Chapter 90

Eighteen?

The image of Nolan, also eighteen and buried in textbooks, flashed through Alexia's mind.

She turned to the boy beside her and asked,"Shouldn't you be in school? Is this some kind of after-school gig?"

He rubbed the back of his neck, a little sheepish. "I'm not in school anymore. And don't worry. Even if I'm young, I know what I'm doing. I'm just as good as the older ones, maybe better."

The other men froze for a moment, shooting him looks full of contempt.

Still shaken, Alexia glanced over at Sylvia and called her out. "You're a lawyer, Sylvia! Don't you feel the least bit ashamed hiring someone so young?"

Sylvia, who was casually leaning into the man next to her, responded with a grin, "He said he's a pro, didn't he? He's just earning his way. You need to stop that savior complex of yours. You spentyears cleaning up the Jenkins and Gibson families' mess like it was your job. It drained you. Now that you're finally free,why not startliving for yourself?"

Ada chimed in, "Right? Sylvia's got a point. Women who overthink everything just end up tired and heartbroken. Look around-these guys are eye candy! Let yourself breathe a little."

Alexia didn't bother protesting. She reminded herself that this night was about unwinding. So, she waved at a few of the guys, told them to bring her drinks and help her relax, but strictly no getting too close.

Sylvia sighed,catching on to Alexia's guarded vibe.After a few rounds of drinks, she suddenly clapped her hands. "Let's spice things up with a card game!"

The game was a bold one-the person who drew the King card could command anyone to do anything. It was flirty, wild, and perfect for this kind of party.

The game began, and Ada pulled the King card first.She dared Sylvia to give a cheek kiss to a guy present. But Sylvia, never one to hold back, grabbed the guy beside her and gave him a long,fiery kiss that lasted nearly a minute. Alexia stared, wide-eyed,nearly getting up to leave.

Sylvia reached out and pulled her back down."Alexia, come on, why so shy? Look-money,affection, and physical needs don't have to come from the same man. Just split it up and enjoy life.Why burden yourself?"

Alexia admired her boldness but sighed. "I don't think I can do that, though."

Sylvia raised a brow. "Why not? Don't tell me none of them are your type."

Alexia gave a half-laugh, avoiding the question by staying quiet.

Sylvia squinted, sensing something was off. She turned to Ada and whispered, "She's been married.How is she still so shy? Is she saving herself for Ada paused, scratching her head. "Oh right, didn't you hear? There were rumors that Alexia and Waylon were pretty close."

Sylvia's eyes went wide. "Wait, Waylon? Why was I the last to know something this juicy?"

Her voice climbed too high, prompting Ada to quickly nudge her and whisper, "Keep it down, will you?"

Sylvia blinked, regaining her composure, then leaned in with a curious smile. "So, what's the story there?Waylon,huh? Alexia's really something!"

Ada shrugged. "Honestly, I don't know."

Sylvia's lips lifted into a sly smile. A playful idea sparked in her mind, and without much thought, she took a quick photo of Alexia with the men around her.Leaning closer to Ada, she whispered, "Do you and Waylon follow each other on Facebook?"

Ada nodded in confusion. "Yeah.Why?"

Sylvia sent the photo over, still grinning slyly. "You know exactly what to do with this."

Ada caught on instantly but looked hesitant. "Won't it come off too obvious if I post it?"

With an easy smirk, Sylvia crossed her arms. "It's just a casual get-together. Acouple of group photos,post them like we're having a blast, and it'Il all come off effortlessly."

Her tone turned playful. "If he has feelings for her,this will definitely shake him up tonight."

Ada shook her head, half-laughing. "You're terrible,Sylvia!"

But Sylvia's smile slowly vanished, her voice growing serious. "If this doesn't bother him at all, then he's not worthy of her."

Ada immediately agreed. "You're absolutely right!"

Without wasting time, she got to work-picked the best photos, added a playful filter, and uploaded them to her social media.

Her caption read, "It's been ages since | dropped by Star Club. Tonight's boys? Total eye candy. Who wants to go home when it's this fun?" Just to stir the pot a little more, she made sure to tag both Alexia and Sylvia at the end.