After the nended, I quickly freshened up and got ready for the g.


    The gown that Alex chose for me was a yellow satin chiffon gown with pearl tassels along the shoulders. But that wasn''t the real highlight of the gown. The gown''s fit emphasized my curves, and the neckline was incredibly ttering. The stylist paired it with a diamond ne that rested around my neck.


    It was my first time wearing such an extravagant outfit, and I felt somewhat ufortable.


    "Are you ready?" Alex asked as he pushed the door open.


    The stylist made a final adjustment to my hair. "Mr. Hastings, she''s ready."


    Hearing Alex''s voice, I started to panic. I just wished I could disappear into a hole in the ground.


    It was just too awkward.


    But there was no turning back now. I had to brace myself and step forward.


    When I saw Alex, there was actually a flicker of emotion in his usually calm gaze, but he quickly concealed it. He looked at me and seemed quite happy. "Not bad." "Mr. Hastings, you''re not bad yourself," I replied, trying to keep my tone neutral.


    Alex was always eye-catching. He had a cold, handsome face with very striking features. Most importantly, he had a very strong presence. But today, he seemed even more striking.


    He wore a custom-made ash-gray suit that entuated his imposing demeanor. His hair was perfectly styled, and he stood tall with his beautiful eyes.


    If he weren''t the head of apany, Alex would probably have a lot of fans if he joined the entertainment industry.


    I sighed inwardly. Some people were just born lucky.


    "Ms. Ashford, you can take a look and see if anything needs adjusting," the stylist pushed the mirror over.


    I looked at my reflection and was stunned. This was, without a doubt, the most dazzling moment of my eyes.


    The yellow gownplimented my


    fairplexion, which softened my features. My hair had been styled into soft curls and pinned up, which gave me an extra touch of


    ver


    femininity. The gown entuated the curves on my body, making me look incredibly captivating.


    At that moment, Alex walked over and stood beside me.


    We truly made a striking pair. Alex was eye-catching, but I wasn''t outshone by him.


    Suddenly, I had the ridiculous thought that I was the only person in the world who could match Alex so well.


    That was ridiculous. I quickly shook the thought from my mind and silently apologized to Alex for thinking that.


    "Let''s go," Alex said. He extended his arm for me to take.


    Perhaps it was because of my earlier thoughts, but I couldn''t help but feel that the gesture was a bit too intimate.


    "He''s just my sponsor. He''s the one who pays me. We''re not just employee and employer, we''re enemies too," I repeated to myself in my mind.


    The thought of my family matters quickly cleared my mind of those earlier thoughts. I took a deep breath before I ced my hand around Alex''s arm.


    Alex said softly, "You don''t have to be so nervous. Most of the people at the g tonight are trying to work with me. Some of them are already my partners. No one would dare make things difficult for you today."


    I nodded.


    Alex''s most defining trait wasn''t his looks-it was actually his wealth.


    He had way too much wealth. He controlled most of Grandview''s market Anyone hoping to get a piece of that pie would naturally have to treat him with the utmost respect.