The surrounding guests and reporters shot Alyssa incredulous, awe-filled looks.
âMy apologies, Madam Yves. I didnât know you were waiting for me,â Alyssa said with a blush.
Yves grinned. âDonât sweat it. Youâve had a busy night.â
She then wrapped an arm around Alyssaâs shoulders, making the two look quite like close friends. She said to the reporters, âCome on, where are our photos?â
Alyssa was just as shocked as everyone else.
This was the first time a cold, terrifying, dominating woman like Yves had initiated a photo with someone else.
The reporters thought that Alyssa must be someone special or unique to have caught her attention.
How tremendous!
Betty and Zoe were devastated, especially the latter, who felt shame burst inside her veins like fireworks.
Why?
Why was this happening?
Why were all the famous, influential, powerful people flocking toward Alyssa?
Zoe couldnât figure out why.
Alyssa did her best to appear calm and happy while taking the photo with Yves, though her heart was pounding against her ribcage like an excited little beast. Her image should have gained some positivity by now.
After taking the photo, Yves and Alyssa went somewhere private to converse.
âThank you so much, Madam Yves,â Alyssa said, her tone sincere.
Alyssa continued, âIâm sure you saw the trouble I was in earlier with the other reporters. Your gesture earlier signified your approval of me and thus helped me regain my footing.â
âMs. Alyssa.
âi know weâre on the same team in this event. Your helping me will also ensure the event goes smoothly and well Alyssa smiled. Regardless, Iâm still deeply grateful.â
âI didnât help you just because weâre working together, Ms. Alyssa.â Yvesâ tone and gaze were filled with a kind, caring warmth. âYour brother Jonah asked me to help you and watch over you tonight.â
Shock flitted across Alyssaâs gaze.
Jonah was always like this, taking care of her even when he wasnât around. But in this case, he was taking advantage of Yvesâ feelings for him. That wasnât very kind of him!
âI know how large an impact your hotel has suffered since Ada stopped working with you.â Yves took off her shades, her expression now serious.
Yves continued, âI can ask her to reconsider later. Weâve known each other for years.â
âNo, no, please donât!â Alyssa shook her head. âYouâve helped so much already. I couldnât possibly accept more!â
âAre you worried youâll owe me one, girl?â Yves smiled, patting her shoulder reassuringly. âDonât be. Iâm doing all this of my own volition.
âThere is no such thing as owing any favors. Jonah has told you about my feelings for him, hasnât he?â
Alyssa nodded, biting her lip.
âHe loves you dearly. Youâre the most important person in his life right now. That means youâre important to me, too.
âIâve loved him for ten years but never sought anything in return. All I ask is that he continues letting me do so, nothing more.â