There was a collective expression of shock among the onlookers.
Even Ada Kingsley, who was not only Vincentâs good friend but also Alexaâs number one fan, found tweet taken aback by Alyssa wearing jewelry from the elusive âDark Roseâ collection-a name the bad beard of but never seen. She briefly experienced a rare moment of envy at Alyssaâs wealth.
Alyssa quietly cast Vincent a grateful look. There was no need for her to explain herself. This was Vincentâs turf, and it was his job to address those who were up to no good. She wouldnât need to lift a finger for something as insignificant as Zoeâs slander.
Jasperâs eyes had never left Alyssa. There was a hint of envy in them. He was sure that Alyans knew t man, and the two shared a close relationship at that.
âWhoâs that old man?â Jasper demanded to know.
âVincent Carter is the global CEO of AX. His grandfather holds the title of the last Duke of Yoarday, and his grandmother is the founder of AX. In simple terms, they own the brand, and he has been appoints CEO simply because of his family ties,â Xavier explained.
He continued, âVincent has inherited the dukedom from his grandfather and owns vast estates bestowed by the monarchy. Heâs also one of the top five wealthiest individuals in Yoarkley, worth tens of billions Madam is so cool for having a duke as a friend!â
Jasper breathed hard and swallowed. He tightened his fists unhappily.
âIs Mr. Carter speaking up for Madam? Ooh, has he fallen for her?â Xavier exclaimed at his discovery and sighed.
He added, âIf thatâs the case, Madam stands a chance at becoming a duchess. Her family background is impressive enough, and if she marries into royalty⦠Gosh, sheâll reach a whole new level of fame and power!â
âThatâs impossible. She wonât be interested in Vincent. That guy is as old as her dad,â Jasper muttered with a deep frown.
However, Xavier was worked up âThat might not be the case! Who knows? Madam might be interested in older men! Why else would she have fallen for you? Youâre six years older than her.â
Jasper shot a death glare at Xavier. A six-year difference paled in comparison to a twenty-year age gapl Xavier, scared witless, quickly sealed his lips and gestured to keep his lips âzippedâ, in what seemed like a cute but pitiful move.
him. Instead, he was dismayed at and threatened by the availability of excellent suitors around Alyssa.
âOh my god! The CEO of an international luxury jewelry brand admitted publicly that their products took inspiration from Alexaâs work! Isnât that like digging their own graves?â
âI donât think so. I appreciate his honesty. Besides, they were only inspired by Alexaâs work; they didnât directly copy her designs.â
âWe did base our entire collection on her designs,â Vincent confessed after overhearing the reportersâ
discussion.
He further elaborated, âMadam Alexa was well aware of it. I privately confirmed with her, and she even granted us permission to create the âEternal Bloomâ collection inspired by her âDark Roseâ series. She was actively involved in the design process.â
A collective gasp of astonishment filled the room. Meanwhile, Zoeâs once-gleeful expression had frozen in disbelief.
âThatâs why Iâm delighted that Ms. Alyssa wore Alexaâs jewelry for our event,â Vincent added, his gaze briefly drifting toward Alyssa before looking away.
âThereâs another detail that you might not be aware of, Ms. Harper.â Alyssa chuckled. âAX has maintained a good working relationship with Alexa.
âAXâs VIP members are familiar with the rule that allows them to wear Alexaâs designs at any AX event.
Not only that, the wearer will be upgraded to the VVIP seat.
âBut thatâs not all. AX also offers a lifetime of free repair and jewelry care services to customers who own pieces by Alexa. Ms. Harper, why did you not know about this rule if youâre a huge fan of AX?â
Zoeâs face paled. She was speechless. She might own many jewelry from AX, but the entry barrier for a membership was beyond her means.
Not only did she have to meet a minimum spending threshold at AX stores, but the brand also thoroughly evaluated membership applicants based on their family backgrounds.
As she couldnât secure membership solely by virtue of being Landonâs sister, she was unaware of the unspoken rule among the AX members!