Page 58 of Bossalicious Bad Boy

"Hey, Ruby," I reply, smiling as she rushes toward me. "Wouldn't miss it for the world."

"Everything looks amazing, doesn't it?" she gushes, gesturing at our surroundings. "And the guest list! There are some seriously important people here."

"Tell me about it," I mutter under my breath, my eyes scanning the crowd for any sign of Alexander. No matter how much I try to focus on work, he's always there, lurking in the back of my mind.

"Are you alright?" Ruby asks, her brow furrowed with concern.

"Sorry, just a lot on my mind," I admit, shaking my head. "But I'll be fine. Let's go mingle and do what we're here to do."

"Alright," Ruby agrees, linking her arm with mine. "Let's show everyone just how capable we are."

As we make our way through the throng of people, I can't help but feel a sense of pride in the work we've done. Everything has come together beautifully, and the positive energy in the room is undeniable.

"Can you believe we pulled this off?" Ruby asks, her eyes shining with excitement.

"Almost," I reply, my lips curling into a genuine smile for the first time tonight. "But we did it together. And that's what makes it even better."

"Agreed," she says, giving my arm a little squeeze. "Now let's go and enjoy ourselves!"

"Absolutely," I say, taking a deep breath as we set off to tackle the rest of the evening. But despite the allure of the event and the pride I feel in our accomplishments, my thoughts can't help but drift back to Alexander.

Especially when everyone keeps bringing him up. The main topic of conversation is how we like working for the Alexander Blaese. The second main topic of conversation is if we can believe the headlines about his father.

Daniel Blaese under probation for embezzlement and fraud. Perhaps it’s not the severe punishment I dreamed about when I first found the files proving his guilt, but somehow punishment isn’t what I’m after any more. I just want the truth, and now it’s being told.

We're barely halfway around the room when the doors to the ballroom swing open again, and Alexander Blaese makes his entrance. He's wearing a sharp black suit that accentuates his commanding presence, and there's a magnetic confidence about him that draws every eye in the room.

"Speak of the devil," Ruby mutters under her breath, watching as Alexander is immediately swarmed by well-wishers and business associates.

"Or the CEO," I correct her, trying to keep my voice steady. But inside, my stomach is doing somersaults, and my heart is pounding so hard I worry it might burst right out of my chest.

Ruby nudges me. “Go ahead. I know you want to see him.”

I give her a grateful smile and make my way toward the bar, needing a glass of champagne before I face him.

The grand ballroom swirls around me, a blur of shimmering gowns and tailored suits. I can feel the energy in the air, as if it's a tangible force pressing against my skin. But amidst all the excitement and glamour, there's one thing that I can't seem to shake: the tension that hangs between Alexander and me.

"Clara, how are you?" Alexander says, sidling up to me with a glass of champagne in hand. His voice is warm, but his eyes give away his apprehension.

"Fine," I say, hoping he doesn't notice the way my heart quickens at the sound of his name. "Just taking it all in, you know?"

"Of course," he replies, attempting a smile. "It's quite the event."

"Your team did an amazing job," I say, turning my gaze to the chandeliers above us rather than meeting his eyes. I've been avoiding his gaze for most of the night, unsure of what might happen if our eyes were to lock.

"I couldn't have done it without you." His words are sincere, but the small talk feels forced. We both know there's more we want to say, but neither of us seems willing to take the plunge.

"Would you like to dance?" Alexander asks suddenly, catching me off guard. The question hangs in the air like a challenge — one I'm not sure I'm ready to accept.

"Sure," I reply hesitantly, placing my hand in his outstretched one. As soon as our fingers touch, a jolt of electricity races up my arm, setting my nerves on fire.

We move onto the dance floor, surrounded by other couples swaying to the gentle melody. Alexander takes the lead, his movements fluid and confident. I follow him, feeling awkward and uncertain in comparison.

"I've missed spending time with you," he says, his voice barely audible above the music.

"Really?" I ask, trying to keep my tone casual even though my heart is pounding in my chest. "I didn't think you'd noticed."

"Of course I noticed. You're unforgettable." His words send a shiver down my spine, and I can't help but glance at him, searching for any sign that he's teasing me.

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