That night, Harlington radiated its two contrasting sides. In the city center, the dazzling party lights from the luxurious Silver Spire hotel caught the attention of guests in elegant attire. The dance floor was filled with women in silk gowns and men in expensive suits, toasting with champagne glasses.
On the other side of the city, Alicia waited at an old bus stop, wearing a thin coat that barely shielded her from the night's cold wind. Her hands trembled, not from the cold, but from the overwhelming nervousness. The simple black dress she wore—borrowed from her neighbor, Clara—made her feel out of place in such a lavish world.
She glanced at her cheap watch. "The bus should've been here by now," she murmured.
"Calm down, Alicia. It's just a job. Take the money, then forget everything," she reassured herself.
But deep down, she knew tonight was more than just a job. It was a small step to avoid Marco's threat, but also an entry into a world that was completely foreign to her.
When Alicia arrived at Silver Spire, the hotel loomed majestically with sparkling glass windows like diamonds. Two security guards stood at the entrance, checking the guest list and ensuring only the "worthy" could enter.
Alicia showed her ID, and the party manager—a tall, bespectacled man named Mr. Collins—looked her over from head to toe.
"So, you're an extra waitress? I hope you know how to behave in a place like this," he said condescendingly.
Alicia nodded without speaking, hiding her discomfort. She knew she didn't look like she belonged in this world, but that didn't mean she didn't deserve to be here.
Once inside the party hall, Alicia was taken aback by the opulence before her. The high ceiling was adorned with glittering crystal chandeliers, tables were filled with food that looked like works of art, and orchestra music softly played in the background.
The guests conversed in polite, formal language, their laughter controlled. Alicia felt small among it all, but she bit her lip and tried to focus on her task: serving drinks without drawing attention.
However, it was attention that she eventually got.
From the corner of the hall, Leon Greyson sat on a black leather sofa, surrounded by a few of his business associates. With a perfectly tailored black suit and silk tie, he exuded an aura of power. His dark hair was neatly styled, and his sharp ice-blue eyes observed every detail in the room.
As Alicia passed by their group with a tray of drinks in hand, Leon looked up.
There was something about this girl. Her beautiful face was captivating, but there was more—her walk, the look of determination in her eyes, and her effort to remain inconspicuous.
"Who is she?" Leon asked quietly to his assistant, Daniel, who was standing nearby.
"Extra waitress, Sir. Nothing important," Daniel replied without looking at Alicia.
Leon frowned slightly. "No one shows up in a place like this without a reason. Find out more about her."
Alicia was pouring wine for a group of guests when a wealthy woman with neatly styled blonde hair smirked at her.
"New here, huh?" the woman asked, her voice sweet yet cutting.
"Yes, Ma'am," Alicia replied politely.
"Don't mess this up, darling. Your cheap dress is already quite the sight," the woman said, laughing softly with her friends.
Alicia felt her face flush, but she held back. Tonight was not the time to fight. She just had to endure.
However, across the room, Leon saw everything. His jaw tightened as he overheard the taunt.
"There's something interesting about her," Leon muttered to himself before standing up and walking toward the crowd.
When Alicia turned to pick up an empty tray, she bumped into someone. She was startled to see who stood before her.
Leon Greyson.
He was so close that Alicia could smell the sandalwood of his cologne. His eyes met hers with a cold intensity that made her body tense.
"Sorry, Sir," Alicia said quickly, bowing slightly.
Leon said nothing for a few seconds, just staring at her with an intensity that made her uneasy. Then, he spoke in a low but authoritative tone.
"You shouldn't apologize for something that's not your fault."
Alicia lifted her head, confused by his response. But before she could answer, Leon walked away, leaving her with a racing heart.
Outside the party hall, Marco Viani stood in the shadows, watching through a large window. He saw the brief interaction between Alicia and Leon, and a sly smile appeared on his face.
"So, you want to play, Alicia? Fine. Let's see who wins this game," Marco muttered before disappearing into the darkness.