Chapter 38

Alexander watched from the third-floor balcony, his icy gaze fixed on the scene below. He swirled the wine in his glass before turning away without a word.

Just as Cassandra was about to stomp on Alice’s hand, a well-dressed man in a tailored suit intervened.

"Cassandra, that’s enough," he chided lightly, though his tone carried authority. "You can’t just step on a server’s hand at the Knight family’s gala. Have some decorum."

"Cousin!" Cassandra huffed, her face flushed with fury. "This wretched server ruined everything! She threw herself at Alexander, and he kissed her in front of everyone! If I approached him after that, I’d be humiliated! It’s all her fault!"

Julian Montgomery sighed, rubbing his temple. "You’re blaming the wrong person. If Alexander kissed her, it means she caught his attention. What good does it do to take it out on her?"

Cassandra clenched her fists. "But—!"

"Honestly, you shouldn’t have come tonight," Julian said bluntly. "Half the women here are clawing their way to become the next Mrs. Knight. What makes you think you stand a chance?"

With a furious stomp, Cassandra spun on her heel and stormed off.

Julian extended a hand to Alice. "I apologize for my cousin’s behavior. She can be… impulsive."

Alice met his gaze evenly. "It’s fine."

She understood exactly why Alexander had kissed her.

He wanted to use her as a shield—to make her the target of every jealous woman in the room. A nameless server with no connections, surrounded by socialites who could crush her without a second thought.

But she could endure it.

She had survived worse.

Alice didn’t bother looking at Julian’s face. She kept her eyes downcast, ready to pick up the fallen trays and disappear.

"Wait," Julian called out.

Alice paused. "Is there something else, sir?"

His voice was warm, almost curious. "You remind me of someone I know. May I ask your last name?"

"Carter," she answered flatly.

Julian didn’t seem deterred by her indifference. "I’m Julian Montgomery. Montgomery—like the city." He flashed a charming smile. "Would you mind if we got acquainted?"

Alice studied him.

Tall, polished, with refined features—he looked every inch the wealthy heir. His navy-blue suit accentuated his broad shoulders, and there was something oddly familiar about him.

Had she seen him before?

"Miss Carter?" Julian prompted.

Alice snapped out of her thoughts.

She didn’t know what possessed her—desperation, maybe—but the words slipped out before she could stop them.

"Mr. Montgomery… could you lend me two thousand dollars?"

After Alexander tore up her pregnancy test, Alice doubted he would honor their agreement.

Worst-case scenario? No contract. No commission.

But right now, she needed to return the money for the rented camera. And she was running out of time.