Rebirth Of The Heiress And The Tycoon's Lover (Alina) novel Chapter 197

Chapter 197

AUTHOR’S POV.

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Alina walked down the grand staircase in excitement, the silk hem of her dress brushing softly against the polished floor. As she stepped into the foyer, she spotted Maya, arranging fresh flowers in a tall crystal vase.

“Maya,” Alina called with a warm smile as she approached, her tone carrying a mix of excitement and quiet determination. “I need your help with something important.”

Maya straightened, wiping her hands on her apron before turning to face her. “Of course, Miss Alina. What is it you need?”

“I want to throw Lucian a birthday party,” Alina said, her eyes brightening with the idea. “I hear there’s a ballroom here in the mansion and it’s been locked away for who knows how long. I’ll need the key. I want to see the place, have it cleaned, and then bring in the event planner. They’ll need to know what they’re working with so the décor can start taking shape.”

Maya froze, the color draining slightly from her face. Her hands twisted nervously around the cloth she held. “Miss Alina… Mr. Blackwood has never celebrated his birthday. Not once, not in all the years I’ve been here.” Her voice dropped, almost cautious. “He doesn’t talk about it. Not with anyone.”

Alina’s expression softened, though the spark in her eyes didn’t dim. “I know, Maya. But don’t worry,” she said gently, her voice firm with quiet confidence. “I have the handle on this. All I need is for the ballroom to be opened and cleaned. Leave the rest to me.”

Maya hesitated, her brows furrowing, as though torn between loyalty to her employer’s unspoken wishes and the hopeful determination in Alina’s voice. “Are you certain, Miss? He may not take kindly to it…”

Alina reached for her hand, her smile reassuring. “It’ll be a small gathering. Just a few family friends, some of his business partners. Nothing overwhelming, nothing that will make him uncomfortable. Trust me on this, Maya. It’s going to be special, and I want him to have that.”

Slowly, Maya nodded, though her eyes still held uncertainty. “Very well. I’ll fetch the key. And I’ll see to it that the ballroom is cleaned.”

“Perfect,” Alina said softly, her excitement tempered by determination. “That’s all I need to get started. Thank you, Maya.”

Maya returned with the heavy ring of keys, her steps measured as she led Alina toward the west wing. The air grew cooler the deeper they went, their footsteps echoing faintly down the long corridor.

Stopping before a set of tall double doors, Maya slid a key into the lock. The metal groaned as the doors opened, revealing the forgotten ballroom.

Dust hung thick in the air, cobwebs draped the chandeliers, and the once–polished marble floor was dulled by time. Yet even beneath the neglect, the grandeur of the room was undeniable.

Alina’s eyes lit up, her lips parting in awe. “It’s perfect,” she breathed, stepping forward with a slow smile as her shoes clicked against the floor. She could already imagine the glow of lights, the soft hum of music,

Lucian’s face when he walked in.

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Chapter 197

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As she wandered further inside, her gaze fell on another set of double doors tucked along the far wall. “Where do those lead?”

“To the outside,” Maya replied, brushing a layer of dust off her apron as she followed. “Direct access from the gardens.”

Alina’s smile widened, her tone brightening with excitement. “Even better. The guests can come in through there, and not through the main entrance. That way Lucian won’t suspect a thing.”

Maya gave her a thoughtful look. “Will you want the home chef to handle the catering, or would you prefer to bring in someone from outside?”

“If it’s not too much to ask…” Alina turned back to her, her expression hopeful. “I’d very much like for them to handle it. It’ll limit the number of outsiders in the mansion that day.”

Maya shook her head, a small smile softening her usual composure. “It’s no bother, Miss. This is their job. And truthfully, they don’t get to cook like that all the time. They’ll be glad to do it.”

“That makes me feel so much better.” Relief flickered across Alina’s face. “One less thing to worry about.”

Maya hesitated, then asked carefully, “But how will we keep all this preparation in the kitchen quiet? You know Mr. Blackwood notices everything.”

Alina tilted her head, a faint smirk playing at her lips. “Leave that to me. If he asks, just tell him I’ve been visiting an orphanage and the food is for them. He’ll believe it.”

Maya blinked, then chuckled softly under her breath, nodding in approval. “That’s a clever excuse.”

“Good,” Alina said firmly, her excitement bubbling just beneath her calm tone. “As soon as the ballroom is clean, tell me immediately so I can bring the decorators. And make sure they’re let in through those outside doors, we can’t risk any run–in with Lucian.”

“Yes, Miss.” Maya clasped her hands in front of her, already running through mental lists.

“The birthday’s less than ten days away, Maya.” Alina’s tone grew urgent now, though her eyes still danced with anticipation. “Please, make the cleaning quick. Every day counts.”

“We’ll start at once.” Maya promised.

The two women spent a few more minutes walking the length of the ballroom, exchanging thoughts on the planning. Alina’s hands traced along the dust–coated banister of the balcony, her mind already painting images of flowers, crystal, and candlelight.

Finally, she turned back to Maya with a grateful smile. “Thank you. Truly. This means a lot.”

Maya dipped her head. “Anything for you, Miss Alina.”

With that, Alina left the west wing, her steps lighter, determination burning in her chest. The surprise was in

motion.

14:17 Thu, Sep 25

…

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Chapter 197

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Alina sat behind her desk, flipping through a few design sketches, though her focus was far away from the lines on the paper. Across from her, Talia lounged comfortably in the chair, legs crossed, her sharp gaze fixed on her best friend.

“It’s been forever since the launch,” Talia said lightly, though her smile carried a touch of reprimand. “I had to come see you. So, how’s the surprise party preparation going?”

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