Reaching their destination, the driver came to a halt in front of a magnificent hotel building, which has a red carpet stretched out from its entrance.
The moment Alethea gazed out from the car, she was awed taking in the sight of the hotel's grand entrance.
But then, Axel's deep voice interrupted her. "Most of the people here are well-known CEOs who got popular for their great work and achievements," he began in a low and serious voice. "I want you to behave at your best, Alethea, and don't dictate for me like you did in Paris with Gabrielle."
Alethea calmly listened to him, but the moment he mentioned Gabrielle, she secretly rolled her eyes.
"I'll help you out of the car," Axel added, adjusting his necktie, and then stepped out to the other side.
As they both stepped onto the red carpet, paparazzi and camera crews swarmed around them and their bodyguards. Alethea felt uncomfortable as the flashlights almost blinded her, but she smiled the situation off, remembering her boss' words of caution, as his media wife.
Finally walking into the hotel, she was welcomed by the grandeur of the interior, followed by the sound of chatter and laughter from different angles. The room was filled with influential businesswomen and men, all dressed to impress in their designer suits and gowns.
Realizing she was about to enter a world that was completely foreign to her, her heart began to race erratically.
Walking deeper into the crowd with Axel right beside her, her eyes widened in bewilderment as she took in the sights of people whom she wasn't really expecting to be present. She couldn't help but feel a little intimidated as her eyes landed on familiar faces she had only seen in magazines and newspapers.
No doubt, the room was filled with business legends, like her boss had earlier said.
As they made their way through the crowd, Axel was stopped by people left and right, all of whom seemed to want to shake his hand or exchange a few words.
Standing beside her boss, Alethea watched as he effortlessly charmed his way through the crowd, his smile and laughter putting everyone at ease.
But she, on the other hand, felt like a fish out of water, her nervousness growing with every step.
As they continued walking, Axel noticed how nervous she was with her sweaty palm, and he squeezed it slightly. "You're doing great," he whispered into her ear.
Alethea smiled weakly, feeling a sense of gratitude towards him for the first time in weeks.
Just then, a woman in her early 50s suddenly approached them with a warm smile on her face. "It's been a while, Mr. Jones Junior," the woman muttered in a sweet, luxurious old voice.
"It's my pleasure having you here, Mrs. James," Axel replied to her calmly with a warm and genuine smile as he stood before her.
"Your wife is a rare one. She's smart and at the same time beautiful," the woman complimented, as her eyes narrowed at Alethea beside him.
Alethea couldn't help but smile at her sincere words, even though she was only a fake wife.
"You flatter us, Mrs. James," Axel muttered, forcing a short smile, and his eyes locked onto Alethea's for a brief moment before focusing back on the old lady.
"Well, I'm only here for your speech, son. Carry on, and hurry up with that," Mrs. James added, and with this, she gently walked away.
~
A few minutes later, Axel left Alethea sitting in one of the front seats and headed to the stage for his speech.
"Good evening, everyone," he began, his voice echoing across the room.
Almost immediately, the hall fell silent, as everyone became eager to listen.
"I want to start by saying a big thank you to my wonderful wife-Alethea Jones. Thank you for standing by me and helping me fix my reputation. Without you in the picture, this event wouldn't have taken place tonight," he announced.
From where she was seated, Alethea felt a surge of surprise at being mentioned first in his speech. She couldn't help but wonder what tactics he had with him this time around.
"Also, to my business partners who have come back to support me, I'm really grateful for your trust and loyalty," he continued, his tone and expression turning serious.
"Thank you all for being here today. This event would have also been meaningless without any of you being present. I promise to work harder than ever to ensure our partnership is a successful one while also achieving something greater in the future." He articulated, closing his short speech, and the whole crowd applauded his words.
As he departed from the stage, he put a smile on his face and made his way back to Alethea.
"That was a nice, reassuring, motivational speech, Mr. Jones," a woman sitting right beside Alethea said the moment she sighted him near.
"Thank you, Miss Lee," Axel replied with a short smile. Then, he stretched his hand out for Alethea to grab onto.
Alethea solely placed her palm on his, but not without a questioning gaze.
"I need to pay my greetings to some important business partners before we take our leave," he muttered as she stood.
"Okay," Alethea simply replied, before walking off with him.
"Hey, Axel! Long time, no see. I hope you haven't missed me much?" a feminine voice suddenly boomed behind them as they walked.
They both stopped in their tracks and then turned to look at her. Axel's expression instantly changed from calm to cautious, and Alethea couldn't help but wonder who the woman was.
She was dressed in a red gown, and she didn't cease to also look like a million bucks, just like her.
"What are you doing here, Maxi?" Axel eventually spoke, his tone coming out harsh.
Alethea noticed how his grip on her hand had tightened, and she couldn't help but wonder why the strange woman had such an effect on him.
