Linda,Jessica, and Susan whispered among themselves as they climbed into the car.

Michael stood by the car, watching Wendy, while Alexander leaned against the Bentley's door with one hand and looked at her with a half-smile in his eyes.

All eyes were on Wendy as she was about to step into Michael's car.

Alexander's long fingers tapped on the car door, and he spoke slowly."Don't you want your idol's contact info?"

Wendy's weakness was firmly in his grasp. Despite her reluctance, upon thinking of Willow's gentle face, in the end, she could only give in.

She turned to Michael andsaid, "Could you give Susan and Jessica a ride?"

Michael's gaze was unreadable as he watched her walk towards Alexander."Sure," he replied.

Once inside the car. Wendy immediately pulled out her phone, unwilling to be controlled any longer. "Give me Willow's contact info now."

Alexander glanced at her sideways and casually tossed his phone from his suit pocket to her. "Do it yourself."

Wendy hadn't expected to need a password to unlock his phone.

Sharing a phone password was an intimate gesture, usually reserved for trusted lovers, and WhatsApp contained a lot of personal information.

But if she let Alexander handle it, who knew what tricks he might pull?

She couldn't give him another chance to threaten her.

Wendy picked up his phone and asked, "What's the password?"

Alexander suddenly leaned in, and the scent of cedar mingled with that of tobacco enveloped her.

His lips nearly brushed against her ear as he whispered, "It's your birthday.

"

The warm breath made the tips of her ears turn hot.

At the moment of unlocking, the scene of Wildflower Mountain suddenly emerged.

It was a photo taken at the top of Wildflower Mountain, with clouds rolling like waves. The two of them stood side by side on a cliff, with a radiant sunset behind them.

The mountain wind lifted Wendy's hair, and Alexander turned to shield her from the wind. The photo captured the moment they smiled at each other.

Wendy realized he had done this on purpose, wanting her to see the photo.

Her fingers hovered over the screen as she stared at the image of herself and Alexander, bathed in the golden light of the sunset.

After a moment of silence, she opened the WhatsApp app.

She thought it would take a while to find herself, but her profile picture was pinned at the top.

The contact name was: [Winnie.]

Wendy's fingers hovered above the screen, and her heart pounded wildly in her chest.

She stared at the photo of herself and Alexander, with the golden glow of the setting sun outlining them, and felt a tightness in her throat.

After a long silence, she managed to tear her gaze away ard tapped on the WhatsApp icon.

After adding Willow on WeChat. Wendy handed the phone back to Alexander and quickly turned to look out of the car window.

The light outside streamed in through the car window and landed on her flushed cheeks.

Alexander glanced at her gently, a smile playing on his lips.

As he handed her a gold-embossed invitation, the Bentley sped through a tunnel, the bustling night scene flashing by on both sides.

"The Turner family's banquet?" Wendy's fingers traced the embossed pattern on the invitation. "Why should I go?"

Invitations to the Turner family's events were highly coveted, reserved for high society. Attendees were always influential, and many people vied for a chance to attend.

"You're my friend, aren't you? Besides, Chris really wants you to come.

You wouldn't want to disappoint him, would you?"

Alexander's smile was as calm as a spring breeze, his expression unreadable.

Wendy looked at the invitation in front of her, feeling conflicted. She knew

what an invitation to the Turner family's banquet meant.

However, given her current situation, attending the banquet would only make those rumors escalate further.

"Alexander, thanks for the invite, but I think I'il pass. I've had cnough drama lately and don't want to get involved in more."

Wendy pushed the invitation back to Alexander, "Please apologize to Chris for me."

Alexander looked at the invitation she returned, a smile tugging at his lips."Remember when you said you owed me a favor at Horizon Medical College?"

"I've thought about it, and I'd like you to be my date to this banquet to repay that favor. How about it?"

Wendy was taken aback, not expecting such a condition from Alexander.

Sensing her hesitation, Alexander added, "If you think it's unfair, you can refuse. I won't force you."

Wendy was moved by his words.

She remembered all the times Alexander had helped her. She did owe him.

After a moment of hesitation, she took the invitation, her fingers trembling slightly.

'Oh well, it's just attending a party; there's no need to deliberately avoid it.'she thought.

"Wendy?" His warm breath brushed her ear, and she instinctively looked up.

Alexander's face was so close, it seemed they might touch, his eyes filled with deep affection and tenderness.

Her cheeks felt hot, grateful it was night so no one could see her blush.

She clutched the invitation tightly and quickly leaned back."Alexander,I'll go."

"Then I'll look forward to seeing you there," Alexander said softly,his smile widening as he noticed her fluashed cheeks.

On the day of the banquet, Wendy stood in front of her wardrobe for a long time before choosing a champagne-colored strapless evening gown.

The dress was simple yet elegant. its flowing lines perfectly accentuating her figure.

The layered skirt moved gracefully as she walked, shimmering with a captivating glow.

Wendy put on the dress and adjusted her hairin the mirror.

Her smooth skin complemented the champagne color of the dress.

Just as she was about to leave, her phone rang. Seeing it was Alexander,she answered softly.

"I'm waiting downstairs," Alexander's deep voice was filled with anticipation, eager to see how Wendy looked tonight.

"I'll be right down," Wendy replied, hanging up and grabbing a small clutch before heading out.

When Alexander saw Wendy step out, he was momentarily stunned.

She wore the champagne-colored gown, her slender waist and smooth skin glowing like a freshly peeled egg.

Her long hair flowed freely, and as she walked, the dess's hem swept the ground, making her look like she had stepped out of a painting, ethereal and graceful.

Alexander's heart fluttered at the sight.

"Wendy, you look stunning tonight," Alexander said, his posture exuding natural elegance.

He stepped forward and opened the car door for her like a gentleman.

Wendy gracefully got into the car, smiling. "Alexander, you're too kind. As your date. I couldn't let you down."

"Is that so? All for me, then?" Alexander lowered his head and leaned in,his warm breath brushig against her blushing earlobe.