Chapter 27

Alexia didn't want to waste time with Marilee. "Step aside. I'm not here to play games with you."

Marilee was furious. "Where's that attitude coming from? Did you forget where you came from? You dare parade around after everything you've been through?Alexia, you're nothing but a fraud. You honestly believe you're-"

Alexia's hand shot out before the insult could land,fingers closing around Marilee's necklace.

The chain drew tight, yanking Marilee forwNard into a clumsy,humiliating bow.

Panic seized Marilee as the threat of choking drove every other thought from her mind.

Desperation flooded her expression as she looked up, only to find Alexia watching with a cold, almost taunting smile.

Completely in control, Alexia gave Marilee's cheek a gentle pat, as though scolding a stubborn child. "So you think you're superior? Funny, since you're the one bowing now. Maybe next time, you'll think before spouting nonsense. Right here, right now, I call the shots."

Alexia's grip only tightened, choking off any chance for Marilee to cry out.

Color drained from Marilee's face as her vision blurred. "Let... go..." The world went white as she struggled for air.

Satisfaction gleamed in Alexia's eyes as she leaned in. "Here's the thing, Marilee... I don't put up with pests. Don't mistake my patience for weakness. Next time you cross the line, you'll wish you hadn't."

Just like that, Alexia let go.

Marilee collapsed, clutching her throat as she coughed and gagged, fear etched in every feature.

Marilee coughed and retched, her eyes filled with fear and hatred.

Alexia gave her a cold glance and walked away.

Left behind, Marilee shivered, a chilling dread creeping over her.

She dragged herself to the restroom, eyes wide as she caught the angry red line across her neck in the mirror-already darkening with bruises.

She stormed out of the restroom, only to be stopped by a male voice.

"Marilee, what are you doing out here?"

Marilee's eyes widened at the sight of Roger-supposedly bedridden in the hospital-standing there in a sharp suit.

Burying the surge of panic, Marilee threw herself into Roger's arms, her tears shimmering. "Roger!"

His arms tightened around her, eyes darting over her features. "Tell me who hurt you. What happened to your neck?"

Tears streaming, Marilee cried out, "I was at the party with a friend when I ran into Alexia. She went after me without mercy. I'm terrified. She's never forgiven me for taking everything away from her."

Sympathy darkened Roger's expression. He reassured her gently, "Alexia's only lashing out because she envies you. I promise, I won't let her treat you this way again. But how did she even get invited here?"

A glimmer of bitterness flickered in Marilee's gaze."She always manages to use men to get what she wants. Every time, she cozies up to the right people and finds a way in."

That answer made Roger's temper flare. He replied with a scoff, "That woman never quits! Let's go settle this once and for all."

Meanwhile, Alexia had slipped out onto the balcony,letting the night air calm her nerves. Before long,a stylish woman approached.

"Excuse me, miss. Is the necklace you're wearing the Stellar designed by Edward Diaz?"

The unexpected question made Alexia's fingers drift to her necklace. She nodded. "Yes, it is."

"How lovely! Please hold still a moment. I just want to see it up close." The woman's admiration was obvious. "That necklace is incredible, and it matches your look perfectly!"

A little flustered, Alexia managed a small smile."Thank you."

Pushing her red glasses up her nose, the woman asked, "Did your boyfriend give you this necklace?"

"No, actually. It was a friend," Alexia said after a brief hesitation. Defining her connection with Waylon wasn't easy, so she settled for his description.

Surprise flickered across the woman's face. "Only a friend? Are you sure? The Stellar wasn't made to be given lightly. It's part of a couple's set-there's a matching men's ring designed for it!"

That revelation caught Alexia off guard. "What do you mean?"

"You must not know the whole story," the woman replied, her disappointment quickly shifting into enthusiasm. "Legend has it the designer found inspiration in a star called CX330-famous for its solitary beauty."