Rebirth Of The Heiress And The Tycoon's Lover (Alina) novel Chapter 209

Chapter 209

AUTHOR’S POV.

“Care to explain this?”

The image of her and Damien glowed between them like a brand.

Alina’s eyes flicked from the glowing screen back to Lucian’s face, her chest tightening. His expression was sharp, controlled, but beneath it, she could see the storm brewing.

“That’s not what it looks like,” she said quickly, her voice soft but urgent. “Whoever took that picture… they did it with the sole purpose of causing a misunderstanding between us.”

Lucian nodded, his gaze fixed on her, unreadable. “And that’s exactly why I’m waiting for your explanation.”

She drew in a steadying breath, her fingers curling around the edge of the desk. “I met Damien strictly by coincidence. And right now, I’m his designer, Lucian. That’s all it is. We were talking about his wardrobe change, nothing more.” She paused, searching his face. “He even suggested we sit outside, in a public place, so there wouldn’t be any room for suspicion. That’s what happened.”

Her eyes softened as she took a step closer. “I know you’re worried that I would—”

Lucian cut her off, his tone firm but low. “No. You’re getting it all wrong. I’m not worried about you. I trust you with my life, Alina.” His jaw clenched. “It’s the men I don’t trust.”

Relief flickered across her face, mingled with frustration. “Lucian… honestly, with Damien, there’s nothing there. If I feel anything at all, it’s the kind of feeling someone would have towards a sibling. That’s it.”

His

eyes

darkened, his voice quiet but edged. “But Damien isn’t your sibling.”

“I know, I know,” she rushed to say, lifting her hands slightly. “I’m just trying to explain, that’s the kind of feeling I get. Nothing more.”

Silence stretched between them, heavy but not breaking. Finally, Lucian exhaled, his shoulders easing just a fraction. “Fine.”

A small smile touched her lips. “Thank you.”

His brow furrowed. “For what?”

“For confronting me directly. The moment you got that picture, you came to me, instead of keeping it to yourself and assuming things.”

Lucian’s gaze softened, his voice low and steady. “We promised each other, didn’t we? That’s what we’re going to do. I don’t ever want things like this to be the reason we misunderstand each other.”

Her smile warmed, relief washing over her. She leaned down, pressing her lips to his. This time, he kissed her back, slow and grounding, sealing the promise between them.

ner nand, her expression brightening,

comment stride. She looked up from the sketchpad in

“Damien,” she greeted, smoothing her skirt. “Right on time.”

“Wouldn’t miss it,” Damien replied with a polite smile, stepping inside. His sharp gaze scanned her office, then returned to her. “How’s everything coming along?”

“Good. Let’s see what you think.” She led him toward the closet area where several pieces hung neatly. “These are a few of the suits I’ve made so far. They’ll still need adjustments after your fitting, but…”

Damien stepped closer, brushing his fingers over the fabric. “They look good. Very good.” His tone was smooth, but when she turned away to gather another piece, his eyes lingered on her, something unreadable. flickering there.

Alina moved gracefully through the closet area, her back turned as she lifted a jacket from the rack. “Why don’t you try this one?” She said, her voice calm, professional.

Behind her, Damien’s gaze lingered and without a word, his hand lifted, reaching toward her hair, quiet, deliberate, as though he didn’t want her to notice.

She remained unaware, focused on the garment in her hands.

The door to the closet swung open.

“Miss Alina!” Mia’s urgent voice cut into the moment, making Damien’s hand falter before it could touch.

Alina turned immediately, brows knitting at Mia’s expression. “What is it?”

Mia stepped quickly inside, slightly out of breath. “Your sister is here. She’s creating a scene out front.”

Alina’s eyes narrowed, irritation flashing across her face. “What the heck is she doing her She muttered, placing the jacket back onto the rack with sharper movements than usual.

Without another word, she brushed past Mia, heels clicking against the floor as she strode toward the commotion spilling into her boutique.

Damien’s fist clenched tightly at his side, frustration rippling through him. Once again, the perfect opportunity had slipped past him. His jaw ticked, but before the emotion could betray him further, he schooled his features into a calm mask and followed Alina out of the closet.

When they reached the reception desk, the scene was already tense. Two security guards stood firm, blocking Serafina, who was raising her voice and gesturing wildly.

The moment Serafina’s eyes landed on Alina and then on Damien trailing closely behind her, her lips curved into a sharp, victorious smile.

“I knew I would find you here.” She declared, her voice laced with mockery.

སོང་།་་

Alina frowned, confusion clouding her expression. “Seraphina, what are you doing here?”

But Seraphina ignored her. Her gaze shifted sharply to Damien. “Mr. Evergreen,” she said with exaggerated politeness, “I thought your business was with Mr. Blackwood, not with Alina. So why is it that you’re always around her? What’s your plan? What are you trying to do?”

Damien froze for half a second, but because Alina’s back was to him, she didn’t notice. His face was unreadable as he spoke. “With all due respect, miss… who are you?”

Chapter 210