Chapter 174 She Is Alexa
William was stunned.
Evelyn, on the other hand, was calm and even yawned. "Why reveal my identity now? Look, you've scared William."
"Alexa, how did you get back to Mugden without telling anyone? Everyone at the studio is waiting for you!" Sliva said, her eyes red.
"Sorry, Sliva. I have to help with the family business for a while, so you'll need to run Yatuok studio for now," Evelyn sighed. "But don't worry, the jewelry I designed years ago is worth a lot, and the funds will keep the studio going. Tell everyone not to put their futures on hold for me. If anyone wants to leave, they have my blessing, including you, Sliva."
Sliva rubbed her eyes. "Alexa, you discovered my talent. I would never leave you."
"You've helped me so much; you don't owe me anything. It's an honor you followed me, but you deserve to choose your own path," Evelyn said with a gentle smile. "Alexa became a legend because of all of you."
William, listening to Evelyn, was moved to tears. He realized how little he truly understood her. 'I thought she was perfect, but she's a god!'
"Alexa, if the Wellington Group contacts me again, I'll reject them and say you're planning to work with KnightSpear Group," Sliva said.
Evelyn smiled. "Don't reject the Wellington Group outright. If you don't give them hope, how can they be disappointed?"
Sliva was taken aback but nodded. "Got it."
Evelyn's smile turned sly. "After all this planning, I have to give Edward a chance to show his talents. When he reaches the finish line only to find his opponent already there, it'll be more frustrating than failure."
The video call ended, and William was still in shock from discovering Evelyn was Alexa.
Evelyn snapped her fingers in front of William's eyes, snapping him out of his trance.
"William, do you think what I'm doing is mean?" Evelyn asked, spinning her leather chair around.
"Considering how cruel Edward was to you, I think you're being quite restrained," William said through gritted teeth.
"That’s a relief," Evelyn said, closing her eyes and turning to face the bright window. "I spent three years with Edward. The worst part wasn't that he didn't love me or ignored me. It was his blatant love for Nicole during our marriage. I watched him buy single tickets to Mythorica and fly to Flancia to get a unique birthday gift for Nicole. Even without love, there should have been basic respect."
Evelyn spoke without emotion, her back to William.
Feeling a lump in his throat, William knelt beside Evelyn. "Edward hurt you so deeply. He deserves to suffer."
Evelyn smiled and shook her finger. "I used to be angry and resentful, but now I feel calm, even amused."
Evelyn thought, 'If Nicole is trash, then Edward is the trash can. I'm passionate but not promiscuous. There's no need to dwell on a trash can. But it's entertaining to see Edward running around for Alexa. I want to see him work hard for me, only to end up with nothing. Edward, you’ve always been heartless. Now, so am I.'
Edward took a private jet to Yatuok to see Alexa. Mid-flight, he remembered the first year of his marriage to Evelyn. To create the Heart of Flame for Nicole, he flew to Flancia and persuaded a designer who crafted jewelry for royalty. He had never begged anyone like that before.
The designer was eventually moved by his sincerity and agreed to design the Heart of Flame. Now, the Heart of Flame was locked away, carrying not love but regret and shame.
Edward stared at the thick clouds, and in a trance, he saw Evelyn's radiant face above them. The vision felt so real it made his heart ache, and he reached out to touch the window.
He took a deep breath, Bart's words echoing in his mind: "Do you know how much Mrs. Wellington loved that necklace? When she heard you were giving it to Ms. Adams, she was so envious she cried. If it were Mrs. Wellington, she would never disregard a gift from you. She would even keep the ties you discarded, never trampling on your feelings!"
A sharp pain hit Edward's chest, blurring his vision. He had thought Nicole would cherish his feelings, but she had trampled on them. Meanwhile, Evelyn had longed for, bled for, and dreamed of the love he gave away so carelessly.
His lips twisted into a bitter smile. 'What kept you by my side for three years, Evelyn? Why are you so passionate?'
Just then, Bart walked over with a cup of coffee. "Edward, I've contacted Sliva, the head of Alexa's studio. She agreed to meet with you."
"Really?" Edward's gloomy eyes finally lit up.
"Yes, but she was quite cold and reluctant," Bart sighed. "This might be tough."
"Don't worry. As long as she's willing to see me, there's hope," Edward said.
After arriving in Yatuok and waiting anxiously for three days, Edward finally met Sliva at a street-side café near Alexa's studio.
"Edward, forgive my bluntness," Sliva said, crossing her arms and looking at him arrogantly. "Alexa only designs jewelry for the First Lady, royalty, and people who have made significant contributions to society. Even though Ada is an international superstar, she doesn't qualify."
"Years ago, I established a charitable foundation in my mother Amanda's name within the Wellington family, and I've been dedicated to public welfare ever since. I hope Alexa can see this as more than just designing jewelry for a celebrity. She can name her price, and all additional income from Ada's wedding at our hotel will be donated to the foundation," Edward said earnestly.
"Are you implying that Alexa has a narrow perspective?" Sliva sneered.
"I didn't mean that," Edward said, his throat tightening.
"Many have come to Alexa under the guise of charity to get her to design jewelry. Who knows if you're one of them?" Sliva said coldly.
Edward's brows furrowed, and Bart, unable to stand it any longer, said angrily, "Sliva, we're sincerely seeking cooperation. Isn't this too much?"
Edward gestured for Bart to be quiet. "The Wellington family's foundation is managed by me. Every penny raised for charity has transparent accounts. I can show you the books."
Sliva curled her lips disdainfully. "I'll convey your message to Alexa, but whether we can cooperate is up to her. You're not the only one vying for her designs."
With that, Sliva stood up and left without touching her coffee.
Bart's face turned red with frustration; he couldn't help but complain.
"Let's not talk about this now. Prepare a backup plan," Edward said, loosening his Windsor knot. "Alexa's attitude is tough, and I think they did the same to Evelyn. I don't believe Evelyn can offer better terms than I can."
"What do you plan to do next?" Bart asked anxiously.
"Start with Ada, but don't slack off with Alexa," Edward said, clenching his fist. "Keep a close watch on Evelyn. If she and Alexa make any moves, report to me immediately!"
