Chapter 244
Elizabeth pivoted, catching sight of Alexander standing nearby, a bottle of juice in his hand.
The 7-Eleven convenience store loomed behind him.
“Mr.
Clark,” she greeted, her anger carefully veiled beneath a veneer of casual composure.
“Oh, nothing.
Just a close encounter with a reckless driver who nearly struck me.”
Her smile bloomed—elegant and distant, a delicate flower of polite restraint.
Despite the warmth, her eyes remained guarded.
Alexander played along, feigning ignorance.
“Indeed, dangerous drivers seem to be everywhere these days.”
“Yes.” Elizabeth nodded, her response perfunctory.
“What brings you here, Mr.
Clark?”
After two seemingly chance encounters, suspicion was taking root.
Was Alexander following her?
“Just passing through,” he replied, jiggling the juice bottle.
“I was thinking about grabbing a bite but haven’t settled on a place.
Stopped for a drink to quench my thirst.”
Though their meeting appeared coincidental, Alexander had lingered long enough to overhear Elizabeth’s earlier outburst about Elijah.
The pieces were falling into place—their affectionate display in Foxfire County was merely a performance.
Elizabeth’s reservations about him remained palpable.
It made sense.
If their relationship were genuinely loving, why would she be alone on the street at night, vulnerable to potential trouble?
Perhaps Daisy’s whispers about divorce held more truth than fiction.
Before Elizabeth could respond, Alexander pressed forward.
“Since we’re here by chance, might I have the honor of inviting you to dinner, beautiful lady?”
Elizabeth subtly retreated, increasing the space between them.
“I’ve just dined at the Norris Mansion,” she declined, purposefully emphasizing the location.
“Norris Mansion?” Alexander’s eyes swept theatrically around them.
“This spot is at least ten miles from the mansion.
Did you walk here alone? Where’s Mr.
James?”
Embarrassment flickered across her face as she tucked a wayward strand of hair behind her ear.
“Elijah dropped me off before heading to the office.
I thought I’d take a walk, digest my meal, and perhaps find some nighttime inspiration.”
Alexander saw his opportunity.
“In that case, I know a place at Orkset Tower with a breathtaking view and delightful sweet drinks.
I saved you once—surely a dinner isn’t too much to ask in return?”
Refusing would make her appear ungrateful.
Even if Alexander wasn’t stalking her, his persistent kindness suggested hidden motives.
Perhaps this was a chance to probe his true intentions.
Elizabeth’s smile was light, calculated.
“Since you put it that way, this meal should be on me.
Shall we take a cab?”
“My car’s right over there,” Alexander gestured, revealing a sleek teal Aston Martin.
As Elizabeth settled into the passenger seat, an unsettling sensation of being watched crept over her.
She scanned the bustling street through the window but saw nothing suspicious.
Orkset Tower stood as a metropolitan landmark, its 160 stories piercing the city’s skyline.
A commercial behemoth, it housed everything from dining establishments to entertainment venues, with a crowning observation deck that promised panoramic views of the urban landscape.
Alexander guided Elizabeth to the 150th floor, where astronomical rent allowed only a single French revolving restaurant to occupy the entire level.
The space breathed luxury, transforming mere dining into an experience of refined elegance.
Crystal chandeliers hung like liquid starlight, their authenticity setting them apart from mere glass imitations.
Delicate lamp shades cast rippling patterns across the room, evoking the sensation of an underwater palace.
A young woman in an ivory gown played a white grand piano, her melody floating through the space like a gossamer thread, weaving an atmosphere of ethereal sophistication.
“The same private room as before,” Alexander instructed the waiter, his tone brooking no argument.
“I’m here with a friend to enjoy the view.”
The waiter, ever professional, wore an apologetic smile.
“I’m afraid that room has already been reserved, Mr.
Clark.”
Embarrassment flickered across Alexander’s face.
He glanced at Elizabeth, then addressed the waiter with barely concealed impatience.
“Any other room with a view will do.”
The waiter bowed slightly.
“Unfortunately, all the rooms with views are fully booked.
Only the inner rooms or the main hall are currently available.”
Elizabeth, eager to avoid the intimacy of a private room, quickly chimed in.
“The main hall sounds perfect.”
Alexander nodded, conceding to her preference.
“Alright, the main hall it is.”
“Please, follow me,” the waiter said, gesturing gracefully toward their table.
As they walked, Alexander motioned toward the coveted private room, explaining, “That room has the same view as the observation deck.
I’ll bring you back another time when it’s available.”
The waiter, maintaining his politeness, added, “Today’s guest is a celebrity.
They made the reservation a day in advance.”
Alexander let out a derisive chuckle.
“A celebrity? What kind of star would waltz into a place like Orkset Tower on a busy night? Don’t they worry about being mobbed by their adoring fans?”