Jealousy

Daniella's POV

The welcoming dinner party hosted by Alex Wong was held at an upscale Chinese restaurant, with a luxurious ambiance befitting his status. All ten law firms competing for his business were represented, with senior partners and even some founders attending. Among them were Mr. and Mrs. Brown of Brown & Partners, our main rivals, along with other top tier firms. Every one of them was clearly eager to secure Alex Wong as a client. He wasn't just wealthy, he was an ideal client, one who could catapult any firm's prestige and profits.

 As Lucas had predicted, Alpha and I were given special treatment. We were seated at the head table alongside Alex's family, his two young daughters, his wife, his mother-in-law, and his own mother. The table radiated an air of exclusivity, and I knew it was all thanks to Alpha's bravery earlier.

 Alex greeted us warmly as we approached. "Here comes our hero, Alpha!" he exclaimed, clapping a hand on Alpha's shoulder. "Thank you again for your courage in saving my daughter. I still can't believe how you managed to walk across that ledge so calmly, like an acrobat. What do you do for a living?"

 Alpha, as composed as ever, replied with a charming smile, "My family owns a gold mine in Mariposa, sir. I've spent years working in the mines, navigating tunnels and climbing around rugged terrain. Maybe that's where I picked up the confidence to walk on edges."

 Alex nodded, clearly impressed. Then his expression softened as he asked, "So, how long have you two been dating?"

 Alpha didn't hesitate. "Not very long," he said, taking my hand in his and lifting it to his lips. "But I loved her from the moment I saw her. It was like falling in love at first sight."

 His words sent a ripple of surprise and admiration around the table. Alex turned to me, raising an eyebrow. "And you, Daniella? Did you fall for him at first sight too?"

 Caught off guard, I shook my head, my cheeks flushing. "No… but I melted because of how much he cares for me. He treats me like I'm the only woman in the world, and that's what made me fall for him." Without a word, Alpha leaned in and kissed my cheek, eliciting applause from everyone at the table.

 Alex's wife, Jenna, smiled warmly. "I can see it in his eyes when he looks at you, Daniella. That's pure love. You're a very lucky woman to have someone like him."

 "Thank you, Mrs. Wong," I replied, touched by her sincerity.

 "Please, just call me Jenna," she said with a soft laugh, her accent adding a unique charm to her words.

Dinner began soon after, though one seat at the table remained conspicuously empty. My curiosity must have shown because Alex leaned closer and said, "That seat's for my partner, Mr. Mike Lewis. He just arrived and is changing upstairs. He'll be down shortly."

 I nodded, and sure enough, a few moments later, a tall, sharp-dressed man with glasses approached the table.

 "Mike, welcome!" Alex said, standing to greet him. As introductions were made around the table, Mike stopped in front of me, his lips curving into a knowing smile.

 "I know Daniella," he said smoothly. "She's the brilliant lawyer from Lawson & Firm who handles my permits. Quite impressive that you got her here, Alex. I've tried twice to invite her to my Christmas parties, even sent my limo, but she always declined. All I ever got was a card and champagne, which I suspect weren't even written or sent by her but by her PA."

 His words were polite on the surface, but the way his eyes lingered on mine set my nerves on edge. Alpha's hand tightened slightly around mine, and I noticed the flash of tension in his jaw.

 "I'm sorry, Mr. Lewis," I said, maintaining my composure. "I spend every Christmas with my family, so I don't usually attend social events in San Francisco during that time."

 Mike arched an eyebrow. "And yet, here you are. What changed?"

 Before I could respond, Alex stepped in with a laugh. "Come on, Mike, don't interrogate her. If Daniella hadn't been here tonight, I don't even want to think about what might have happened to Siau Yin. Thanks to her and her boyfriend, Alpha, my daughter was saved."

Mike shifted his gaze to Alpha, their eyes locking. Alpha's emerald green eyes darkened slightly, like a brewing storm.

 "Your boyfriend, huh?" Mike said, his tone light but probing. "I didn't know you were into younger guys, Daniella. Weren't you engaged to Brandon, Mr. Lawson's son?"

 The mention of Brandon stung, but I stayed calm. "I was. Until I caught him cheating on me with my best friend," I said, meeting Mike's gaze squarely. "After that, my 'taste,' as you call it, changed. I'd rather be with someone who values me as their everything, even if they're younger than someone who takes me for granted."

 Jenna clapped her hands in approval. "Good for you, Daniella! That's exactly how it should be. Better to be with a man who loves you wholeheartedly, even if he isn't wealthy, than a rich man who can't stay loyal."

 Alex quickly chimed in, wrapping an arm around Jenna. "And for the record, I've never cheated, no matter how rich I am, because you're everything to me."

Laughter erupted around the table, but I could feel Mike's eyes still on me. He seemed like he had more to say, but before he could, I leaned into Alpha, kissed his cheek, and whispered, "I love you."

 Alpha's tense expression melted instantly. His eyes returned to their vibrant green, brimming with warmth and love as he smiled at me.

 The jealousy he'd felt earlier was gone, replaced by a serene confidence that made my heart flutter. I knew he was mine, and I was his.