Rebirth Of The Heiress And The Tycoon's Lover (Alina) novel Chapter 227

AUTHOR’S POV.

Alina spent the next few hours buried in work, her desk scattered with half–finished sketches and fabric swatches. She leaned over a design, pencil moving swiftly as she added the final strokes she had left unfinished days ago.

Her phone buzzed every now and then with shipment updates, and she made a point of checking each one, her brows furrowing in concentration before softening once she confirmed that things were running smoothly.

Across from her, Mia stood with a tablet in hand, rattling off notes in her usual efficient way. “So… about Emily’s birthday party ma’am.” Mia began carefully, her eyes flicking up from the screen to her boss, gauging her mood.

Alina set her pencil down and looked up, a faint smile tugging at her lips. “Right. I almost forgot I agreed to plan that,” she admitted, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “What’s the update?”

Mia’s face brightened, clearly relieved her boss remembered. “Emily says she wants a more intimate setting this year, nothing too extravagant. I was thinking we could host it at the little rooftop garden venue she likes. A soft color theme, minimal decorations but elegant…you know her taste.”

They always made it their job to know their clients‘ preferences.

Alina nodded thoughtfully, resting her chin on her hand. “That sounds like Emily. It’s surprising how someone so pampered doesn’t like anything loud. I’ll sketch out a layout tonight. Let’s keep it personal but beautiful, something she won’t forget.”

Mia gave a firm nod, typing quickly into her tablet. “Got it.”

Before Alina could return to her sketch, a knock sounded at her office door. It opened without waiting for a reply, and Talia stepped inside with her usual easy confidence, her smile warm and disarming.

“Talia?” Alina blinked in surprise, rising slightly from her chair. “What are you doing here?”

Talia walked over with a playful glint in her eyes, her tone light but affectionate. “What, I can’t drop by and see my favorite designer anymore?”

Mia stifled a laugh, sensing the familiarity between the two, and quickly excused herself. “I’ll leave you both to it.” She said with a polite bow of her head before slipping out.

As the door clicked shut, Talia pulled Alina into a hug. “I missed you and wanted to see you,” she said softly, her arms lingering just a little longer than expected before she pulled back, her smile faltering ever so slightly as her gaze searched Alina’s face. “And… to make sure you’re really okay.”

Alina let out a soft sigh, leaning back against her chair as she tried to reassure her friend. “I’m okay, Talia,” she said gently, forcing a small smile.

But Talia didn’t buy it. Her sharp eyes softened, though they still held a knowing edge. She folded her arms. across her chest and tilted her head. “Don’t give me that. I know you, Alina. Something’s bothering you, so

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Chapter 227

spill.”

A

Alina hesitated, chewing lightly on her bottom lip. Her gaze dropped to her desk before lifting again. “It’s Damien.”

Talia’s brows shot up, her lips parting in surprise. “Damien?” she echoed, blinking as if she hadn’t heard correctly. “I thought you were still shaken up about the dinner party incident. That’s what I came here expecting. But Damien?”

Alina exhaled and gave a small nod, her voice quiet. “Yeah… Damien. He told me he’s leaving.”

Talia frowned, confusion etching deeper into her face. “And how is that a problem?”

Alina shook her head, almost frustrated with herself. “I don’t know. But when he said it, I felt… empty. Like something important was being pulled away from me.” Her fingers traced idle patterns against the edge of her sketchbook, betraying her restlessness. “It doesn’t make sense. Forget it, Talia. You won’t understand.”

Alina shook her head, almost frustrated with herself. “I don’t know. But when he said it, I felt… empty. Like something important was being pulled away from me.” Her fingers traced idle patterns against the edge of her sketchbook, betraying her restlessness. “It doesn’t make sense. Forget it, Talia. You won’t understand.”

Talia leaned back in her chair, drawing out her response with a teasing lilt. “Okaaaay…”

But Alina wasn’t done. Her voice softened, almost hesitant. “He talked about finding his sister. And-” she paused, eyes flickering with a vulnerable light, “a part of me wishes I was the one.”

Talia’s playful expression faded, replaced by quiet understanding. “That’s probably because of your own quest to find your family. It makes sense you’d feel that way.”

Alina let out a breath, her shoulders drooping slightly. “Maybe.” After a beat, she lifted her eyes, searching Talia’s face. “Have you had any luck in finding your birth parents?”

Talia’s lips pressed into a thin line before she shook her head. “Nothing yet.”

“Oh.” The word slipped from Alina in a whisper, her face clouding with a sadness she couldn’t quite hide.

For a few moments, Talia just studied her in silence, her expression softening with quiet concern. Then she let out a deep sigh and pushed herself upright. “Alright. Enough of this.”

Alina blinked at her. “What?”

“Get up,” Talia ordered firmly, extending her hand. “We’re going out to unwind. No arguments.”

Alina opened her mouth to protest, but before she could get the words out, Talia had already hooked an arm around hers and tugged her to her feet.

“Talia-”

“Nope,” Talia cut her off with a small smile tugging at her lips. “You’ve sulked enough for today. Trust me, you

need this.”

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Chapter 227

As she was dragged out of her office, Alina couldn’t help but let out a soft, reluctant laugh, shaking her head at her friend’s determination. She didn’t notice the glint of anticipation in Talia’s eyes, or the faint smile playing on her lips, because at the end of the day, a surprise was waiting for her.

Talia didn’t give Alina the chance to protest. Before she knew it, Alina was being tugged out of her chair, sketchbook forgotten on the desk.

“Wait, Talia!” Alina half–laughed, half–protested, stumbling to keep up as her friend’s determined grip pulled her out of the office. “Where exactly are we going?”

“Dress shopping,” Talia said simply, mischief glinting in her eyes.

“Dress shopping?” Alina frowned, bewildered. “What for?”

“You’ll see.” Talia replied, her lips curving into a knowing smile that gave away nothing.

The next few hours blurred into a whirlwind of luxury boutiques and fitting rooms. Talia circled her like a hawk, rejecting one gown after another until her face lit up with approval at a sleek, elegant dress that hugged Alina’s figure perfectly.

“I don’t even know why I’m letting you do this to me.” Alina muttered, though the sparkle in her eyes betrayed the thrill of trying on something so stunning.

“Because you trust me.” Talia shot back with a grin, already dragging her toward the next stop.

From there, they were whisked into a salon where Alina’s nails gleamed under the soft light, her hair styled into loose, flowing waves, and makeup brushed delicately across her features until the reflection staring back at her in the mirror almost startled her.

As she blinked at herself, Alina turned to Talia. “Okay, enough with the mystery. What’s with all the dress–up?”

Talia leaned casually against the counter, her smirk only deepening. “I want you to follow me someplace.”

Alina arched a brow, suspicion flickering across her face, but she couldn’t deny the tiny swell of excitement in her chest.

By evening, they stepped into an upscale restaurant, its grand entrance glowing with warm, golden light. Talia guided her past the bustling main floor, through a quiet passage, and finally up a staircase that led to the rooftop.

The moment Alina stepped out, she froze. The rooftop was bathed in a soft, romantic glow, the lights dimmed just enough for the hundreds of candles to stand out, their flames flickering like stars scattered across the floor.

A trail of candles led toward the far end, and at the sight waiting there, Alina’s eyes widened in shock, her breath catching in her throat.

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Chapter 228