Seeing Alex's subtle discomfort, the corner of Saskia's lips turned upward in delight. The satisfaction she felt wasn't just about winning the award or basking in the limelight—it was about the future she was carefully orchestrating.
After all, the man she intended to target and attract was the very man Alexa was hopelessly in love with: Aziel Dante.
Aziel Dante was no ordinary man. His status was so elevated that even someone like Alexa, with her noble lineage and connections, struggled to get close to him.
Alexa could only manage to meet him during family gatherings or corporate events where her family's business intersected with Aziel's.
But even then, Alexa's access to Aziel was limited and dictated by circumstance rather than personal choice.
Saskia knew that approaching Aziel required a level of strategy and subtlety that went beyond mere social maneuvering.
She couldn't simply walk up to him and start a conversation; she needed a plan—a carefully crafted series of events that would draw Aziel's attention and make him see her as more than just another actress or socialite.
As she watched Alexa's strained attempts to maintain her composure, Saskia's mind buzzed with excitement. If she could make Aziel fall for her, it would drive Alexa to the brink of madness.
The thought of it filled Saskia with a thrill she hadn't felt in months. Her life in this world, despite the glamour and success, had grown tiresome.
The truth was, nothing in this world could compare to the adrenaline and purpose she had experienced in the other world—the world where she had faced an apocalypse and survived against all odds.
In comparison, her current existence felt almost mundane. The parties, the accolades, even the petty rivalries—it all paled in comparison to the life-and-death stakes she had known.
Saskia longed to return to that world, to settle the scores that still burned in her heart. But before she could do that, she had to complete her task in this world. And that meant securing Aziel's affections, no matter the cost.
Saskia's eyes glittered with a new determination as she considered her next moves. She would have to act swiftly and with precision. The sooner she succeeded, the sooner she could leave this world behind and return to the one where she truly belonged—a world where her enemies still awaited their reckoning.
Thinking of her plans, Saskia couldn't help but laugh inwardly. The thrill of the challenge, the prospect of driving Alexa to despair, and the promise of revenge in the other world all filled her with a sense of purpose she had been missing.
This world had grown dull, but Saskia was determined to bring a little chaos back into her life—and Alexa's, too, if she could manage it.
The night was far from over, but Saskia already knew where her path would lead. She was done playing by the rules of this world. It was time to take control, bend fate to her will, and make both this world and the next bow to her desires.
.
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*****
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The evening continued, with Saskia and Lina moving effortlessly through the crowd, their presence commanding attention wherever they went. Conversations flowed around them, filled with laughter, praise, and the occasional glance in Alexa's direction, where her discomfort was becoming increasingly apparent.
As the night wore on, the event reached its crescendo—a moment of collective celebration that drew everyone's focus to the center of the room.
A large screen lit up, showcasing highlights from the past year in television and film, with Saskia's name and face prominently featured.
The applause that followed was deafening, a resounding acknowledgment of her achievements and the impact she had made on the industry.
Saskia stood tall, her heart swelling with pride as she accepted the accolades, but her mind couldn't help but linger on Alexa's reaction.
The flicker of resentment in Alexa's eyes had deepened into something darker, something that Saskia knew could no longer be ignored.
While Saskia had always been content to let her work speak for itself, it was clear that Alexa's jealousy had reached a boiling point—one that could lead to more than just petty rivalries.
After the applause died down and the room returned to its usual hum of conversation, Saskia turned to Lina, her expression thoughtful. "Lina, keep an eye on Alexa for me, will you? I have a feeling she won't take this loss lying down."
Lina nodded, her demeanor serious for a moment before a playful smirk returned to her lips. "Consider it done. But remember, Saskia, no one can touch you unless you let them. Alexa's just digging her own grave by clinging to this grudge."
Saskia smiled, grateful for Lina's support. "I know, but I also know that desperation can make people do reckless things. I'd rather be prepared than caught off guard."
The two friends exchanged a look of mutual understanding, their bond strengthened by the challenges they had faced together and those that lay ahead.
The night continued, but for Saskia, the glow of victory was tinged with the cold realization that her rivalry with Alexa was far from over. It was a battle that would not be won with mere awards and accolades, but with a resilience that only the strongest could muster.
As the event drew to a close and the guests began to disperse, Saskia and Lina lingered a moment longer, taking in the scene one last time. The night had been a triumph, but it was also a reminder of the price of success—a price Saskia was more than willing to pay.
With a final glance at the venue, where the remnants of the evening's grandeur still clung to the air, Saskia and Lina made their way to the exit. The night was cool, the stars bright against the inky sky, and as they stepped into the awaiting limousine, Saskia felt a renewed sense of determination.
Alexa may have been a formidable opponent, but Saskia knew she had something Aelxa lacked—a quiet confidence, a strength born not from privilege or entitlement, but from the knowledge that she had earned every bit of her success.
As the limousine pulled away from the venue, Saskia looked out the window, the lights of the city reflecting in her eyes. The road ahead was uncertain, but one thing was clear—Saskia was not just a star; she was a force to be reckoned with, and no amount of jealousy or rivalry could dim her light.