Chapter 185 Alexander and Shae Hug
The gals giggled and ribbed Karen, "Looks like Shae's about to make her move."
Paula jumped in, "She's clueless, hanging onto Mr. Sinclair like that. She's way outta her depth."
"Shae's here," Esme suddenly pointed out.
Shae, rocking a red dress and black curly hair, strutted over to them.
"Shae's looking even hotter all dolled up!" One of the ladies laughed. "If Mr. Sinclair spots her, he'll be blown away."
Shae flashed a coy smile, showing off her youthful charm.
Karen, faking concern, said, "There are tons of people here tonight. Don't go chasing after Mr. Sinclair and make a fool of yourself."
"I won't look for him. I'll stick with you guys tonight," Shae said, all obedient.
But Esme linked arms with her and said, "Nah, you're coming with me. There are so many young hotties here tonight. You can't waste such a golden chance." With that, she dragged Shae into the crowd.
Since Alexander showed up, folks kept toasting him. He dealt with them half-heartedly, planning to bail early. But then Brent rolled in and asked him to introduce some business bigwigs, so he had to stick around and schmooze.
Shae and Esme hung out by the buffet table, their eyes glued to Alexander. Esme offered her some food, but she turned it down.
"I really don't get you," Esme said, exasperated. "Is all this hassle worth it?"
"It's worth it!" Shae said, dead serious.
Esme eyed her. "With today's makeup, you look a lot like Amy. My mom and the others didn't notice, but Mr. Sinclair definitely will. What's your game plan?"
"Seduce him," Shae said bluntly and made her way towards Alexander.
Esme stood there, watching as Shae took a few steps near Alexander and then came back.
"What's your deal? Hoping he'll see you by accident and mistake you for Amy?" Esme asked. "But it doesn't seem to be working. Mr. Sinclair looks chill."
Shae sneered. "He's totally faking it. I'm sure he has seen me and is freaking out inside."
"You're overthinking it, Shae," Esme said.
Shae's face darkened. "Shut up!"
The birthday bash soon kicked off. The whole thing was pretty old-school, and after it wrapped up, it was just eating and drinking.
Alexander had too much to drink. He thought he could leave soon, so he didn't have Kevin come in. Now he felt a bit woozy and stumbled out in a daze.
Seeing her chance, Shae put down her wine glass and was about to follow.
"Shae." Suddenly, Alan Jordan blocked her way. "Long time no see. Did you miss me?"
Shae frowned and glanced at the guy in front of her, Alan, a notorious playboy from Rihegde. This dude was petty and not easy to shake off.
"Mr. Jordan, long time no see." Shae smiled sweetly. "I need to touch up my makeup now. I'll come back and chat with you later, okay?"
"Come on, have a few drinks with me first," Alan insisted, making things tough for her.
She looked into the distance. Alexander was already out of sight, and she felt anxious but still forced a smile. "Mr. Jordan, I'll drink with you when I come back, okay?"
"Drink with me now. Who knows when you'll come back," Alan said, shoving a glass into her hand.
Shae thought angrily, 'Why did Colin and Brent invite someone like him?' But she downed the wine anyway. Alan didn't push further and let her go.
Shae left the restaurant, searching for Alexander but couldn't find him. She asked a passing waiter, who hadn't seen him either. After thinking for a moment, she took the elevator up, deciding to check the rooftop.
She got lucky. Alexander was indeed on the rooftop, chilling under a sun umbrella with his eyes closed. She tidied her hair and walked over gently.
"Alexander, Alexander." She bent down, patted his shoulder, and whispered in his ear.
Alexander slowly opened his eyes, his drunken gaze unfocused. He looked at her for a moment, then closed his eyes again.
"Alexander, don't crash here. Let me help you down," Shae said, brushing her hair back. The ends of her hair lightly brushed Alexander's face, and the scent made him open his eyes again.
He looked at her for a long time. She seemed like someone from his dreams, yet also real. He couldn't help but slowly reach out, with a hint of hesitation, gently touched her face, and whispered, "Amy, is that you?"
Shae was secretly delighted. 'As expected, he mistook me for Amy when he was drunk!'
She imitated Amy's tone and whispered, "Alexander, it's me. How could you not recognize me?"
Alexander thought he was dreaming. He hugged her waist excitedly like a boy who had been wronged and said in a muffled voice, "Amy, I miss you so much."
Shae felt a mix of excitement and complexity as he hugged her. She gently stroked his head, her nose tingling. "Alexander, I miss you too."
Alexander felt the person in his arms was too real, so real that it seemed true. He really didn't want to wake up from this dream and wanted to stay with Amy a little longer.
In the darkness, a sudden phone ring startled them. Shae was very angry. Who had such impeccable timing to call now?
Alexander also suddenly woke up. When he saw he was still holding Shae, he pushed her away and shook his head vigorously, taking out his phone from his pocket.
"Lily," he stood up shakily and walked to the side to answer the call.
Lillian said on the phone, "I hope I'm not disturbing you. Luke and I want some fried chicken. Could you bring some back when you come home?"
"From the usual place?" Alexander asked. "Same sauce?"
"Yes, the usual. Thank you," Lillian said sweetly.
Alexander chuckled. "Alright, I won't get it wrong."
After ending the call, he tried to calm himself down. The night breeze cleared his head a bit. He was here to sober up. How did Shae get here? He clearly saw Amy! So, was it Shae in the dream?
He walked over and asked indifferently, "What are you doing up here?"
"It's stuffy inside, so I wanted to get outside. I thought an empty rooftop would be nice, not expecting you to be here!" Shae said, then considerately added. "Alexander, don't worry, I won't tell anyone about this."
