Chapter 7 Jealousy Unveiled
Alexander glanced at the message on his phone and set it aside without replying.
A few minutes later, another notification appeared—again from Lily: [I've called you several times with no answer. Are you still busy? Did I do something wrong to upset you?]
Alexander continued to ignore it.
Jack, who had been watching over his shoulder, grinned with growing amusement. "What's going on with you lately? You're even ignoring your precious Lily. Look how anxious she is—aren't you worried she might show up at the office? Mr. Osborne will have another reason to lecture you."
"Shut up," Alexander growled. "Go get the car ready. I'm going out."
"Yes, sir," Jack rolled his eyes. "You're really treating me like your personal chauffeur now, aren't you?"
As he headed for the door, a mischievous idea struck him. Jack quickly pulled out his phone and messaged Lily.
[Lily, Alexander just got back. We're heading to the city art gallery for an exhibition. Want to join?]
[Oh, and don't mention I told you.] He quickly added.
Lily': [Really? That's wonderful! I'll be right there! Don't worry, I won't say a word!]
Jack flashed a satisfied smirk. This was going to be entertaining.
Ten minutes later, Jack parked near the art gallery exhibition hall.
As they exited the car, they spotted Lily walking briskly toward them.
"Alexander! It's been so long since I've seen you," she said, wearing a flowing white chiffon dress that complemented her delicate features. Her face lit up with a sweet smile. "Are you here for the exhibition too? What a coincidence!"
Alexander shot Jack a cold glance, then replied flatly, "Yes."
Jack cleared his throat nervously. "Well, shall we go in?"
Lily studied Alexander's expression before carefully slipping her arm through his.
Alexander hesitated momentarily but didn't pull away.
Seeing this, Lily relaxed visibly, her anxiety melting away. As long as Alexander didn't reject her touch, things couldn't be too serious between them.
The exhibition hall was crowded, but Alexander immediately spotted Sophia standing beside Noah among the gathered art enthusiasts.
Perhaps due to some inexplicable connection, Sophia suddenly turned her head slightly. Across the shifting crowd, her eyes met Alexander's intense blue gaze.
In that moment of eye contact, time seemed to stand still.
Surprise flickered briefly in Sophia's eyes before she composed herself and looked away.
Alexander's reputation in the business world was substantial—nearly everyone in Emerald Harbor recognized the young Kensington Group CEO.
With Jack and Lily by his side—both prominent figures in their own right—the trio quickly drew attention. Many attendees sensed gossip-worthy drama unfolding.
"Isn't that Alexander? What's he doing here? And looking so cozy with Ms. Osborne."
"His wife seems pretty close with Noah too. Maybe he's here to cause trouble."
"That's hardly necessary. In those elite circles, everyone plays their own game, marriage certificate or not."
The whispers spread through the gallery, and Alexander's expression darkened with each passing moment. Even Lily looked uncomfortable, while Jack was thoroughly enjoying both the art and the unfolding drama.
Just then, Alexander caught sight of Noah gently brushing a strand of hair from Sophia's forehead, his expression tender.
Sophia didn't seem to mind his touch at all.
Already irritated, Alexander couldn't bear to watch their intimacy. That simple gesture ignited the fury simmering within him.
He released Lily's arm and strode purposefully through the crowd, stopping directly in front of Noah.
"Mr. Light, quite an impressive exhibition," Alexander said, his voice carrying a distinct chill despite the complimentary words. "I had no idea your talents extended beyond medicine to art, and apparently to such attentive personal care as well."
Noah immediately caught the barb in his words but maintained his gentlemanly demeanor. "You're too kind, Mr. Kensington. It's merely a hobby."
"A hobby?" Alexander's cold smile was razor-sharp as he glanced at Sophia. "It seems quite professional to me, right down to the publicity. However, Mr. Light, there's something I feel I should mention—"
He paused, a warning glint in his eyes. "Some people are off-limits to you. Some boundaries are better left uncrossed."
The gallery guests sensed the tension crackling between the two men and fell silent, turning their attention to the confrontation.
Sophia frowned, about to speak, when Alexander cut her off.
He turned to her, his tone cold and brooking no refusal. "Come with me. We need to talk."
Sophia narrowed her eyes, hesitating. She looked at Noah, not wanting him to be embarrassed at his own exhibition.
With so many people watching, refusing Alexander would only make the situation more awkward for Noah.
"Fine," Sophia nodded, meeting Alexander's gaze. "But let me be clear—Noah and I have been friends since childhood. We understand boundaries perfectly well. Unlike some people who seem to want everything."
At this, Jack couldn't contain his laughter.
Alexander glared at him, a vein visibly throbbing at his temple.
Just then, Lily let out a sharp cry of pain.
All eyes immediately turned to her. She was half-crouched on the floor, clutching her ankle, her face pale.
"Lily, what happened?" Alexander rushed to her side without thinking.
"My ankle... I think I twisted it. You walked away so quickly, I—I couldn't keep up," Lily bit her lip, tears welling in her eyes as she looked up at Alexander with a helpless expression. "Alexander, I don't think I can walk."
Alexander's brow furrowed with concern. He couldn't bear to see Lily looking so vulnerable. Without hesitation, he swept her into his arms and said in a gentler tone, "Don't worry. I'll take you to a doctor."
"No, no. I'll be fine. You should go talk with Sophia first. Jack can take me home," Lily protested weakly.
While her words suggested sacrifice, Lily was secretly triumphant. Alexander still cared for her most. She had deliberately twisted her ankle by misstepping in her high heels.
She absolutely couldn't let Alexander and Sophia leave alone together—who knew what might happen between them?
"Your ankle needs immediate attention. As for her, Jack will see her home," Alexander said coldly.
With that, he carried Lily out of the gallery, leaving behind a wave of whispers and speculation.
It was clear to everyone who Alexander truly cared for.
One art exhibition had just provided enough material to keep the gossip columns busy for days.
Jack was already looking forward to tomorrow's entertainment news headlines.
He glanced at Sophia, who appeared remarkably unfazed by the entire spectacle.