The individual in question was none other than Shen Zhen, the president of Star Ocean Global Media, who, at the youthful age of twenty-one, had taken the helm of the company from his father. Renowned for his handsome appearance and his status as a sought-after bachelor within the upper echelons of society, Shen's life was a constant source of gossip and media scrutiny.
Standing by his side, resplendent in her beauty, was his newest romantic interest, Yao Mi, a rising starlet under the wings of Star Ocean Global Media.
"Mr. Shen, your praise is too kind. I've heard much about your accomplishments, and it's a pleasure to finally meet you," Alex said, extending her hand for a cordial handshake before segueing into the purpose of their encounter.
"Mr. Shen, I've heard that your company is planning to produce an international film and is currently seeking funding. Our company holds a keen interest in this project and would be honored to collaborate with Star Ocean Global Media."
"Indeed, we've been keen on expanding into the film industry, and your proposal aligns perfectly with our aspirations. However, this isn't the most opportune time to discuss business. Let's save that for a more suitable occasion," Shen replied diplomatically.
Alex smiled, acknowledging the sentiment. "You're absolutely right, this isn't the most appropriate setting. My apologies for the intrusion."
"Alex, you're too polite," Shen said, before being drawn into a conversation with another guest, allowing Alex to discreetly excuse herself.
"Truly, Mr. Shen is a cunning businessman," Alex murmured, eyeing Shen as he engaged in conversation with a prominent industrialist. Despite his apparent disinterest in collaborating, he kept them dangling, hedging his bets.
"All's fair in love and war, and Shen wouldn't be where he is today without his shrewdness," Sheng Xiangdong interjected, offering her a glass of wine.
Alex accepted the glass, clinking it against Sheng's in a gesture of camaraderie before taking a sip of the rich, alluring liquid. "What are your chances of securing this deal?" Sheng couldn't help but inquire, intrigued by Alex's calm demeanor.
"Not a clue," Alex replied, her tone unruffled.
"And what's your plan, then?" Sheng asked, surprised by her response.
"When the time comes, the way will be clear," Alex said, her seriousness causing Sheng's lips to twitch in amusement.
Noticing a smudge on her bag, Alex retreated to the washroom to clean it with a damp tissue. As she looked up from her task, she caught a reflection of Ethan standing behind her in the mirror, dressed as a waiter, a thin veil of anger cloaking his features.
Their paths crossing here was an unwelcome coincidence. Alex turned slowly, her expression neutral. "Mr. Keller, quite a surprise to see you working here."
"Who is that man?" Ethan demanded, his gaze fixed on her, his voice taut with barely restrained emotion.
"Which one?" Alex asked, genuinely confused.
"The man you came here with!" Ethan gritted out, the sight of the man's gaze on her unsettling him deeply.
"Oh, you mean Mr. Sheng. Is there a problem with that?" Alex asked, genuinely puzzled.
Expecting an explanation, Ethan was taken aback by her candid admission. "Alex, you're amazing. So quick to move on," he said, his tone laced with bitterness.
Alex found his accusation absurd. "Mr. Keller, our engagement is over. My personal life is none of your concern."
"How can it not be my concern? I suspect you might have been involved with him even before we ended things!" Ethan's anger boiled over.
"So what if I was? Does it matter?" Alex replied, her voice devoid of emotion.
"How can you be so indifferent?" Ethan choked out, his chest tightening with pain.
"Indifferent? Mr. Keller, you were the one who ended our engagement. What right do you have to judge me? And now that we're no longer involved, what purpose does this serve?" Alex said, her words cutting deep.
Ethan tried to argue, but Alex's logic left him speechless.
"Are you regretting breaking off our engagement and wanting to reconcile?" Alex asked, a fleeting thought crossing her mind before dismissing it with a shake of her head. "But even if you did, I have no feelings for you anymore."
Ethan's face contorted with humiliation and anger. "Don't be ridiculous!" he snarled.
"Am I?" Alex raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. "Anyone looking at you would think you're the one pining for a reunion."
Ethan's denial was automatic and fervent. "Don't flatter yourself. Even if you begged me, I wouldn't take you back!"
"I see. My mistake," Alex said sincerely.
Ethan clamped his lips shut, unable to find words.
"If there's nothing else, I'll be taking my leave," Alex said, turning to go.
Ethan didn't respond, watching her depart with a clenched fist.
Why was she so eager to return to that man's side?
His heart ached, and he couldn't fathom how things had spiraled so out of control.
He had been the one to end their engagement, yet he was the one suffering now. Seeing her with another man filled him with a rage he couldn't contain.
He stumbled out, oblivious to Tian Tian, who had been偷偷 observing him from afar.
Watching him leave, Tian Tian struggled to catch her breath.
Since their last encounter with Alex, Ethan had been distant, even indifferent to her deliberate proximity with other men.
Her intuition told her he still had feelings for Alex.
Tonight, Alex looked regal, her beauty and poise making her seem like a princess above it all. In contrast, she was merely a waitress in a uniform. Why did Alex, with her talent and pedigree, have to steal her man?
She refused to accept it, refused to be defeated.
She wouldn't let Alex take Ethan from her.
As Alex engaged in conversation with various figures in the film industry, she finally found a moment to rest. Her stomach grumbling, she helped herself to some desserts and sat in a corner to savor them. Just then, someone approached with a glass of orange juice.
Alex looked up to find Tian Tian standing before her.