Chapter 30 Rumours and Gossips #3
As they walked through the entrance, Alexa lifted her chin proudly, clearly enjoying the stares they were receiving.
Vincent's gaze swept over her briefly.
For a fraction of a second, something heated flickered across his dark eyes before he looked away and adjusted the cuff of his black suit with practiced composure.
The suit was expensive—Italian tailored, complete with a silk tie and platinum cufflinks—but among the old-money families present tonight, it still lacked the exclusivity and prestige associated with men like Cassian Han.
Alexa tightened her hold on Vincent's arm, pressing herself more intimately against his side as they walked deeper into the ballroom.
"What are we even doing here?" she asked softly, leaning closer so only he could hear. Her eyes nervously scanned the room. "Cassian hates both of us. Especially because of Juliet’s deeds."
Vincent casually accepted a glass of champagne from a passing waiter before handing another to Alexa. He took a slow sip, his expression remaining indifferent.
His gaze swept across the room, already identifying several influential businessmen he intended to approach later.
"I received an invitation through my business connections.
Han Industries has partnerships with companies I'm interested in working with.
" He loosened his shoulders slightly, looking completely at ease despite the attention surrounding them.
"What Cassian thinks about me doesn't matter.
This is business. I'm here to build connections and secure future opportunities. "
Alexa bit her lower lip.
A pleased smile appeared on her face, and she instinctively moved even closer, practically leaning against him as they walked.
Before she could say anything, Vincent lowered his voice.
"And don't say anything stupid tonight."
Alexa blinked. "What?"
Vincent finally turned to look at her, his sharp eyes narrowing.
"Especially don't ever repeat something like what you told Juliet. If I hear you spreading lies about carrying my child again, it won't end well for you."
Alexa's expression stiffened.
"I was only joking," she said quickly, clutching his arm tighter. "I didn't think she'd actually believe it. It wasn't my fault she took it seriously."
Vincent's face remained unreadable.
"It wasn't a joke."
Alexa looked up at him anxiously.
"Vincent, I swear I never meant to hurt her. I just wanted to tease her a little." She pouted slightly. "Please believe me."
He simply looked away, clearly unconvinced.
The cold dismissal made Alexa's smile falter.
By now, the whispers surrounding them had only grown louder.
"Isn't that Vincent?"
"He brought Alexa with him."
"So the rumors are true."
"I heard Juliet already broke off their engagement."
"No wonder. Look how close they are."
"They've probably been together for a long time."
Vincent ignored every single comment.
At least outwardly.
But the slight tightening of his jaw betrayed his irritation.
"Well, you've certainly become the hottest topic tonight."
Griffin and Nolan approached from across the ballroom, both dressed in impeccably tailored suits.
Griffin smirked as he stopped beside Vincent and handed him a fresh drink.
"The entire venue is talking about you and Alexa."
Nolan chuckled, shoving one hand casually into his pocket. "You two have been here less than fifteen minutes, and half the guests already think you've officially replaced Juliet."
Vincent let out a quiet scoff.
"People love gossip."
Even as he said it, however, his eyes drifted toward the ballroom entrance.
Then they drifted there again.
And again.
Nolan noticed immediately.
He raised an eyebrow. "Expecting someone?"
Vincent's fingers tightened slightly around his champagne glass before relaxing.
"No."
But moments later, his gaze found the entrance once more.
Juliet still hadn't arrived.
A faint frown appeared between his brows. Surely she had already heard that he was attending tonight with Alexa. Knowing Juliet, she would never be able to stay away.
She would come.
She always came.
Vincent could already picture it perfectly—Juliet storming into the auction, furious after seeing him with another woman, demanding answers and making a scene out of jealousy.
The thought made him let out a cold, amused laugh.
"She's probably going to show up and start another argument the moment she sees us together."
A smug smile tugged at the corner of Vincent's lips as he lazily swirled the champagne in his glass. Standing beside him, Alexa leaned into his side, one hand wrapped possessively around his arm while Griffin and Nolan exchanged subtle glances.
"But I'm not indulging her this time," Vincent continued, his voice calm but laced with arrogance. He adjusted the cuff of his suit with his free hand, looking every bit the confident businessman. "She's gotten too comfortable challenging me and doing whatever she wants."
He raised the glass to his lips and took a measured sip before lowering it again.
"If she wants to be my wife, then she needs to learn how to respect me."