Kylee paused, a hint of confusion crossing her face. "Have we met before?"
Elijah watched her quietly for a moment, then let out a faint smile.
"That's not important. What matters is that we've met now. In that case, would you allow me to accompany you to the auction?"
This time, Kylee didn't turn him down. She gave a small nod.
With a composed gesture, Elijah extended his hand toward her.
Kylee hesitated briefly before placing her hand in his.
The warmth from his palm lingered, sending a slight tremor through her chest.
Side by side, they walked into the auction hall, drawing attention from all directions.
The event featured many valuable items. Kylee picked out a few, but when she went to settle the payment, she was informed Elijah had already handled everything.
Even by the time it ended, she still couldn't recall ever meeting him before.
Later that night, Elijah personally drove her home.
When they reached the Campbell estate, she thanked him and watched as his black Bentley disappeared down the road. Just as she turned to head inside, her phone rang.
The call came from the designer she had hired for her wedding gown.
"Miss Gordon, your fiancé just arrived with another woman. They're trying on the gown you ordered... We tried to stop them, but we couldn't. If you're free, could you come over?"
Kylee's hands tightened.
In her past life, she had poured all her attention into that gown, perfecting every detail as she looked forward to marrying Alexander.
She had once counted down the days just to wear it.
Even if she no longer cared about him, it didn't give him the right to treat her like this.
After ending the call, she told her driver to take her to the boutique.
When she stepped inside, Alexander stood there in a white suit, while Cathy wore the wedding gown.
She tugged lightly at his sleeve. "Alexander, your taste is amazing. I love this dress."
"If you like it, then it's yours," Alexander replied in a gentle tone.
He turned his head, his eyes landing on Kylee with a trace of mockery.
"What brings you here? I thought you'd be busy with Elijah."
Cathy added with a soft smile that carried an edge, "Kylee, Alexander says this looks better on me than it does on you. Maybe the fit isn't right? Do you want the designer to adjust it for you?"
Kylee glanced at Alexander, and a trace of disdain surfaced in her eyes.
He probably thought she came running over just because he handed the gown to Cathy.
"I'm here to take care of something."
With that, Kylee stepped closer to Cathy and picked up a pair of scissors from the counter.
Without hesitation, she grabbed the gown Cathy was wearing and sliced through the skirt, tearing it apart piece by piece.
Alexander's expression changed instantly. "Kylee!"
Cathy lost her balance and fell back, her voice rising in panic. "What are you doing?! I know you don't like me, but how could you destroy my dress like this?"
"Your dress?" Kylee's tone turned cold. "Do you want me to have the receipt brought out so we can see who actually paid for it?"
She let go of the torn fabric and turned her gaze toward Alexander. "I don't want this gown anymore. Anything connected to you makes me sick. But I paid for it, so you had no right to touch it. If you want to please your lover, spend your own money. What, the Wallace family can't even afford a dress now?"
The mood inside the bridal boutique grew cold in an instant.
Alexander's hands clenched, veins showing clearly. "Kylee, do you really have to go this far? I already gave you a way out. Apologize, and I'll let it go. Do you really want me to hate you?"
Kylee's lips curved with cold amusement. "What makes you think you can demand anything from me?"
Alexander looked at her, unsettled by how different she seemed. "Aren't you worried I won't marry you?"
A quiet laugh escaped Kylee, and she was about to answer when a voice drifted down from above.
"Why would she marry you? Do you even qualify?"
A figure stood on the second floor, leaning casually against the railing.
He wore a black leather jacket and loose pants, his hands tucked into his pockets. A black stud rested on his left ear, and his blue hair framed sharp features.
He made his way down the stairs, his gaze sweeping over the scene with interest.
His presence drew attention immediately.
Alexander's expression stiffened. "Ryland Thomas?!"
