Chapter 53

The audience erupted in gasps as tension crackled through the air.

"The moment we've all been waiting for - which Willowbrook beauty will capture Alexander's heart? The answer is finally here!"

Alexander rose gracefully and strode directly toward Harrison, his choice unmistakable.

Isabella and Penelope both stiffened, their faces twisting in shock.

Nathaniel remained motionless, his cocktail glass clenched in white-knuckled fingers, his expression as icy as ever.

Gabrielle, however, squealed with exaggerated delight. "Oh my! Has Alexander truly fallen for Harrison?"

Harrison looked up at Alexander with wide eyes. Fresh from dealing with Nathaniel's drama, romance was the last thing on her mind. She couldn't lead Alexander on.

Just then, Alexander leaned down until their faces were inches apart. Harrison stammered, "A-Alexander, I can't-"

He flashed a roguish grin and winked. "Harrison, I need a tiny favor."

Her breath caught.

"It's just a silly game," he murmured. "You wouldn't let me suffer the consequences alone, would you? For old times' sake - that muscle rub you owe me?"

Realizing escape was impossible, Harrison sighed. "Can I just give you the cream back instead?"

Gabrielle began chanting from the sidelines. "Kiss her! Kiss her! Kiss her!"

Alexander cradled Harrison's face gently between his palms, drawing nearer.

Closer...

Almost touching...

Their lips nearly met...

Nathaniel's grip on his glass tightened dangerously, his knuckles bleaching white under the strain.

The crowd exploded as Alexander and Harrison actually kissed.

They kissed!

Isabella yanked Nathaniel's sleeve furiously. "Nathaniel! Look! Harrison actually seduced Alexander!"

Nathaniel's glacial gaze narrowed at the spectacle.

Alexander still held Harrison's face, their lips locked as cheers surrounded them. Harrison finally turned away, cheeks flaming, burying her face against Alexander's shoulder.

He gazed down at her with unexpected tenderness. Harrison peeked up through her lashes, her expression soft and affectionate.

Nathaniel's vision burned red. How dare she look at Alexander like that? He'd believed only he could draw such reactions from her. Had she truly moved on?

The wealthy heirs roared with laughter.

"Alexander! You promised three minutes! That was barely sixty seconds!"

"Go again! We want a proper show!"

Alexander smiled down at Harrison. "She's shy. Don't scare her off." He grabbed a bottle instead. "I'll take the penalty."

He began drinking as the crowd whooped.

Meanwhile, Isabella and Penelope could only watch in stunned silence as Harrison became the evening's unexpected star. While they'd been clawing for Nathaniel's attention, Harrison had effortlessly stolen Alexander's. How?

Isabella turned to complain to Nathaniel just as his glass shattered violently in his grip.

He'd crushed it barehanded.

Blood dripped steadily from his lacerated palm.

"Nathaniel! Your hand!" Isabella shrieked. "Let me call a doctor!"

But no one noticed Nathaniel's injury amidst the revelry.

Without a word, Nathaniel stood and walked away, leaving crimson droplets in his wake.