The Billionaire’s Regret -Alessa (by Bukolami) novel Chapter 13

**Shadows Beneath the Silent Moon**
**Rising Echoes by Aiden R. Vale**
**Chapter 13**

Alessa felt the simmering heat of frustration bubbling beneath her composed exterior. It took every ounce of her willpower to maintain her poise in the midst of the lavish ball. She was here to enjoy herself, to blend in with the other billionaires, not to engage in petty squabbles or make a scene.

Her fingers curled tightly into a fist beneath the table, a silent testament to her struggle for calm. As she glanced up, she caught Tina’s gaze, which was laced with that infuriating smirk.

“Enjoy the party, Tina,” Alessa said coolly, rising from her seat with a graceful motion, and began to stride away.

Tina let out a frustrated groan, muttering curses under her breath as she downed the drink in her hand, clearly unbothered by Alessa’s dismissal.

As Alessa made her way toward her children, the enchanting melody that signaled the beginning of the royal dance ball filled the air, drawing everyone to the dance floor like moths to a flame.

Just as she contemplated slipping away unnoticed, an elderly woman, her face adorned with a warm smile, grasped Alessa’s arm.

“Oh dear, you are my partner for this dance,” the woman declared, her voice cheerful and inviting.

Alessa hesitated, a polite smile flickering across her face. “I’m sorry, ma’am. I’m really not in the mood to dance,” she replied, but the woman merely rolled her eyes at her reluctance.

“Nonsense! You must dance!” the woman insisted, tugging Alessa toward the dance floor with surprising strength.

With a resigned sigh, Alessa faked a smile and began to sway to the music. Despite her initial reluctance, her gaze wandered around the vibrant ballroom until it landed on her children, who were also attempting to dance with their little friends.

A genuine smile broke through her facade as she watched them, and she decided to let go of her earlier frustrations, at least for the moment. Turning her attention back to the elderly woman, Alessa danced with her, allowing herself to be swept away in the joyous atmosphere.

“Excuse me, ma’am. May I cut in?” A familiar voice broke through the music, and Alessa looked up to see Bryan standing there, a hint of uncertainty in his eyes.

“Of course, dear,” the old lady replied with a gracious smile, stepping aside to let him take her place.

Bryan extended his hand toward Alessa, his expression earnest. For a brief moment, she hesitated, her heart racing as she contemplated the gesture. After a few seconds of silent deliberation, she placed her hand in his.

He drew her closer, his other arm wrapping around her waist, and Alessa felt a familiar flutter of nerves. She was waiting for that electric sensation, the one that made her heart race and her breath quicken, the feeling that left her utterly vulnerable to him.

But as they began to move together, she realized with relief that she felt nothing of the sort.

They danced in silence, the world around them fading away, and Alessa deliberately avoided eye contact, focusing instead on the swirling patterns of the ballroom.

“Alessa,” Bryan finally broke the silence, his voice soft yet urgent. She met his gaze, momentarily caught in the intensity of his eyes.

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