Chapter 40
We soon arrived at the hotel entrance. Alex pot out of the car first and thoughtfully walked to my side to open the door and escort me out.
There were plenty of people who had been wanting to chat with Alex to build connections. When they saw the scene, a good number of them immediately surrounded me..
“Miss, what’s your name?”
I was caught in the middle of the crowd. Most of them had quite a bit of perfume and cologne on, and all those high–end fragrances clashed and combined into a pungent smell
that made me want to seère
“I’m Serena Ashford,” I replied with a small smile.
“Ms. Ashford, what’s your relationship with Mr. Hastings?
“Yes, Mr. Hastings seems so gentle with you”
“In the past, Mr. Hasting’s female companions always had to get out of the cur themselves.”
The group chattered incessantly, not concealing their speculation about me at all.
“Tsomeone Alex hired 1 answered truth fully.
The crowd fell silent.
After a long while, someone broke the awkwardness with a laugh. “Ms. Ashford, you have quite the sense of humor
1 didn’t know what to say.
Even when I told the truth, no one believed me. Alex gave me 30 thousand dollars to accompany him to this event. So, wasn’t someone he hired?
serena, is that you? A voice 1 dreaded hearing suddenly called out from behind
Inmed around and, sure enough, it was Jullan.
Julian’s even lit up as soon as he saw me. He walked up to me and was clearly very pleased with may appearance. His eyes seemed full of pride as he exclaimed, “Serena, didn’t you say you witen ‘t coming? Were you planning on coming in secret to surprise me?”
I shifted slightly to avoid Julian’s attempt to hold my hand.
He chucked softly. “Are you feeling shy? It’s okay. Just hold onto me I’ll introduce you to some of my father’s business associates.”
“Who is this guy? The murmurs in the crowd grew louder.
“Exactly. Does he really have the nerve to fight with Mr. Hastings over a woman?
Tcoughed lightly and reminded julun, “Julian, isn’t an Invitation required to enter this gala?=
Where did he think I got mine?
Julian finally understood. He had an incredulous expression on his face as he asked, “So, how did you get in? Who the would be willing to bring you here besides me?” “That’s none of your contem, Mr. Blake,” Alex interjected in a cool tone. Yet it was enough to silence everyone in the audience,
Alex walked over and stopped beside me Calmly, I placed my hand around his aren.
1 had expected Julian to back off at this point. Yet it seemed ble there was a loose screw in his head. He seemed oddly thrilled when he learned that I came with Alex. “Mr. Hastings brought you here? Serma, did you not want to come with me because you had already agreed to come with Mr. Hastings?”
Julian’s expression sparkled with anticipation, but like I was looking at an idiot, emembering the rule I was supposed to play today, I resisted the urge to roll my eyes.
Alex stepped slightly forward, blocking me from Julien. He said to Juban, “Mr. Blake, there’s no need for your concern. We have other matters to attend to, so please excuse us,”
Alex turned to lead me away, but pullan was relentless and chased alter us. “Mr. Hastings, I know you treasure Serena lot. I do too. Please entrust her to me. I promise I’ll take very glad case of her in the future.”
& flesh of anger crossed Alex’s eyes, but it quickly turned into disdain and contempt
The amosphere turned incredibly chilling Alex was clearly feeling unhappy, so the guests dared not utter a sound.
Only Julian stood there expectantly as he waited for Alex‘ insponse.
