Chapter 23

Alexia didn't give Gloria a chance for another word.She ended the call with a quick tap.

A satisfied hum escaped her as she headed for the shower,feeling victorious.

Once she finished, she reached for her towel and began drying her hair. That was when her phone buzzed insistently on the bedside table.

She reached for it, noticing a notification on the screen.

A message popped up from Monica Wallace at AMOS Gallery. "Sirius? Please, get back to me! It's urgent."

Alexia replied in confusion, "What's the emergency?"

"Thank goodness you finally responded! The Chamber of Commerce just reached out to us.They've sent an invitation especially for you. They want Sirius-the genius painter-to attend their banquet."

Alexia answered, "You know I never show my face as Sirius. Sirius only exists for the art, nothing else."

Their relationship had always been straightforward and businesslike. She sent her paintings, signed the contracts, collected payments, and accepted the occasional trophy. Nothing more.

Something about this request set off an alarm in her mind.

She quickly asked, "You didn't say yes, did you?"

Monica replied right away, "Absolutely not! I know where you stand, but it's the Chamber of Commerce.Turning them down isn't so simple. That's why l thought-maybe we could submit one of your paintings for their charity auction. Showing your work is almost like you being there yourself."

Monica's meaning was obvious-a donation would help smooth things over.

Holding grudges wasn't Alexia's style. Even AMOS Gallery had to bow to the Chamber of Commerce.And with charity as the purpose, she saw no reason to refuse.

So she replied, "That's fine with me."

Relief poured out of Monica in the next message.

AMOS Gallery treated Sirius like their prized possession. Back when the gallery was staring bankruptcy in the face, a mysterious fourteen-year-old girl-Sirius-sent in her very first painting. That single artwork rescued the gallery from collapse.

Without Sirius, AMOS Gallery would have faded into obscurity long ago.

Time flew, and before Alexia knew it, the banquet held by the Chamber of Commerce had arrived.

Alexia intended to choose her own outfit, but Waylon had other plans, sweeping her away to an exclusive boutique filled with vintage gowns.

Surrounded by a row of stylists beaming at her, she felt a hint of nerves flutter in her chest-a feeling she rarely experienced.

Unlike the stylists, Waylon went straight to the point.Reaching for a sleek black feather gown, he offered her a gentle smile. "This one stands out to me.Would you mind wearing it?"

His unexpected warmth caught Alexia off guard.Waylon had indeed changed. There was a new ease in the way he smiled now. When making requests, his smile was flawless, making it nearly impossible to refuse.

"All right," Alexia answered, and with that, she took the gown and disappeared into the fitting room.

Once the final touch of makeup was applied, she stepped out, and every conversation in the boutique died on the spot.

Waylon's taste never missed the mark. The strapless black gown hugged her frame perfectly, turning her into something like a regal black swan-sophisticated and utterly mesmerizing.

The gown hugged her figure in all the right places,while the skirt floated with her everymove.Feathers and diamonds glinted under the lights, lending her a regal, almost otherworldly air.

To finish the look, the stylists swept her hair into a polished style, letting a few strands trail along her neck. The effect was hypnotic. Artistry met glamour,leaving her looking like a living masterpiece.

Exclamations of admiration burst from the stylists and designers. "Unbelievable! You're stunning! That dress could have been made for you!"

"Ms. Jenkins, may I get your contact details? I'd love to collaborate with you in the future!"

"Please, Ms. Jenkins, I'm in the photography business. My company's publications are well-known.Would you consider giving me your number?"

Overwhelmed by all the attention, Alexia glanced in Waylon's direction, hoping for a lifeline, but he simply watched,thoroughly entertained.

Left with no other option, she finally asked, "How do l look?"