Falling For My Ex's Uncle - Chapter 58: Chapter 58

Angela couldn't hold her laughter any longer.
All eyes immediately shifted to her. She cleared her throat awkwardly and then complained, "Why haven't we started eating yet? I'm starving."
She didn't have to say it—I was already hungry too. To have the privilege of dining at such an extravagant dinner, I'd only had some fruit at lunch.
Angela wasn't much better off than me; she'd had a slice of cake.
And yet, everyone had already sat down, but no one was using their forks. Why weren't we eating?
Just then, another message pinged on my phone.
I opened it, and it was from Alex. [Follow the waiter over here.]
I froze. What on earth was this old fox up to now?
But I couldn't figure out his intentions, so I dared not refuse.
I quickly typed a short reply, but before I could send it, a waiter came over and whispered, "Miss Parks, I'm sorry, but we've made a mistake with your seat. Could you please move to another one?"
The socialites around me couldn't hide their mocking smiles.
Kailyn, in particular, wore an expression of pure delight. "I knew it. Not everyone can sit here."
Angela furrowed her brow and was about to speak up, but I gave her a quick look to stop her.
It was just a seat—wherever I sat, it wouldn't change anything as long as the food was the same.
Five minutes later, when the waiter led me to sit next to Alex, I froze.
I could feel every pair of eyes in the room turn toward me.
Alex, noticing my dazed and awkward expression, smiled and stood up to pull my chair out for me.
"Sit down. I saw you had quite a bit to drink earlier. No more alcohol for you tonight."
My heart sank a little, and I didn't know how to respond. I just obediently sat down.
With his gentle voice, his caring words, I could feel my heartbeat quicken. I raised my eyes to meet Alex's, managing a calm smile.
But I didn't need to look around—I could already feel the weight of countless eyes on me.
The men and women were seated separately, and here I was, sitting at the men's table, right next to Alex.
Though he didn't say anything, it felt like he had said everything.
As soon as I sat down, dinner officially began.
I took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves, but Alex, with his fork, picked up a piece of fish and placed it in my bowl.
He even carefully removed the bones for me.
This tender gesture didn't go unnoticed by the men at the table, who now watched us with growing curiosity.
"Didn't know Mr. Herrera was so considerate."
"Yeah, I always thought Alex wasn't interested in women. Guess he just hasn't met the right one."
"Alex, care to introduce her?"
At the sound of that familiar voice, I slowly lifted my gaze and saw Isaac sitting across from me. He gave me a casual glance, his eyes betraying no surprise.
Alex smiled slightly and replied, "Laurel, do I really need to explain who she is?"
He then turned to me, his gaze tender and full of affection.
It was as if he had loved me for years.
"Looks like our next gathering will be Mr. Herrera's wedding reception?"
"That depends on when Laurel is willing to accept me," Alex said, a hint of sadness in his tone.
The entire room exchanged glances, their eyes wide with shock and disbelief.
It was obvious: if I weren't sitting next to Alex right now, they'd be sneering and mocking me, showing no respect at all.
After all, with my background, even a celestial being would seem more suited to Alex than I ever could.
"Given Mr. Herrera's status, he'll get what he wants."
"Exactly. Miss Parks should seize the opportunity. A man like Mr. Herrera doesn't come around every day."
I smiled weakly and nodded, not sure how to respond.
There was no denying that men like him were rare and precious, but I wasn't foolish enough to think I could enjoy such a life.
I could feel a cold chill creeping down my spine, almost as if I were in danger of being crushed under the weight of this game.
Alex had suddenly made me the center of attention, and now, in front of everyone, he was implying that I had rejected him.
It felt as if I were being roasted on a spit, put on display for everyone to laugh at.
Just then, my phone buzzed with a message from Angela. [Laurel, you just slapped the face of the Harvey family's precious daughter. That's a direct hit.]
I froze, staring at the screen.
Had Alex used me as a shield to provoke Samantha? Or was he trying to make her jealous on purpose?
I replied: [I feel like I'm a lamb being led to slaughter. Make sure to take me home tonight—I'm scared I won't survive to see the morning sun.]
Angela said: [Oh, and by the way, the guests here can stay for three days, so make the most of it. One night can be worth a lifetime.]
I froze for a moment, almost dropping my phone.
"Is everything alright? Are you feeling unwell?" Alex asked, his face full of concern. He reached out to touch my forehead and furrowed his brow. "If you're tired, you can rest in your room. You don't have to stay here with us, but you must wait until we've finished the cake."
His voice was gentle, as if he genuinely cared, but I knew better—it was all an act.
I clenched my phone tightly, the edge of the case digging into my palm.
I reminded myself again: this was just a game. Don't get caught in it.
A man like Alex? He was far beyond what someone like me could ever hope for.
When the birthday cake was brought out, the lights in the banquet hall dimmed, and all eyes turned to Alex. But his gaze, full of tenderness, was fixed on me.
And yet, I could feel the weight of malicious glares surrounding me.
But I didn't care.
After the cake, I pretended to be tired and excused myself.
Alex, ever so considerate, had someone escort me to my room.
Honestly, I would've preferred to go back to the city.
As soon as I entered the room, I sighed in relief and collapsed onto the plush sofa.
Looking around at the opulence of the room, I could hardly believe I was standing here, next to Alex, under the gaze of so many.
As I took off my shoes, there was a knock at the door.
I ran barefoot to the door and opened it to find Angela grinning from ear to ear. She pulled me into a tight hug, and I almost stumbled.
"Laurel, you've been keeping a low profile, huh? Do you know how furious Kailyn was when she saw you sitting next to Alex? Looks like that 5 million dollar bet is in the bag!"
I couldn't help but laugh a little. "The bet was that I'd marry into the Herrera family and that Alex would publicly acknowledge me."
"Does it really matter? Him letting you sit by his side is basically a public confession."