Chapter 26 Twenty six
"Do your know him?" Ryder noticed her lingering look and Alexa sighed turning back to him,
"He's the CEO of Glamour Holdings, just wondering if that was his wife." She said instead and Ryder laughed.
"Everyone knows them as the lovebirds, they are all over the news. A large collaboration between Glamour Holdings and SH Apparels." Ryder said and she nodded uninterestingly. Their food arrived and the waiter placed hers in her front.
"Enjoy, miss." He said and she gave him a small smile.
"I actually want to know you, Alexa." Ryder said and she stared up at him.
"There's not much about me." She said.
"Then tell me the little," he insisted.
"If you stick close enough, you'll fine out yourself."
"I feel like you are a woman with a lot of unsolved mysteries surrounding her. Why didn't you show your face at the gala?"
"You attended my gala?" She asked wide eyed and he nodded.
"I was planning to discuss some business opportunities with you, only if I knew that you were so captivating. You don't deserve to be hidden, Alexa, let your light shine." He said and she stared at him in shock. That must have been the most beautiful line anyone had ever told her in her life.
You don't deserve to be hidden.
A small appreciative smile left her lips as red crept up to her cheeks and Ryder smiled.
"Why'd you bring me here?" Liam asked as he took his seat, without bothering to move one for Stella. Stella sighed as she sat down herself and stared at him.
"What's wrong if couples eat together?" She raised her brows as she picked the menu and chose something she liked.
"Look, I have somewhere to be right now, so i don't have much time to be here with you, okay." He said uninterestingly and Stella sighed, dropping the menu in annoyance.
"Ever since Alexa came back, your attitude towards me has changed. What is wrong with you? Do you think if you act like this, Alexa would accept you back? I hope you didn't forget that you left her for me?"
"I'm going to try my best." Liam didn't deny it.
"Is it because of her kids? They are yours, right?" She asked and he blinked.
"How did you find that-" He sighed, sitting straight.
"I'm sorry about this, Stella. But I actually came because I wanted to tell you something." He started but she raised her hand up.
"Don't say anything." She hissed but he shook his head.
"I have to, I don't want you to misunderstand things, okay? Alexa is back with two beautiful children who are mine. I want to play my role as their father unhindered and that's means I have to break up with you. I'm sorry." He said calmly and she shook her head, her eyes glistening as she held his hands.
"Liam, you can't do this. I'm not going to hinder you. You can take care of your kids. I'll help you. I'll be right there -"
"You won't." Liam squeezed his hands out of hers.
"I know you, Stella and you aren't that kind of person." He said and she scoffed lightly, fisting her hands as she dropped them beside her.
"You'll regret this, Liam. And if you think I'm going to back off like this, then you got something coming after you. Do you think my father would leave you be? He is the CEO of SH Apparels and he will do everything to make your company run down. There are not many top clothing industries in the country except for ours and Velvet Vixen and it's obvious she doesn't want to work with you. You have some partnerships with us, how would you like that to be ruined?" She threatened and Liam sighed.
"I knew you would do this. Do whatever you like, Stella. I won't change my decision about trying to get back with my family." He said and stood up, when he saw Alexa. Opposite her was sitting Ryder Welland and they seemed engrossed in a loving conversation.
He scoffed lightly as Stella laughed beside him.
"That's your family member who you want to reunite with. I think she's found a lover of her own." She smirked and stood up, walking towards Alexa.
"Hey, Alexa." She called and Alexa looked up at her, a frown creeping up on her face.
"What are you doing here, Miss Hills?" She asked irritatedly and her eyes caught Liam standing behind her.
"This was your busy place? Really nice." She said sarcastically.
"Who is she?" Ryder asked slowly and Alexa chuckled.
"I guess he doesn't know you afterall. Ryder, meet Miss Hills of SH Apparels." She introduced and Ryder's mouth fell open.
"Miss Hills." He repeated, "I'm sorry I didn't recognize you, I don't think I've ever seen you in the company before." He said and Stella scoffed.
"Well, my father is still agile and can still work. Besides, I'm only called to meet really important people." She said proudly and Ryder smiled, nodding his head.
"I guess those you count as important are not that important then." He said and turned to Liam.
"I've always wanted to meet you, can't believe we are in the same restaurant on a date." Ryder chuckled and Liam turned his gaze to Alexa.
"You were coming for a date?" He asked.
"You also told me you were busy." She replied indifferently and Liam sighed deeply, turning away.
"Mr Jordans, are you also partaking in the fashion show?" Ryder asked, stopping him in his tracks and Liam turned back, a light frown on his face.
"Of course, I am."
"What company are you working with?" Ryder asked inquisitively and Liam raised his brows.
"Why do you want to know?" He asked and Ryder chuckled.
"I just want to know my competitors. It seems like you'll be partnering up with SH Apparels, thank goodness I have the best designer on my side, Velvet Vixen." Ryder touched Alexa's shoulder and Liam scoffed lightly. She had accepted Helix and Co. without even giving his company a glance. Nice and really fair.
"We'll win you, just you wait and see." Stella shot.
"I won't be partnering with SH Apparels. We just broke up, I doubt if she'll want to work with me." Liam said as he maintained eye contact with Alexa and she scoffed lightly.
"What could make lovers like you break up?"