Chapter 598 Preconceived Notions
Frank and Ambrosia were also sending folks all over to find Katherine, but it was like she had vanished into thin air.
The driver said, "Mr. Melville, we're here."
Alex snapped out of his thoughts and glanced out the car window. They'd pulled up to the hotel where the business shindig was happening. He gave a casual nod and stepped out of the car.
Alex strolled into the banquet hall, when Sophia, in a fancy dress, made a beeline for him.
Sophia flashed a charming smile. "Alex, what took you so long? Everyone's been waiting forever!"
Alex kept his distance and replied coolly, "It's not that big of a deal. Why rush?"
Sophia huffed, "This is a business banquet, a pretty big deal! Folks are here to swap the latest news and share info and resources! How can you not be into that?"
Alex really couldn't care less. He had all the latest global intel at his fingertips, no need to waste time here. But Hilton and Issac had bugged him non-stop to show up. It'd be rude to keep blowing them off.
Plus, the other parties Hilton and Issac dragged him to were way too loud, but this one was more formal, so he caved.
Sophia laughed. "Alright, if you don't wanna mingle, come with me to find Mr. Allen and Mr. Sanchez. They're on the terrace."
Alex gave a slight nod and followed her.
As they headed upstairs, they bumped into Bernard coming down. They exchanged icy glares and kept walking without a word.
Back in the day, even if they didn't get along, they'd at least nod at each other. But since Katherine went missing, Bernard looked like he wanted to kill Alex. Six months ago, they had a nasty fight over her disappearance and hadn't spoken since.
Alex made it to the terrace.
Hilton spotted him and jumped up with a glass of wine, throwing an arm around Alex's shoulder. "Alex, it's really hard to get a hold of you!"
Alex shoved him off. "Get lost!"
Hilton, looking all hurt, ran to Issac. "Did you see that? I was just being friendly, and he told me to get lost! What kind of friend does that?"
Issac, lounging on the terrace sofa, sipped his wine and shot Hilton a look. "You had it coming."
Then he grabbed a glass of wine from the table and handed it to Alex, who had just sat down next to him. "Any updates on Katherine?"
Alex took the glass, clinked it with Issac's, and shook his head, looking pretty bummed out.
Issac didn't push it.
Hilton plopped back down and joked, "Dude, if you can't find her, just let it go. It's just a chick, Alex. Plenty of fish in the sea!"
Alex frowned, ignoring him.
Issac shot Hilton a glare. "Sometimes, silence is golden, man."
Hilton threw up his hands, all innocent-like. "What? I'm just saying! Katherine's bailed twice! Why's Alex still hung up on her? If it were me, I'd have moved on ages ago!"
Seeing Alex getting a bit ticked off, Issac kicked Hilton. "Go downstairs and mess around with your ladies. Stop being a pain here!"
Hilton yelped, making a big show of it. But his antics did lighten the mood a bit.
Sophia, lounging on a single sofa with a glass of wine, chuckled at Hilton's antics. "Mr. Allen, you're such a riot! Bet you have tons of girls chasing after you, huh?"
Hilton played it up, looking all helpless. "Nah, not really! When it's just me, I'm alright. But with Alex, Issac, Bernard, and Jonathan around, I don't stand a chance! No comparison, no problem!"
Sophia laughed again. "No way! You all have your own charm. Plus, those guys are kinda standoffish, but you're super approachable. Girls love that!"
Hilton grinned, soaking up the praise. "Really? So, Sophia, you wanna get close to me?"
Sophia laughed heartily. "You're so funny, of course I do!"
Hilton then perched on the armrest of Sophia's sofa, leaning in with a charming smile. "How about we go on a date then?"
Sophia was taken aback for a second, then pushed him away. "We're just friends."
Hilton leaned in again, persistent. "I'm serious. How about we date?"
Sophia made a face. "Mr. Allen, I'm not into dating friends. Quit joking!"
Hilton raised an eyebrow and spread his hands. "See? No girl wants to get close to me! Not even you!"
Sophia explained, "Don't get me wrong. It's not that I don't like you. It's just that I'm already into someone else and can't develop feelings for other guys. But you're definitely charming, Mr. Allen!"
Hilton, curious, asked, "Who is it? Let's spill the tea and see what we can do."
Sophia instinctively glanced at Alex, who was sipping his drink, her eyes flickering slightly. "I can't tell you. It's a secret."
Hilton chuckled. "Even if you don't say, I know! It's either Alex or Issac, right?"
Sophia was silent for a few seconds before waving him off. "Alright, Mr. Allen, stop prying into my business!"
Hilton crossed his arms, smirking. "I knew it! With Alex and Issac around, no woman will ever fancy me!"
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