his lips, a silent invitation hanging in the air.

“What is it, ma’am?” he prompted, his breath hitching slightly as she leaned in closer.

In a bold move, Tracy closed the gap, pressing her lips against his. For a brief moment, Thane resisted, battling the flood of emotions that surged within him. But as she melted against him, he found himself wrapping his arms around her waist, pulling her closer, surrendering to the moment.

Tracy responded in kind, her arms encircling his neck, and for a heartbeat, the world around them faded away. Thane pulled away just enough to catch his breath, his forehead resting against hers. “Fuck, you just killed me,” he muttered, a mixture of disbelief and exhilaration in his voice. Tracy giggled softly, the sound a sweet melody in the stillness.

Meanwhile, Lydia entered the living room, her eyes scanning the empty space. A sense of unease washed over her as she searched for familiar faces, but the room remained devoid of life, the echoes of laughter and conversation replaced by an unsettling silence.