No Trace of Love and Hate

She lowered her head with a shy smile, drawing a wave of cheers from the crowd.

"As expected of our superstar! Winning over the boss of Rosendale so effortlessly. Looks like another man is about to fall under Alessia Bellucci's spell! Now the actor and CEO should be worried!"

"That’s right! If Mr. Lexington joins the competition, I doubt the other two even stand a chance. After all, Rosendale is an international powerhouse, far bigger than the Vasquez Family. If he decides to make a move, the entire entertainment industry will feel the tremors!"

The murmurs spread like wildfire, but the faces of the two men standing beside her darkened with every word.

"Alessia, has he done anything inappropriate? You need to be careful and recognize who truly has your best interests at heart."

Nicholas interjected impatiently.

Meanwhile, Matteo stood a little farther away, his expression shadowed with loneliness.

"I just want you to be happy."

With that, he turned and walked away.

Alessia’s eyes flickered with something unreadable and she waved her hands dismissively, feigning frustration.

"What are you all saying? You’re making too much of this! He just did me a small favor. How could he possibly fall for me so suddenly?"

But even as she spoke, her gaze shifted through the crowd until it landed directly on me.

"I overheard someone spreading rumors about Mr. Lexington. Since he helped me, it’s only right that I repay the favor."

"After all, someone of Mr. Lexington’s stature isn’t someone just any random person can take advantage of… wouldn’t you agree, Isla Vasquez?"

With a poised elegance, she stepped toward me and as she moved, the sea of cameras turned, following her every step.

"Long time no see, Isla. I’ve been so worried about you ever since you ran away from home three years ago. I even blame myself. If Nicholas hadn’t fallen in love with me and broken your heart, you wouldn’t have left so quietly. That’s why… I haven’t dared to accept their feelings all this time."

"But it’s fine now! I heard you’ve found someone new. That really puts my heart at ease."

As she spoke, she gave me a playful wink. Just then, a card slipped from the hem of her dress and fluttered to the ground.

She bent down gracefully to retrieve it, making sure the cameras captured every detail.

It was Victor’s business card.

She flashed an apologetic smile at the cameras.

"Victor just reminded me that I’m welcome to contact him anytime to discuss future collaborations."

"Oh, right! Isla, whose family did you say you belonged to again?"

All eyes snapped to me and in the next second, the crowd erupted into laughter.

"I didn’t expect the slap to come this fast! She tried to act all high and mighty, but in the end, she completely embarrassed herself. How hilarious!"

"Exactly! If Mr. Lexington had any sense, he wouldn’t spare her a second glance. How could she ever compare to our beautiful goddess?"

"You’re all laughing at the pretentious one, but I’m the only one who actually feels bad for Mr. Dumont and Mr. Vasquez. Suddenly, they have such a powerful rival. I can’t even imagine how devastated they must be!"

Under Alessia’s mocking gaze, I remained unfazed and spoke calmly.

"I was clear enough the first time. I’m attending this dinner as a family member of the organizer."

I met her gaze head-on, unshaken. For a moment, she seemed unable to control herself and burst into laughter.

"Isla, you should be careful with your words. Tonight’s host isn’t someone you can just name-drop for fun."

Nicholas stepped forward then, his face twisted with contempt.

"Isla Vasquez, I’ve told you before. I hate liars. Do you think acting indifferent will change the way I see you? If anything, it only makes me hate you even more!"

Matteo, my brother, turned to me with helpless exasperation.

"If you don’t want the Vasquez Family to lose face, you’d better leave as soon as possible."

I ignored their ridicule and contempt, remaining seated with an air of indifference.

Soon, the staff arrived to disperse the crowd as the awards ceremony was about to begin.

The host took the stage, his tone lively as he introduced tonight’s esteemed guests. Then, suddenly, his demeanor shifted.

"Tonight’s ceremony has a special surprise! There is a mysterious guest joining us."

Excited murmurs spread through the audience and those privy to the inside story erupted in cheers.

"I’m sure many of you have already heard the rumors. He is none other than tonight’s organizer, the elusive and rarely-seen business tycoon, Victor Lexington!"

The moment his name was announced, deafening screams filled the venue. Everyone was eager to catch a glimpse of the enigmatic mogul.

The host chuckled but quickly changed his tone.

"Unfortunately, our Mr. Lexington is quite the eccentric. No matter how much I pleaded, he refused to make an appearance."

"However, I eventually discovered that there’s only one person who can persuade Mr. Lexington to grace us with his presence, his future wife."

The playful warm-up was followed by an excited uproar from the audience.

"Alessia! Alessia!"

Immediately afterward, many people shouted.

"Mr. Lexington’s way of confessing is so unique!"

"The future Mrs. Lexington must be our Alessia. It’s love at first sight!"

"Alessia! Alessia!"

The cheers were deafening, drowning out even the host’s voice. Yet, amidst the enthusiasm, his expression turned slightly awkward.

"Please, everyone, let’s settle down for a moment!"

He double-checked the card in his hand over and over again as if making sure he was not mistaken.

Finally, with a trace of hesitation, he cleared his throat and announced, "And now, I’d like to invite Mr. Lexington’s future wife, Miss Isla Vasquez, to the stage."