Could it be that Louis liked Alice? Impossible!
Maya speculated, then quickly dismissed the thought. Her bright past and the confidence instilled by those around her made her sure of herself. Everyone believed Louis loved her deeply—so did she.
She stepped forward, wrapped her hands around Louis's arm, and gently said, "These people are so rude. Louis, you're so kind. Even after the divorce, you still treat Alice so well."
She wore a white dress that complemented her delicate and gentle features tonight. The gown was meticulously tailored, modest from the front but revealing a large portion of her back, partially hidden by her flowing hair. The front displayed a deep neckline and a glimpse of her entire chest. Clinging to Louis's arm, she "accidentally" pressed her soft curves against him.
After sending away the gossiping man, Louis's gaze instinctively drifted toward Alice.
Today, she was dressed rather formally—not in the glamorous evening gowns she used to wear when accompanying him. Instead, she wore a well-fitted suit, her black hair tied in a high ponytail that accentuated her sharp, delicate features. She looked stunning, yet with an air of sophistication. Louis thought to himself, If Alice lectured in this outfit, how could any student focus on their studies?
The memory of the gossiping man's words resurfaced, darkening Louis's mood. His face grew grim.
Just then, Alice turned her head, her eyes meeting his. Louis instinctively straightened up, his expression becoming stern and composed, exuding authority.
At that moment, Maya suddenly clung to his arm, saying something. Alice raised an eyebrow, glanced at them briefly, then looked away as though they were insignificant passersby unworthy of her attention. Her gaze carried no discernible emotion.
Louis frowned deeply. On impulse, he pulled his arm out of Maya's grasp. "Maya," he said firmly, "I don't recall you being this forward. We're adults now, not children. Even if you see me as an older brother, you must be more mindful."
Indeed, Louis still believed Maya felt nothing romantic toward him. Ever since realizing he didn't have feelings for her, he had only seen Maya as a younger sister and assumed she viewed him as an older brother.
If Alice knew what Louis was thinking, she would surely scoff, smirk, and call him a fool.
Maya lowered her head to hide her almost twisted expression. What was going on? Didn't Louis like her? Why was he acting so distant and annoyed when she got close?
Her gaze shifted toward Alice, who was seated further away. It had to be that woman! Alice must have come here deliberately to steal Louis's attention! How dare she?
Maya seethed with anger, her mind racing. Then, she lifted her head and looked at Louis with an innocent expression. "I understand, Louis," she said sweetly. "Sister Alice is over there. Should we say hello? But it's strange—she's just a university lecturer. How could she even attend a party like this?"
This was a grand event for leading scientists from various cities. The business people present were here to recruit top talent or to introduce and secure investment for new projects. For a university lecturer like Alice to appear here was indeed puzzling.
Louis frowned but said nothing, simply walking toward Alice.
Maya pressed her lips together, displeased by his lack of attention. However, she could only hastily keep pace beside him, trying to create the impression that they were walking side by side, inseparable and close.
As the two left, the remaining onlookers exchanged glances, barely restraining themselves from gossiping aloud. What had they just heard? Louis had divorced Alice? Maya had just returned, and Louis had divorced Alice—what could that imply? Of course, as soon as the legitimate partner returned, the stand-in could only disappear in defeat!
Still, some couldn't help but feel puzzled. If Louis and Alice were divorced, why had Louis gone out of his way to reprimand the gossiping man earlier?
No one except Louis himself knew the answer.
The others dared not discuss this openly in such a setting, so they merely followed Louis and Maya with their eyes, straining their ears to catch every detail of what might unfold.
They all agreed on one thing—Alice's appearance here was no coincidence.
Over the past year, everyone had witnessed how deeply Alice loved Louis, almost like she couldn't live without him. To be suddenly divorced, of course, she wouldn't accept it quietly. Indeed, she must have used some underhanded method to gain entry to this party, hoping for a chance to see Louis and plead her case. Perhaps she thought she could convince him to change his mind.
But now that Maya was here, Alice's plan would undoubtedly fail!
Louis and Maya approaching Alice could only mean one thing: they would warn her off!
Neither Alice nor Louis realized how far the others' speculations had spiraled.
Alice remained seated in her spot. She had seen Louis, but it didn't faze her. She had anticipated his presence at this event—after all, with his status, it was only natural for him to receive an invitation.
However, she had no intention of avoiding him. They were divorced now, and Louis didn't care for her. She hoped that he would treat her as he had promised—like a stranger. That would be best for both of them.
But just as Alice thought this, a tall figure loomed before her. Louis's calm accompanied it, almost indifferent voice:
"Alice, I thought you were over me. Why are you here? Don't think pulling a stunt like this will make me take you back."
Louis smirked as he spoke, feigning nonchalance. Yet only he knew the truth—he was giving Alice an opportunity. If she apologized and looked at him with those pleading eyes as she had so many times before, then even if he didn't forgive her outright, he would still grant her a chance.
Yes, just a chance—a chance to pursue him again!