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*Chapter 2: Ms. Queen Doesn't Do Conversations*
The music stopped.
My heels clicked on the marble floor as I walked towards the stage.
300 people. All eyes on me.
And behind me... his footsteps.
"Alia. Wait."
Rayan's voice. Low. Rough. The same voice that once whispered "I love you".
I didn't turn.
My assistant stepped in front of me instead.
"Ms. Queen doesn't do conversations with ex-options."
A few people gasped. Someone even recorded it.
I reached the podium. Adjusted the mic.
And finally, I looked at him.
He was standing 10 feet away. Black tux. Same jawline. Dark circles.
Like he hadn't slept in 2 years.
Too bad.
"Ladies and gentlemen," I said. My voice was ice. "Thank you for coming to the Annual Gala."
I paused. Looked directly at him.
"Especially those who understand the value of loyalty."
The room went silent.
Rayan's jaw ticked.
I continued my speech. Numbers. Merger. Future of Queen Holdings.
Every word was a knife. And he was the target.
When I finished, the applause was deafening.
I walked off the stage.
And there he was. Blocking my way.
"Can we talk. Privately." It wasn't a question.
I smiled. The cold smile I practiced in the mirror for 2 years.
"Mr. Rayan," I said sweetly. "I don't do private meetings."
I leaned in. Just for him to hear.
"Not with options. Not anymore."
I walked past him.
My heart was ice.
But my hands were shaking.
Because for one second... I saw regret in his eyes.
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