Chapter 39

Julian was taken aback by Alice's straightforward request for money.

After a pause, he simply replied, "I don't carry cash. Could you leave your number? After the event, I'll arrange it for you."

Alice nodded. "Okay, thank you."

She handed her contact details to a man she'd barely spoken to—a complete stranger.

"Julian!" A voice called out nearby.

Julian turned to see Dominic approaching.

Glass in hand, Julian greeted him. "Dominic, what have you been up to lately?"

Dominic gave him a playful punch. "Julian, this gala is my grandfather's way of finding Alexander a fiancée. Every woman here is a socialite from Harborview or Kingsbury. Why not pick one for yourself while you're at it?"

Julian chuckled and shook his head.

Dominic smirked. "Your cousin, Cassandra, seems interested in Alexander, doesn't she?"

Julian sighed with amusement. "Since Alexander took full control of Knight Enterprises, how many women in Harborview wouldn’t want to marry him?"

Dominic laughed. "Fair point."

They wandered off, drinks in hand, chatting until they reached a quieter corner of the hall. As they sat, Dominic's gaze subtly scanned the crowd—but Alice was nowhere in sight.

Meanwhile, Alice had been cornered in the restroom by three socialites.

The door clicked shut behind them. One yanked Alice’s hair while the other two sneered, poking at her face.

"Who do you think you are? Daring to speak to Alexander Knight?"

"You actually thought that public kiss meant anything? Dreaming of becoming the next Mrs. Knight?"

"Pretty face, but no brains. Want me to carve it up?" One woman pulled out a razor from her clutch.

"Enough. This is Knight Manor—we can’t afford a scene. Listen, server: even if Alexander stripped you naked in public, he’d still forget you existed. Got it?"

Alice blinked at them. "Can I leave now?"

"Get out!" The grip on her hair released.

Alice bolted.

Back in the kitchen, the staff was washing glasses. The head server glared as Alice rushed in.

"Alice! We’re paid per head today, and you’ve done nothing but chase rich men. Think we’ll cover for you? Everyone, stop. She can clean the rest alone."

The other servers sneered.

"Lucky to be kissed by Alexander? Big deal."

"He forgot you the second he walked away."

"Now you’re stuck scrubbing dishes."

Alice worked in silence until the last guest left. By 10 PM, she’d organized everything for the housekeeper. Exhausted, she trudged out of Knight Manor.

A sleek car sped past her—Alexander’s. It didn’t slow.

Then another pulled up. Dominic leaned out the window.

"Miss Carter. Lost everything today, didn’t you?"