Empire Chess Game

Section 4

The dinner was in full swing,with guests in their finest attire mingling and chatting animatedly.Alison stood in a corner,a glass of champagne in hand,her gaze occasionally drifting toward Alexander Harrison.He seemed to be the center of attention,surrounded by a crowd of well-dressed men and women,all vying for his attention.

"Miss Moore,you seem a bit preoccupied,"a gentle voice said from behind.Alison turned to see a middle-aged woman standing behind her,dressed in a deep blue evening gown,exuding an air of elegance and warmth.

"I know who you are,Alison Moore.Your copywriting left a deep impression on me,"the woman said with a smile."I'm Mary Harrison,Alexander's mother."

Alison was taken aback.She hadn't expected to catch the attention of Alexander's mother."Mrs.Harrison,it's an honor to meet you,"she replied,her voice tinged with nervousness.

"There's no need to be so formal,Alison,"Mary waved her hand,her eyes reflecting a hint of appreciation."I heard you're the lead planner for the advertising project,although your boss seems reluctant to let you take the spotlight."

Alison offered a faint smile but remained silent.She knew better than to speak out of turn in such a setting.

"Alexander told me he's interested in you,"Mary continued,her tone carrying a hint of probing."He thinks you have great potential."

"Mr.Harrison is flattering me,"Alison replied modestly,her mind racing with questions.Why would Alexander be interested in her?Was it just because of her copywriting?

"You don't need to be so nervous,Alison,"Mary said with a smile."Alexander rarely takes an interest in people,especially young women like you.He needs someone who understands him,and you might just be that person."

Alison felt a knot form in her stomach.She sensed something was off.Mary's words seemed to hint at something deeper,but she couldn't quite grasp it.

"Mrs.Harrison,I'm a bit confused by what you're saying,"Alison ventured cautiously.

Mary's face took on a meaningful smile."Alison,this world is full of opportunities and challenges.Sometimes,a single choice can change your life."

Alison felt a jolt,realizing that Mary's words held a hidden significance.She looked up,about to press further,when Alexander approached from the crowd.His gaze was stern and focused,landing squarely on Alison.

"Mother,"Alexander greeted Mary with a nod,his tone cool."You and Miss Moore seem to be having an interesting conversation."

"Of course,Alexander,"Mary replied with a smile,turning to Alison."Alison,do have a good chat with Alexander.I believe you two will find common ground."

With that,Mary gracefully turned and left,leaving Alison alone with Alexander.His eyes were assessing,as if evaluating her worth.Alison felt a wave of discomfort but forced herself to appear calm.

"Mr.Harrison,is there something I can do for you?"Alison broke the silence first,her voice polite but distant.

"Miss Moore,it seems we've been arranged for a'partnership,'"Alexander said,his tone carrying a hint of complexity.

"A partnership?"Alison's heart skipped a beat.She sensed something was amiss.

"Yes,"Alexander nodded,his expression serious."My father wants me to get to know you better."

"I don't understand,"Alison frowned,feeling a wave of unease.

Alexander stepped closer,his voice low and magnetic."My father wants me to marry you,Alison Moore."