Allison Mackenzie always chose the finest restaurants for her private meetings—places where the chandeliers sparkled like diamonds and the servers moved with quiet precision.
Tasteful opulence that screamed class without being over the top. Tonight was no exception.
She lifted her glass of wine as Alexa Donovan approached, a vision of elegance in a sleek midnight blue dress. It hugged her statuesque curves and made her look like an artwork brought to life. Her auburn hair gleamed like shiny fire.
"Alexa, my dear," Allison greeted warmly, rising from her seat to exchange air kisses. "It's so lovely to see you. You look radiant. And isn't that the latest pair of Louboutins?"
Alexa smiled, slipping into the seat across from her. "Thank you, Ms. Mackenzie. Yes, they are indeed the latest pair."
Alexa extended her long, smooth legs to show off the shoes better. The shiny leather gleamed under the lights.
"You look lovely as well. Absolutely stunning!"
Allison preened at the compliment, taking a delicate sip from her glass. The waiter appeared promptly, handing them menus before pouring another round of wine.
Alexa leaned forward slightly, curiosity flickering in her eyes. "So, tell me—why did you ask to see me?"
"Such a straight shooter, my dear girl!" Allison laughed demurely and gestured at the bottle of rosé that was on the table. "Do pour yourself a glass, something to liven up the conversation."
Alexa obliged her request and filled up the extra wine glass that had already been left out for her. Her movements were smooth and controlled.
Allison set her glass down, folding her hands neatly on the table. "I'll be blunt, darling. I admire your elegance, and I would love for a woman of your calibre to become part of my family."
Alexa blinked rapidly in surprise. "I... appreciate the compliment, but I don't quite understand."
Allison smiled. "Your mother and I had one of our lovely chats, and she informed me that you were open to a serious relationship."
Alexa took a slow sip of wine, processing those words. "I mean, she's not wrong about that. I am single and searching. But what does that have to do with anything?"
Allison's eyes gleamed. "I think you would be the perfect match for my son, Tommy."
Alexa let out a surprised laugh, setting her glass down with a soft clink. "Wait... you want to set me up with Tommy?"
Allison tilted her head. "Yes, I do. Why is that so funny?"
Alexa hesitated before reaching for her phone. She scrolled through her notifications and then turned the screen toward Allison.
Tommy's engagement post was at the centre of the screen. Evie's engagement ring shimmered as the light hit the surface and refracted into many pieces.
Allison's face darkened as she scanned the photo, noting how her son held onto his fiancée while he gazed at her lovingly. Her lips trembled in fury as she forced back all the unkind words that were fighting to be set free.
"I take it you weren't informed beforehand," Alexa mused, watching Allison's reaction with something close to amusement. "So, how exactly would your proposal work out?"
Allison exhaled sharply, placing her glass down with a bit more force than necessary. She couldn't hide the irritation creeping in.
"This changes nothing," she said coolly. "Tommy has been acting... misguided of late and he has made a foolish mistake, but mistakes can be corrected."
A slow smile curved Alexa's lips as she read between the lines correctly assuming that the mistake in this scenario was Tommy's fiancée.
"That's quite an interesting reaction. I'm guessing that you don't approve of the impending union?" Alexa asked coyly.
"That union will happen over my dead body!" Allison vowed and wrinkled her nose in disdain.The thought seemed to make her pallor greenish.
She studied Alexa for a moment before leaning forward. "Now, tell me, darling… how far are you willing to go for what you want?"
Her tone was conspiratorial, leaving no doubt that she was eager for a positive response. She came to Alexa already knowing what her response to that question might be.
Alexa picked up her wine glass, swirling the liquid thoughtfully. She imagined herself beside Tommy Mackenzie, with his golden boy looks and irresistible charm even just from the photos and videos that she had seen of him.
She imagined his arms wrapped around her and the family heirloom on her finger. She knew they would make one hell of a powerful and influential couple.
Of course, she didn't say any of that out loud. She couldn't appear too eager and dissuade the family's matriarch from thinking she was the best option for her son.
"I'm willing to go as far as necessary," she replied smoothly instead.
"Great answer, my dear." Allison smiled and it was all teeth.
They gleamed brightly and expensively under the restaurant's lighting. She looked like the cat that ate the canary.
"I aim to please."
Alexa sipped from her glass again and the wine tasted much sweeter than it had earlier.
There was something about triumph that made things more flavourful.
"Just leave me to sort out this... mess with Tommy," Allison promised.
Then they clinked their glasses in a silent agreement.
Evie wouldn't know it yet, but she had just gained a second foe in this unspoken war.