Chapter 42

Alexia brushed off a sudden sense of discomfort,steadying herself with composure. "Andre and I are just friends."

At that, Andre leaned in and added, "Friends for now."

With a smirk, Elton gave Andre a look up and down,clearly not convinced, and teased, "So you're pursuing her,huh?"

Andre scowled at the remark. "Why do you care so much?"

With a false air of seriousness, Elton shrugged."Doesn't bother me at all. I just wonder what Waylon would say if he caught wind of this."

Surprise flickered across Alexia's features. "He wouldn't bother with something like that."

Before Elton could continue,the manager appeared,his shirt damp from sweat and a nervous smile plastered on his face.

"Pardon me for stepping in, everyone. What happened today was never our intention. We'll handle the disruptive woman and make things right with Mr. Ortiz.Elite Bar will pay for all medical expenses."

Some of Healy Ortiz's crew, still angry, spoke up."Your money means nothing to us. She went after our boss. If we let her off easy, how can he walk into a room with his head held high? Stop wasting time and hand her over!"

Caught between a rock and a hard place, the manager hesitated.WVhile Healy had a bit of money, the girls trained by Elite Bar brought in far greater profits. And the said girl had a future worth protecting. Letting them have her would ruin all of that.

The manager hesitated.

"What's there to think about? You're holding on to her like she's worth more than our boss!"

Alexia's gaze drifted toward the woman, head bowed and features hidden, saying nothing. Right as she opened her mouth, Elton cut in, "You think your boss,looking the way he does, could measure up to someone like her?"

That comment set off laughter all around. Just as the group was about to respond, the manager bent at the waist before Elton.r. Clark, please don't take offense."

The moment that name left his lips, Healy's men grew uneasy. It was clear now that Elton wasn't a man they wanted to cross.

With the hall now silent, Elton offered a cold,dismissive laugh, then turned to the woman. "Look up.Let me see your face."

His voice left no room for questions, sending a chill through the crowd.

Uncertainty flickered across the woman's face as she slowly raised her chin.

The instant Alexia caught sight of those jewel-bright green eyes, a jolt of shock ran through her.

There was no mistaking the resemblance.

"She's breathtaking!"

"I've never seen anyone so beautiful. Now l understand why she saved her entrance for last-she outshines them all!"

Andre, caught off guard, found himself impressed.Still, unease crept in the longer he studied her.Leaning closer to Alexia, he whispered, "How could someone like the chief engineer at Dracfield Military Tech end up in a place like this? Even if she's undercover,putting someone that gifted at risk makes no sense. If anything happens to her, what'll become of their entire team?"

Alexia could only look at him, at a loss for words.

While whispers passed among the crowd, Elton knelt down,eyes fixed on the woman before letting a sly grin spread across his lips. "I want this woman."

Excitement stirred beneath the manager's anxious exterior, barely hidden by his mask of professionalism."To catch your eye is a blessing for her."

Elton brushed off the compliment. "And let me make this clear. I have no patience for people drooling over what's mine. Break their legs and toss them out."

The moment his words landed,fear swept through the group. "Mr. Clark! We'd never cross you, please believe us!" But the manager, following orders,summoned the guards and had them dragged away without hesitation.

Pained yells soon echoed from the entrance, chilling everyone left behind.

With the ordeal done, Elton was ready to lead the woman away when Alexia suddenly called out, "Kyra Francis?"

The name made Elton stop in his tracks, and the woman's steps faltered beside him.

He turned back and asked, "Who did you just call?"

Searching the woman's face, Alexia spotted uncertainty and offered a small smile. "I'm sorry; l thought you were someone else. May I know your name?"

"Bella Coleman," the woman replied. Her reply was gentle, her tone softer than anyone expected.

"Please forgive me," said Alexia, retrieving a business card from her bag and offering it. "If you ever need help,call me. I'll have your back."

Elton's jaw clenched as he struggled to maintain his polished smile. "Alexia, what are you trying to imply?"