No Escape from Love

"It's not urgent," Alex said.

I immediately understood that those files weren't important at all. Alex was using

them as a way to teach Jolene a lesson.

I gave him a weird look.

There was a mischievous glint in his eyes. "She used her position to take

advantage of you. I'm just using mine to do the same to her."

I considered the two choices Alex had laid out for me. "Can we extend the timeline

a little?"

"Hastings Group doesn't operate on whims," Alex replied firmly.

"And if I make a mistake?" I asked, my voice faltering.

"Then you'll get a pay cut."

I nearly choked. "What if I mess up at the gala?"

"As long as you keep your mouth shut, there shouldn't be any issues," Alex said, eyeing me carefully. Then, he added with a faint smirk, "If you do mess up, the same rule applies. You'll get a pay cut."

I clenched my jaw and gritted my teeth.

Alex could buy a car with the loose change in his pocket, yet he wouldn't hesitate to dock my meager intern salary.

"So, have you decided?" Alex asked, a hint of amusement in his voice as he watched me struggle internally.

"I'll go to the gala," I said begrudgingly.

"Good. Here, take this necklace. For a business gala, you'll need the right accessories to look the part," he said as he took out a small box from the drawer.

I opened the box and froze. Inside was a stunning necklace made of 11 blue gemstones, each the size of my finger. The gems were flawless, their cuts elegant and precise. They were surrounded by delicate diamonds that sparkled like stars.

I frowned as I held up the necklace. "This looks... familiar."

"Familiar? A lot of high-end jewelry looks similar. This is from one of our company's brands. It's part of their new collection." Alex glanced up briefly from the document he was signing.

Nodding, I carefully placed the necklace back in its box. I didn't think too much about it and wore it on the night of the gala.

This gala was nothing like the last one.

The previous event had been modest in scale. On the contrary, the hosts for this one had booked an entire luxury hotel. It was a place so grand it resembled a royal palace.

I struggled to mask my astonishment as I stood at the door.

I couldn't care less about the grandness of the venue, but if I failed to perform, the threat to my salary was very real. Shaking off my curiosity, I focused on staying composed.

Alex seemed to be satisfied with my

performance. He was dressed

impeccably as always. His white shirt and tailored black suit made

him ooze with sophistication. The outfit, no doubt outrageously expensive, only heightened his commanding presence.

He extended his arm toward me, and I hooked my hand around it.

Tonight's gown was even more extravagant than the last one. It fit me perfectly, as though it had been custom made, accentuating my every Curve. The velvet fabric and billowing skirt paired flawlessly with the gemstone necklace at my neck.

The tiara perched atop my head was from a renowned brand and reportedly cost

as much as an apartment. I shone under the lights but struggled to move gracefully.

Alex noticed my hesitation and, to my surprise, reached out to lift part of my skirt to lighten the load.noveldrama

I stared at him, taken aback.

"What?" Alex asked flatly. "At an event like this, everyone—no matter my rivals or allies-is watching. I'd rather not gain a reputation for being inattentive to my partner."