Wendy nodded, then suddenly remembered something. "How'd you know she's my idol?"

Alexander raised an eyebrow, a hint of sadness in his eyes. "When Ethan locked you up in The Knight Villa, I broke in to rescue you. You were out of it with afever, clutching her 'poster and calling her 'Mom."

Wendy was stunned. "I did?"

She couald barely remember. She vaguely recalled something like that happening.

"Yeah," Alexander confirmed with a nod.

Even though it had been over a month, the image of Wendy's pitiful state was still vivid in his mind, making his heart ache every time he thought about it.

Wendy seemed to recall a hazy memory, but she had been so feverish that she couldn't be sure.

Her cheeks flushed slightly, worried that he might bring up this embarrassing incident in front of Willow. She quickly said, "I was just out of it. Please don't tell anyone."

"If you don't want me to sayanything,you owe me one for bringing you to meet your idol," Alexander said as they approached the main table.

Everyone,including Willow, was watching them, waiting for them to join.

Alexander, ever the shrewd businessman, never missed an opportunity.

Seeing Wendy step into his "trap," he Immediately made his demand."Wendy. let's make a deal."

Wendy realized too late that she had fallen into his "trap."

But now, she had already made eye contact with Willow, who smiled warmly at her. It was too late to back out.

A sense of foreboding washed over her, and she tensed up, asking warily,"What do you want?"

Alexander lowered his thick lashes, his voice dropping to a whisper that only she could hear. "Stop telling me to stay away from you. I'm allergic to those words."

With that, Alexander gently pushed her forward, and Wendy found herself standing in front of Willow like a lamb led to the slaughter.

Willow was incredibly approachable, smiling as she extended her hand."Wendy,right? Nice to meet you."

Wendy was filled with resentment towards Alexander's cunning, but when she faced Willow up close, the resemblance to her memories of Scarlett wwas overwhelming,bringing tears to her eyes.

Willow not only knew her name but also addressed her so kindly.

Wendy, both nervous and excited, quickly shook Willow's hand.The touch of her slender fingers was surprisingly similar to Scarlett's.

Overwhelmed. Wendy blurted out, "Mom."

A flicker of surprise crossed Willow's eyes.

The others at the main table also looked over in astonishment.

Wendy was so embarrassed she nearly bit her tongue, wishing she could disappear into the ground and never show her face again.

Alexander was momentarily taken aback but then couldn't help but chuckle.

He stepped forward, placing a steadying hand on Werdy's waist, and calmly explained, "She meant to say that her late mother was a big fan of yours and hoped to take a photo with you."

"Of course, let's do it," Willow said, opening her arms and calling over her assistant. "Help us take a picture."

Wendy's embarrassment eased slightly.

She stepped forward, and Willow put an arm around her shoulder,warmly inviting her in. "Let's exchange contact info later. I'll be in Aurora City for a few days for work. Let's have a meal together."

Wendy nodded eagerly, but then realized, "I don't have my phone with me."

"No problem," Willow said with a smile. "Alexander can send me your WhatsApp info."

After the photo, the event organizers, ever attentive, had already set up two extra chairs, inviting them to sit.

Feeling out of place in this Vanity Fair, Wendy was about to decline when Alexander pulled her close, casually deflecting the invitation.

"Her friends are waiting for her. We won't intrude any longer."

When Wendy returned to her table, she still felt a bit lightheaded.

She was torn between cursing Alexander for his deviousness and feeling elated, wanting to hug him and scream.

Around the long table, curiosity burned in everyone's eyes.

Jessica and Susan's gazes were fixed on Wendy, bombarding her with questions.

"Where's the photo? Let us see!"

"I heard Willow is usually very aloof. Is she easy to talkto?"

"What did you two talk about?"

"Does she smell nice?"

"She's very gentle. The photo is with her assistant, who will send it to me later," Wendy said, pulling out her phone and opening WhatsApp.

She then turned to Alexander, who had followed her.

Alexander sat down leisurely on her right, smirking as he asked, "What are you looking at me for? Want me to stay away again?"

"Send me Willow's WhatsApp info," Wendy whispered, not wanting to cause a scene.

Amused by her cautiousness, Alexander's faint irritation vanished, and he smiled. "We'll do it later."

Wendy,knowing the importance of seizing the moment, Insisted, "Why wait? Just take out your phone and do it now. It'll only take a minute."

"Because I want to tease you," he said matter-of-factly, leaning back in his chair with a relaxed demeanor.

Whether he was truly teasing her or just soeking attention was unclear. "

Wendy, can't you just humor me a little?"

Since recelving her divorce papers, Wendy had noticed Alexander becoming increasingly bold, constantly teasing and provoking her.

This intimate yet dangerous dynamic left her feeling conflicted,excited,and anxious, as if a fire was burning in her chest, making her blood boil and her bones melt.

But she knew this wasn't right. No matter what, she had to control herself.

Crossing the line would lead to consequences she couldn't bear, possibly worse than her time with Ethan.

"I need to use the restroom," she said abruptly, getting up and heading towards the bathroom.

Alexandler watched her retreating figure, a smile playing on his lips.