Chapter 354
Rain froze for a fraction of a second, masking her reaction with a calm smile. She met Ana’s gaze steadily, though she could feel the subtle hush falling over the nearby colleagues as they strained to catch her answer.
“Where did you hear such a thing, Ana?” Rain’s tone was smooth, almost light, but with an unmistakable edge of authority. “I’m curious to know how rumors have so much power to weave fiction into fact p>
Ana shrugged, not backing down. “It’s just what’s been going around, especially after Carla’s interview. People are saying it’s only a matter of time before Alexander Lancaster goes back to her p>
Rain tilted her head slightly, her irritation flashing briefly in her eyes. “People love to speculate about things they know nothing about. My marriage is between Alexander and me, and that’s all anyone needs to know p>
Ana chuckled, her tone edged with mock curiosity. “It’s just a simple question, answerable by yes or no, Prosecutor Lancaster. Or should I say Prosecutor Clayton already? I suppose you two will really divorce, so p>
“No p>
The interruption came from a familiar deep, commanding voice that cut through the room.
“Who said I have any plans to divorce my beautiful wife? Why would I do that p>
Gasps rippled through the crowd as every pair of eyes turned toward Alexander Lancaster, standing tall and poised at the entrance. His sharp suit, tailored to perfection, exuded power, and his piercing gaze swept across the room before settling warmly on Rain.
Whispers ceased immediately as the atmosphere shifted, a mixture of shock and awe overtaking the crowd.
Rain felt like she had stepped into one of the drama series Sanya was always raving about. Alexander’s arm snaked possessively around her waist, pulling her close. The gesture was subtle yet commanding, as if silently declaring to the entire room that she belonged to him.
His suit perfectly complemented her gown, the colors harmonizing as though they had coordinated it in advance. Rain couldn’t help herself; her eyes lingered on him, admiring how effortlessly handsome he looked. The sharp angles of his face, the confident set of his jaw, and the way his presence seemed to dominate the room, it was all so surreal.
She blinked rapidly, half-convinced her mind was playing tricks on her. Was he really standing right behind her? But the familiar scent of his cologne and the warmth radiating from his touch dispelled any doubts. He was here.
And as her heart fluttered against her ribcage, she found herself unable to suppress a small, awe-struck smile.
Alexander strode into the room, his face dark with barely concealed anger. His sharp gaze landed on Ana Miller, who visibly stiffened under the intensity of his expression. The room fell into an awkward silence, the tension so thick it was suffocating.
“I suggest,” Alexander began, his voice cold and deliberate, “that you choose your words more carefully, Miss. Spreading baseless gossip is unbecoming, especially for someone who should know better p>
Ana’s face turned pale, and she opened her mouth to respond, but Alexander raised a hand to silence her.
“My wife has done nothing to warrant such disrespect,” he continued, his voice carrying through the room like a judge passing a sentence. “Let me make myself very clear… anyone perpetuating lies about Rain or our marriage will face legal consequences. That includes defamation lawsuits, should it come to that p>
He let his words hang in the air for a moment, his gaze sweeping over the rest of the room. “And as for those whispering behind her back, let me remind you that slander is not protected under the guise of casual conversation. If I catch wind of any further falsehoods being spread, I will take immediate action p>
Alexander turned his attention back to Ana, his tone softening just enough to sting. “I’d expect more professionalism and decency from someone in your position. Perhaps next time, you should think twice before involving yourself in matters that are none of your concern p>
Ana’s mouth opened and closed as if searching for words, but none came. She finally looked away, humiliated, while the rest of the room shifted uncomfortably under Alexander’s piercing glare.
With that, Alexander looked at Rain, “I apologize for being late,” he said, his voice now warm and reassuring. “Shall we leave p>
Before Rain could respond, Chief Prosecutor Hart suddenly appeared with a wide grin. “Oh, what’s the rush to leave? Now that you’re here, why not stay a little longer and let Prosecutor Lancaster enjoy the evening with her team p>
Rain offered an awkward smile, quickly stepping in to introduce Alexander to the Chief Prosecutor and the others. “Chief Hart, this is my husband, Alexander Lancaster p>
John Hart smiled as he extended his hand for a firm handshake. “The elusive Mr. Lancaster himself! We’ve heard much about you. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you p>
Alexander returned the handshake with a polite nod. “The pleasure is mine, Chief Hart. Though I must admit, I’m only here to pick up my wife p>
John chuckled, not missing a beat. “Well, that’s too bad. Since you’re already here, why not stay a bit longer? I’m sure Prosecutor Lancaster’s team would appreciate her company for just a while more p>
As if on cue, the music in the background shifted to a slow, melodic tune. Chief Hart’s grin widened even further as he gestured toward the dance floor. “And what better way to keep your lovely wife company than by taking her for a dance, Mr. Lancaster? Show us how a true gentleman handles a moment like this p>
The room seemed to collectively hold its breath, whispers and camera flashes already beginning to stir as eyes turned toward Rain and Alexander.
Rain’s cheeks flushed. “Oh, I don’t think p>
Alexander interrupted with a charming, yet determined smile. “I think that’s an excellent idea.” He extended his hand toward her. “May I have this dance, my lovely wife p>
Rain’s heart skipped a beat as she looked up at him, caught off guard by the tenderness in his voice. His words, paired with that mischievous smile of his, made her pulse quicken.
Despite the growing attention, there was something undeniably comforting in his presence, something that made her want to stay close to him. She hesitated for only a moment before placing her hand in his, her fingers curling naturally around