The Billionaire’s Regret -Alessa (by Bukolami) novel Chapter 81

**Shadows Beneath the Silent Moon**
**Rising Echoes by Aiden R. Vale**
**Chapter 81**

With just one day remaining until the eagerly awaited third ball of the season, Alessa found herself engulfed in a whirlwind of preparations. The air was thick with the scent of fresh flowers and the sound of rustling fabric as she meticulously arranged every detail, determined to ensure that her ball would be the talk of the town for weeks to come. The stakes felt higher this time; she wanted it to be nothing short of spectacular.

Tracy, her steadfast friend, was by her side, making the chaotic atmosphere a bit more manageable. Together, they worked seamlessly, their laughter punctuating the tension as they tackled the endless list of tasks. Alessa’s children were also lending a hand, their youthful energy a welcome boost amidst the flurry of activity.

Aria sat at the breakfast table, her brow furrowed in concentration as she tried to memorize the names of the esteemed guests and their businesses. Aiden, her brother, sat nearby, offering his support in the most comforting way he knew how—simply being present, a silent pillar of strength.

As Alessa joined them for breakfast, she noticed Aria’s intense focus on the list before her. “Aren’t you done with that yet?” Aiden asked, breaking the silence.

“No,” Aria replied, her eyes still glued to the names, unwilling to lift her gaze.

“Mum, how come I am not as smart as Aria?” Aiden inquired, a hint of genuine curiosity in his voice, which brought a chuckle from Alessa.

“Oh, you are smart, trust me,” she reassured him, her thoughts drifting back to a time not so long ago when Aiden had surprised them all with his cleverness.

“Okay,” he said, a smile spreading across his face as he returned to his meal, the moment of doubt quickly forgotten.

Alessa turned her attention to Aria, her heart swelling with pride. “Aria,” she called softly.

“Yes, Mummy?” Aria replied, still focused on her task.

“Look at me,” Alessa commanded gently, and without hesitation, Aria lifted her gaze, meeting her mother’s eyes.

“It’s perfectly fine if you don’t know everything. I can handle the rest,” Alessa assured her, watching as Aria nodded, a smile breaking through her concentration as she returned to her list.

With her meal finished, Alessa excused herself from the dining room, feeling a mix of relief and anticipation as she made her way to the living room. Just as she entered, the door swung open, and she recognized the familiar figure of Tracy stepping inside. But her eyes widened in surprise as Lydia followed closely behind.

“Don’t get mad! She offered to help,” Tracy said hurriedly, sensing Alessa’s hesitation. Alessa glanced at Lydia, who wore a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes.

Alessa could sense the insincerity behind Lydia’s smile; it felt like a mask hiding ulterior motives. What could Lydia possibly be planning? The thought nagged at her, but she pushed it aside, focusing instead on the present.

“Hey, Alessa,” Lydia greeted, her smile wide and seemingly genuine.

“I know we don’t see eye to eye, but I really just want to help. Bryan mentioned you were informed late,” she added, her tone almost saccharine. Alessa nodded slowly, unsure of how to respond.

While she had no personal vendetta against Lydia, she couldn’t shake the feeling that this was a veiled attempt to insert herself into their lives.

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