Chapter 836

Isabella followed Donovan Pierce outside, but before the door could shut completely, he pulled her into an embrace. "Ms. Montgomery," he murmured, his breath warm against her ear, "since no one's watching now, why don't you take the lead?"

His cologne was unfamiliar—sharp, minty, with an underlying edge that made her pulse jump.

Not that she had any real interest in him. He wasn’t her type in any way. Still, up close, he wasn’t bad-looking. Better than some of the pretty-boy actors she’d seen around.

Fine. Eyes closed. Get it over with.

A slow, slightly tipsy smile curved her lips. "Mr. Pierce, don’t worry. Even if you’re terrible at this, I won’t laugh."

She had to salvage some dignity, even in defeat. If nothing else, she could annoy him.

His expression flickered.

Before she could overthink it, Isabella leaned in.

But Donovan didn’t give her time to hesitate.

His kiss was relentless—a storm of heat and demand that left her breathless. His tongue claimed her mouth with a skill that made her knees weak.

Damn. He’s good at this.

Inside the private room, Evelyn Sinclair couldn’t sit still. Worry gnawed at her. What if something happened to Isabella?

Ignoring the protests of the others, she pushed the door open and stepped out—

And froze.

Past the couple locked in their heated embrace, her gaze landed on the man standing just beyond them.

"Alexander?"

The name shattered the moment.

Isabella recoiled like she’d been burned. She shoved Donovan away, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand, her face draining of color.

Donovan’s eyes darkened, but he turned, his attention shifting to the newcomer.

Alexander Sterling stood there, an unshakable presence wrapped in quiet, icy elegance. The air around him was cool, detached—not hostile, but not welcoming either. It was just him, that natural, untouchable reserve that made people hesitate before approaching.

His gaze settled on Evelyn, and his voice softened. "Your leg just healed, and you’re already out drinking without telling me?"

Evelyn opened her mouth to explain, but Isabella cut in, stepping forward. "Alexander, I’m sorry. I was the one who invited Evelyn. I—"

He looked at her then, his expression polite but distant. "Evelyn needs to take her medication. You can reschedule another time."

The words held no anger, but Isabella felt the weight of his disapproval anyway.

Shame burned through her. She felt like a child caught sneaking out past curfew.

Evelyn quickly intervened. "I just came out to relax, and you still caught me. What are you doing here, Alexander?"

She didn’t remember him mentioning any plans tonight.

His answer was clipped. "I was looking for someone."

He wasn’t going to elaborate, not in front of outsiders. He checked his watch. "Ten minutes. I’ll wait for you outside."

With that, he turned and strode toward the private room he’d originally been heading to.

Evelyn exhaled in relief.

Then she glanced at Isabella. Her best friend looked like she’d seen a ghost—pale, shaken, her usual confidence shattered.

Of all people to run into tonight, it had to be him.

"Isabella, are you okay? Did you drink too much?"

Evelyn reached out, pressing a hand to Isabella’s forehead, but there was no fever.

Isabella forced a smile. "Just tired. I’ll wrap things up here. You should go with Alexander."

Evelyn sighed. Even if she wanted to stay, she couldn’t refuse now.

Her gaze flicked to Donovan, who was still staring in the direction Alexander had gone.

The hostility in his eyes was unmistakable.

Evelyn tensed. Without knowing who this man really was, she couldn’t risk provoking him.

She smiled at Isabella. "Come with me. Alexander can drop you off first."

Isabella never turned down a chance like this.

But Donovan spoke up. "Ms. Montgomery, I can give you a ride."