"Miss Prescott, Miss Leclair, what a coincidence running into you here." Evangeline's voice rang out, light and cheerful, as she pulled Alexandrez toward Aurelia and Sophia.
Her tone was as sweet as honey, and her bright smile made it obvious she was in a particularly good mood.
Alexandrez tilted his head slightly, his sharp gaze locking onto Aurelia, who was determinedly avoiding his eyes.
How composed and untouchable she always seemed, the proud young lady of the Prescott family.
For years, she had toyed with his emotions, holding him in a delicate balance between love and torment.
Forget it?
No.
The game wouldn’t end until he decided it was over.
"I wasn’t aware this restaurant had become so... lenient with its membership. Do they just let anyone in now?" Sophia’s voice was sharp, dripping with mockery.
She crossed her arms, her chin lifted defiantly. It was no secret she despised Evangeline.
La Fenêtre was an exclusive, members-only establishment where only the elite could dine.
Evangeline’s background, before Alexandrez, wouldn’t have earned her a foot in the door, and Sophia knew it.
Her words were carefully chosen to sting.
Aurelia stiffened. She had intended to stop Sophia from speaking, but her friend was too quick.
Evangeline’s expression faltered for just a moment before she turned to Alexandrez with wide, watery eyes. “Alex, maybe we should leave. I don’t want to cause trouble...”
The use of that name, “Alex,” was like a dagger to Aurelia’s heart.
Alexandrez had always hated nicknames, insisting only his mother could call him something so familiar.
But here Evangeline was, saying it so naturally, so effortlessly, as if she had the right.
Aurelia felt her chest tighten painfully, as though a cruel hand was squeezing her heart.
She struggled to keep her breathing steady, but it felt as though every breath she took cut her deeper.
Alexandrez’s face darkened.
His sharp, cold voice broke the tension. “Miss Leclair, perhaps I should call Charles? He might find your... behavior of interest.”
Sophia’s defiance faltered.
Alexandrez had gone straight for her weak spot, her brother, Charles, the one person she truly feared.
His disapproval was a heavy weight on her shoulders, and Alexandrez knew it.
“You—!” Sophia’s voice wavered, but she couldn’t find the words to respond.
Aurelia could see where this was going.
Alexandrez and Evangeline had the upper hand here, and if Sophia continued, it would only escalate.
Gently, she placed a hand on her friend’s arm. “It’s enough, Sophia. Let’s go. We’ve finished our meal.”
Sophia hesitated, but the firm look in Aurelia’s eyes made her relent.
With a huff, she grabbed her bag and stood, prepared to leave.
As they turned to walk away, Aurelia ensured her gaze stayed fixed straight ahead. She didn’t dare look at Alexandrez.
But just as they passed him, she felt the faintest brush against her hand.
A light, fleeting touch, as if someone had reached out and immediately pulled back.
Her heart skipped a beat.
She frowned, telling herself it must have been an accident. Nothing more. She couldn’t afford to read into it.
She couldn’t let herself fall into that spiral again.
“Let’s go,” she said softly, urging Sophia forward.