Alexondra loved teasing her youthful-faced friend. She herself was Estonian, while Nasstya hailed from Russia. Both models, having crossed the seas to chase their dreams, found themselves friendless and alone in a foreign land. Naturally, their bond was incredibly tight.
"What? My dear Nassy, lacking confidence? Look at that charming face and those big eyes. If I were a man, I'd definitely fall for you," said an excited Alexondra, refusing to let go of the topic.
"Stop it, Alex. We're almost at the top," Nasstya, naturally shy and often unable to change that trait, diverted the topic, pointing to the elevator's number panel to remind her friend.
"Oh, right. Let's quickly touch up our makeup," realizing their ascent, Alexondra grabbed her purse and retrieved her mirror, ensuring she'd appear her best in front of the crowd.
In the brief moment before the elevator doors opened, both had managed to refresh their looks. The entire top floor was dedicated to "The Top of the Sun Shine" mansion. Stepping out, they could see the lively party just a short distance away. Its entrance was wide open, guarded by four tall, stern-faced security personnel. Alexondra, confidently and nonchalantly, presented the invitation.
"Good afternoon, Miss Catherine Kate Upton?" The lead security, Gus, took the invitation, glanced at it, and then motioned to another guard with a tablet for verification.
"Yes, and this is my friend."
Damn, they're checking pictures! Alexondra, who had been quite confident, started to feel anxious, hoping Catherine hadn't provided a photo or that any existing photo would resemble her, especially since models' public photos were usually heavily made up.
Nasstya, even more nervous, had turned white-knuckled, just staring at the floor, wishing for a hole to hide in.
Unfortunately for Alexondra, her wish didn't come true. The security quickly found Catherine's picture and whispered to Gus, showing him the image. Gus looked them up and down, then shook his head, "I'm sorry, ma'am, this gathering is strictly for the invited guests themselves. You cannot enter."
So embarrassing! Alexondra stamped her foot in frustration. As she was about to turn and leave, she caught sight of a familiar figure passing by the entrance. On impulse, she lunged forward, shouting, "Bruce! It's me, over here!"
"Please, don't cause a scene, ma'am!" Gus wasn't about to let her pass and immediately gripped her slender arm. Despite having undergone professional bodyguard training, which taught restraint, his terrifying strength made Alexondra cry out in pain even without much force.
"It hurts! Let go! Mr. Lee, Bruce Lee, it's me!"
"Please release my friend; we'll leave immediately," pleaded Nasstya, setting aside her fear of Gus and his intimidating colleagues. She tried to pry his vice-like grip off Alexondra but realized the attempt was in vain.
Engaged in conversation, Bruce was now alerted to the commotion behind him and turned around.
"What's going on, Gus?"
"Boss, this lady isn't the actual recipient of the invitation," Gus replied gruffly.
"Mr. Lee, don't you remember me? I'm Catherine's friend; we've met!" Alexondra, seeing no way out of her predicament, doubled down on her story. She gambled on the idea that these wealthy folks met too many people to remember them all, or perhaps they'd just politely overlook the oversight.
Slyly, she mentioned a common name, Catherine, and avoided mentioning her own.
Hearing the young woman's faintly Nordic-accented voice, Bruce almost laughed. He quickly understood her ploy. Most of today's guest list was organized by Citibank, and most were new acquaintances. He certainly hadn't met any Catherine. Still, this bold beauty trying to deceive him intrigued him.
He examined both Alexondra and the girl behind her. Bruce's gaze lit up; since his host-parasite incident, he had grown taller, nearly reaching 185 centimeters. Yet these women, with their heels, still stood taller, indicating they were close to 180 centimeters. They were both stunningly beautiful.
Today, Lisa should've been at the party, but her aunt fell ill in Michigan, so she traveled there. Bruce realized he was without a female companion. Motioning to Gus, he said, "It's alright, Gus. Let these lovely ladies in."
Finally released, Alexondra rubbed her sore arm, glaring at Gus. The hulking man, unfazed, returned to his post, causing her to stamp her foot in frustration.
"Please, ladies, come in. And I hope you won't blame Gus. He was just doing his job, right?" Bruce gracefully gestured them in, smiling wryly.
"Sorry, Mr. Lee. We were a bit impulsive," Nasstya, still recovering from the shock, said timidly, "That's just how Alex is. I hope you won't mind."
"No worries. I understand. After all, beauty often comes with a touch of pride," Bruce replied dismissively.
Alexondra chuckled, "I'll take that as a compliment, Mr. Lee."
"Alex, is it? Just as lovely a name as its owner. And what might this beauty's name be?" Bruce turned to the somewhat shy beauty behind Alexondra.
"Hello, Mr. Lee. I'm Nasstya Kusakina, and this is my dear friend, Alexondra Tikerpuu," she replied. She was a tall beauty with mesmerizing eyes.
Alexondra, though outgoing and fiery, possessed a delicate beauty. Her light gray eyes sparkled, and her golden locks cascaded freely, giving her a classic, stunning appearance.
Taking a closer look at the two nearly 180-centimeter tall beauties before him, Bruce was captivated. Just then, Archibald approached, reminding him of an upcoming speech.
"It's been a pleasure meeting you both. Enjoy your evening," Bruce nodded politely, signaling a server, "Please attend to whatever these ladies need."
"Thank you, Mr. Lee. You're truly a gentleman," Nasstya and Alexondra said with a smile.
"Thank you! Now, dear Alex, if you ever meet your dear friend Catherine, do pass on a gentleman's regards. I'd love to meet this friend of yours," Bruce said, feigning seriousness as he headed towards the staircase.
"A true gentleman wouldn't expose a lady's white lie," Alexondra whispered, exchanging glances with Nasstya, a mischievous grin on her face.
"Come on, Alex, Mr. Lee was gracious enough. Thankfully, no major issues arose. How's your arm?" Nasstya, flushed with a mix of relief and embarrassment, pulled at Alexondra's sleeve. If only her friend were a bit more tactful!
"It's fine, or else he'd have to pay. What's with you? Taking his side now? Looks like our little princess is smitten," Alexondra teased.
"I am not! This place is so vast; I never expected such a huge mansion on Park Avenue!" Nasstya, looking for a way out of the banter, quickly changed the topic.