It was an evening at the Vermont Club-a sanctuary reserved exclusively for those who held Vermont''s true reins of power.
In thevish hall, beneath chandeliers that scattered golden light, people sipped cocktails, pretending to enjoy the music while secretly plotting their next move, scheming how to slice thergest portion from the governor''s pie.
Be Kane slumped onto the velvet sofa, chin resting listlessly in Her palms.
In front of her, a lively group of youthsughed and sang, their voles echoing mockingly around her indifferent ears.
Across the room, grey-haired power brokers exchanged cunning whispers, eyes narrowed with hidden agendas.
“Be,” Scarlett sighed impatiently from beside her, "your father asked you to charm Kelly Kingston on behalf of the Kane family. So why are you sulking here like a deted balloon?"
Scarlett''s voice was tinged with irritation and bewilderment.
Ever since recovering from her illness, Be had transformed from the fierce rock-and-roll queen into some frail, pink-tinged princess-a shift that left everyone baffled.
"Maybe I''m just not fully recovered yet," Be mumbledzily.
Scarlett''s eyes narrowed skeptically. "Really?"
“Be, tell me something," interjected Shane abruptly, shing a grin as sharp as
a razor.
"Are you absolutely sure your father has washed his hands of the governor race?" Be''s patience snapped like a frayed string.
"Damn it, Shane, I''ve answered this a hundred bloody times! The Ranes are done with politics-we just want to enjoy our peaceful business life. Manipte the world however you please; we couldn''t care less."
"Perfect," Shane smirked with open relief. "Since Kelly Kingston is young, single, and avable, maybe I should aim straight for her bedroom, eh?"
Be scoffed bitterly. "Dream on, Shane. Kelly Kingston isn''t a prize you can im. She''s the governor-mess with her and your sorry existence could end quicker than your pathetic love affairs."
Shane chuckled with a hint of arrogance.
"Where there''s will, there''s a way. Love''s a battlefield, Be, and my family''s fortune stands right behind yours."
the dream of every girl."
"Who else but me could capture her heart? Vermont''s very own heartthrob
"True feelings? Please, Shane," Be sneered venomously.
"You cycle through girlfriends faster than Vermont''s weather changes. Once Kelly learns about your sordid online scandals, she''ll chop off your precious manhood herself."
Shane''s face flushed crimson. "Careful, Be! I''m loyal, damn it!"
Be''s eyes red dangerously. Her wild side erupted fiercely.
"Loyal? You dare spew nonsense to my face? Who exactly do you think you''re fooling-the media or yourtest actress fling? Want me to end your little charade right here and now?"
The room fell silent instantly, all eyes widening with shock and fear.
They had forgotten Be''s viciousness in her recent subdued days, but tonight her old ferocity zed.
Just then, silence thickened further as the hall''s grand doors swung open dramatically.
Everyone''s gaze locked on Kelly Kingston, draped in luxurious elegance, and beside her Alex.
Be sprang up abruptly, her entire demeanor shifting to an embarrassingly soft glow, her voice dripping with a sudden
weetness that turned heads in disbelief.
"Alex! How are you here?"
Scarlett and everyone else blinked, stunned by Be''s sudden transformation, their eyes shifting warily toward Alex.
Had Be really fallen for him the wild, fiery woman now tamed into a blushing, sweet princess?
Be practically glided toward Alex, her eyes shyly cast downward openly ignoring Kelly.
"Alex," she breathed, her voice trembling like delicate crystal.
"Ms. Kane?" Alex was genuinely startled, his expression perplexed "Didn''t expect to see you here." "Be Kane," Kelly interjected coldly, eyebrow arched with icy curiosity, "you two know each other?" Four days ago, Alex saved my life," Be said softly, her eyes shimmering with devotion. "Without him, I wouldn''t be here tonight. He''s my savior - I''d give him everything I have."
Kelly''s gaze turned cold as steel, a silent de aimed straight at Alex.
"Kelly," Alex said quickly, voice tense, "I''ve been trying to secure Heaven Root from the Kanes, remember?"
“Looks like fate had bigger ns," Kelly replied, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
Unbothered, Be tightened her grip on Alex''s arm, her smile radiant. "Exactly! Fate brought us back together."
"How wonderful," Kelly said, her words cutting like ice behind a brittle smile. Just then, Shane jumped in, his tone overly eager as he poured her a ss of juice. "Miss Kingston! You''re finally here. Please, have a seat."
His enthusiasm dimmed immediately as he scrutinized Alex, hostility darkening his eyes. "Be, who the hell is this nobody? Never seen him around."
Two stunning women fussing over Alex was an insult Shane''s pride couldn''t stomach, jealousy turning his face an ugly shade of
green.
Kelly lifted her chin, eyes gleaming victoriously. "Oh, how forgetful of me. Everyone, this is Alex-my boyfriend."
The revtion struck Shane like a p across the face.
His expression darkened dramatically, eyes narrowing dangerously.
Be''s radiant smile shattered instantly into despair, eyes wide with dismay.
Alex belonged to the governor?
Her gaze locked onto Kelly''s, electric tension crackling openly between the two
women.
Be, suddenly self-conscious of her younger innocence, clutched Alex possessively, her knuckles white.
"Boyfriend?" Shane practically choked on the word. "Miss Kingston, since when? Why wasn''t this known?" Kelly''s disdainful re pierced Shane ruthlessly.
"And who exactly are you to demand updates on my personal life, Shane? Don''t tter yourself."
Stammering, Shane attempted recovery.
"Apologies, Miss Kingston-I''m Shane White from the White family, second only to
the Kanes in wealth. I''m merely concerned that you''re being duped. After all,
many charming crooks prey on wealthy women nowadays."
Alex is no crook! Do you have a death wish?" Be shouted, her fierce
protectiveness bursting out so suddenly it even took her by surprise.
A deafening silence followed, every gaze locking onto Be, who swiftly bit her lip, regretting her impulsive defense.