"Alexei, what a pleasant surprise," Alicia greeted, her voice smooth as silk.
Alexei forced a tight smile. "Alicia, always a pleasure."
Vaughn stood by, watching them with keen interest. "And you must be Vaughn," Alicia continued, her gaze shifting to Vaughn. "I've heard so much about you."
"Nothing good, I hope," Vaughn replied, his tone laced with hidden amusement.
Alicia laughed softly, a sound that seemed to resonate with both allure and menace. "Oh, quite the contrary. It's always interesting to meet the people Alexei surrounds himself with."
Alexei took a step forward, trying to create a physical barrier between Alicia and Vaughn. "What brings you here, Alicia?"
"Is it so surprising that I would attend such a grand event?" she asked, taking a sip from her glass. "Or perhaps you think I have ulterior motives?"
"Don't you always?" Alexei shot back, unable to mask his irritation.
