Alexander Vale 19    

The program had finally begun, and the ballroom buzzed with energy as guests moved between tables, exchanging pleasantries and forging new business connections.

Alexander Vale, as expected, was a magnet for attention.

One businessman after another approached him, eager to engage in conversation, to shake his hand, to be in the good graces of a man whose influence stretched far beyond the room. He handled them effortlessly—cool, charismatic, exuding an authority that made others want to be associated with him.

And, of course, Ethan Carter, the male lead of this story, was not one to be left behind.

But as dinner was served, the socializing came to a pause. Guests returned to their seats, conversations quieting as they turned their attention to the meal in front of them.

Alexander, however, entertained no one anymore.