Chapter 38

With the auction drawving to a close, Waylon found himself caught up in polite conversation with several distinguished gentlemen, while Alexia, guided by her assistant, made her way out to the entrance to wait.

She lingered alone by the fountain, the night air nipping at her skin. Marilee, spotting her, couldn't resist a jab. "So, the woman everyone stared at tonight ends up left out in the cold. Roger, why don't you offer her a ride?"

A cold look passed over Roger's face as he shot Alexia a glare. "Does she even need help from us?Alexia, you've really mastered social climbing. We just mentioned divorce, and you latched right onto Waylon. Now you've got Andre in tow too. Bet you're feeling proud of yourself."

His words dripped with contempt, meant to wound,yet Alexia only blinked, her tone calm and undisturbed. "That's right. So what are you going to do about it?"

The answer caught Roger off guard, his mouth momentarily hanging open.

Even Marilee was taken aback by her audacity, not expecting her to disregard her own reputation so completely.

With a nonchalant flick of her hair, Alexia continued,"Whether it's Andre or Waylon, either is an upgrade over someone like you. Everyone wants something better, don't they? Why shouldn'tl?"

"A man like me? Even at my worst, I'm still above a woman who would sell herself for a leg up."

A scornful laugh escaped Alexia. "You're in no place to lecture me. Tell me, where was your so-called morality when you and Marilee sneaked around behind my back? At least I'm open about being with attractive, wealthy men-and frankly, I'm enjoying myself. Is that what bothers you, Roger? That they outshine you in every way?"

For a moment, Marilee found herself at a loss,recognizing that after divorce, Alexia had become someone bolder and far more incisive than before.

Fury clouded Roger's thoughts after her biting words. "You're just leaning on other people! None of your success is truly your own!"

"That's nonsense. If I end up with what I want, that's ability in my book." Alexia leaned in, voice playful."And if we're splitting hairs, Roger, everything you call your own comes courtesy of the Gibson family.Connections, money, influence-tell me, what have you ever built yourself?"

He bristled, retorting, "I was born with those things!That's different!"

Her gaze turned cold. "Does that make you some kind of noble? You inherit everything, never feel a hint of embarrassment, and still judge me for taking advantage of what I have. Don't kid yourself-there are plenty of people out there with more brains and drive than you. Strip away your family's legacy and ask yourself what's left before you point fingers at me."

Anger flared in Roger's eyes-her last words had struck exactly where he was most vulnerable.

Even Marilee, who usually kept quiet in such spats,couldn't help lashing out. "You're banking on youth and a pretty face, Alexia! Let's see how long that gets you. One day, you'll be tossed aside just like anyone else!"

A spark of mischief lit Alexia's face as she arched a brow. "So you do see the value in beauty, after all?Good to know you're not completely blind."

Marilee's expression faltered, momentarily thrown off.

Irritation simmered beneath her calm, and for the first time, she could truly understand Roger's anger-her own thoughts scattered with frustration.

"What's got everyone so animated over here?"

Waylon's approach drew Alexia's attention, and she turned to find his keen eyes fixed on the group,

searching for answers.

She replied with a smile, "Nothing major. Just a bit of conversation, that's all."

Waylon's gaze swept over Roger and Marilee, then landed back on Alexia. "People like that will only drag you down. Best not to keep their company."

A visible tremor ran through Roger as those words landed.

With an easy movement, Alexia slipped her hand into the crook of Waylon's arm, nodding inagreement."Believe me, I'd rather not, but I still have to wrap up this divorce." Her attention shifted back to Roger,and her eyes turned frosty. "Be at the courthouse at nine tomorrow morning. Don't make me send someone to fetch you."

Roger struggled to hide the flood of emotion that washed over him-shock, humiliation, and even fear flickering in his eyes. Alexia caught every nuance.

Detecting the cloud over her mood, Waylon gently took her hand. "Let's get out of here."

Side by side, Alexia and Waylon strolled off, while Roger and Marilee were left behind, shivering beneath the chilly night air.

Soon after, the car carried Alexia back to her hotel.As the vehicle rolled to a stop, a thought surfaced.She reached for the necklace and addressed the man beside her. "I should give this necklace back to you now."