Rebirth Of The Heiress And The Tycoon's Lover (Alina) novel Chapter 201

Chapter 201

Chapter 201

AUTHOR’S POV.

She stepped forward, her own smile bright and trembling, and breathed, “Surprise.”

Lucian kept his gaze fixed on Alina, silent, unreadable. The weight of it made her pulse quicken, her breath catching in her throat. Her fingers twisted together nervously, and when he still didn’t speak, she rushed into words, her voice soft and almost trembling.

“I’m sorry,” she blurted. “I know you don’t like this…crowds, people, attention. But I just thought…” Her eyes darted around the glittering ballroom before settling back on him. “I just thought it would be nice for you to have people who care about you here. Your associates, your friends, even family. Just…just to wish you a happy birthday. But if you don’t like it, if this makes you uncomfortable, I can dismiss them all right now.”

The apology tumbled out in a rush, her chest rising and falling too quickly.

Lucian closed the distance in two strides and pulled her into a firm embrace. His hand pressed against her back, anchoring her.

He leaned down, his lips brushing the shell of her ear as he whispered, voice low and warm, “Yes, you’re right. I don’t like people. I don’t like crowds. But you planned this. You worked for it. And I love it.”

Her breath hitched, her eyes fluttering shut as he continued, “I love the noise, Alina. I love what you’ve done. But…” he paused, his tone turning softer, almost teasing, “…you still owe me that private dinner.”

Relief and laughter bubbled from her, light and breathless. “Of course. Of course, I owe you dinner. Just mingle for a bit, and then we can head out. I promise.”

He nodded, pulling back just enough to study her face. The corners of his mouth curved faintly as he said, “Thank you. For this.” His gaze sharpened slightly, curious now. “Is this what you’ve been sne

y about all

these weeks?”

Her lips curved into a guilty smile. “Yes. This is it. No double life. No secrets. None of that weird stuff you’ve been thinking.”

Lucian’s eyes narrowed playfully, giving her a mock glare, though the warmth in his expression betrayed him.

Alina’s smile brightened, and she turned toward the crowd, raising her voice. “Let the party begin!”

The room erupted in cheers once again, music swelling as the celebration officially took flight, but Lucian’s gaze lingered on Alina, his silent appreciation louder than the noise around them.

Soon, one of Lucian’s business associates approached with a polished smile, glass in hand. “Mr. Blackwood, a happy birthday to you. And I must say, the ballroom looks magnificent tonight. Miss Alina, you’ve done a. remarkable job.”

Alina’s lips curved warmly. “Thank you. I’m glad you think so, it means a lot.”

The man nodded before turning back to Lucian. “Now, about the logistics for the new shipping routes, I think there are a few points we should refine before moving forward…”

Lucian gave a curt nod, his tone steady. “Go ahead.”

Lucian listened with sharp attention, but his hand never left Alina’s waist, his grip steady, almost possessive, as if calming himself with her presence.

Alina bored already by the business talks tilted her head, smiling softly before leaning closer to whisper, her breath brushing his ear. “Go ahead… I’ll mingle and entertain the rest of the guests.”

Lucian’s jaw tightened, his eyes cutting to her with reluctance. His fingers lingered, holding her as though he didn’t want to let go.

She smiled again, reassuring, her voice light. “I’ll just be at the other end of the room.”

Only then did he release her, slow and unwilling, his gaze following as she walked away.

Before she could make it far, her parents appeared, Silas at the forefront, Elena at his side, Seraphina trailing with a gleam of envy in her eyes as she looked around the grand ballroom.

Silas wasted no time. “Have you spoken to Lucian about the project?” His tone was shameless, as if they weren’t standing in the middle of a party thrown in Lucian’s honor.

Alina forced a polite smile, her fingers tightening around her clutch. “Not yet father. I’ve been busy planning this for him, to put him in a good mood. That way, when I do ask, it’ll be easier for him to say yes.” The lie slid smoothly off her tongue, anything to shake them off her back for now.

“Well make sure you talk to him soon.” Sila’s tone was commanding. He had no idea that she had no intention to do so.

“Will do father.“Alina responded with a smile that screams dutiful daughter, one that was well rehearsed.

Seraphina shifted beside them, her eyes sweeping over the glittering chandeliers and elegantly dressed guests, envy practically dripping from her expression.

Elena gave a stiff smile, her voice carrying a forced compliment. “You did well with the party, Alina.” It sounded rehearsed, more like something Silas had put her up to than genuine praise.

“Thank you, mother.”

The air hung heavy, awkward and suffocating, and Alina found herself silently praying for an escape.

And then, thankfully, Talia appeared, her energy breaking through the tension. “Oh, Alina, we need you over there.” she said brightly, gesturing across the room.

Relief washed over Alina, and she shot her best friend a grateful look. Turning back to Silas, Elena, and Seraphina, she kept her smile carefully polite. “Enjoy the party. I need to attend to other guests.”

Without giving them another chance to corner her, she slipped away with Talia, her shoulders easing the moment she left them behind.

As they slipped away from her family, Alina exhaled a breath of relief and leaned toward Talia. “Thank you for that. Really, you saved me.”

Chapter 201

Talia’s lips curled into a knowing smirk. The momera I walked in and saw you trapped with them, I knew you’d be needing help. I wasn’t about to let you drown in that mess.”

Alina gave her a grateful look, her shoulders softening “Regardlen, thank you” She tilted her head, a teaving gimmer in her eyes. “What kept you so long anyway?

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