Chapter 190: Chapter 191

Chapter 0191 Chapter 0191 Ella POV Alexander turned toward the doorway, his expression brightening as he saw me. “Here she is,” he said warmly.

The man beside him turned as well, his sharp gaze sweeping over me in a way that felt both calculating and appraising. Then his lips curved into a charming smile as he approached, extending a hand.

“Hello,” he said smoothly. “Christopher Slater. A pleasure to meet you.”

“Hello,” I replied, taking his hand for a firm shake. I knew my surprise must have been written all over my face.” It’s a surprise–

and a pleasure–to meet you as well.”

He chuckled softly, a sound that felt disarmingly casual. “I see I caught you off guard.”

“A little,” I admitted, glancing at Alexander for clarification.

“We just finished a meeting,” Alexander explained as he stepped beside me. “Did you enjoy your afternoon with Elizabeth?”

“Yes, it was wonderful,” I replied, though my curiosity about Christopher’s presence was quickly overshadowing the conversation.

“And it seems you’ve been quite busy yourself.”

Alexander nodded and gestured toward Christopher. “Christopher has generously offered to help us with the venue issue. We went out for drinks to discuss the details, but I didn’t want to finalize anything without your input. Let’s head up to my office and talk it through.”

“Sounds good to me,” Christopher said with a confident nod before heading toward the elevators. “I believe I remember the way.”

As Christopher walked ahead, Alexander and I followed closely behind. I cast him a sidelong glance, my mind buzzing with questions.

Christopher Slater, I thought, barely containing my awe. The Christopher Slater. He wasn’t just anyone; he was a self–made billionaire, one of the most influential architects in the world. And now, apparently, he was here to help us solve our venue problem.

But how?

My mind raced with possibilities. Perhaps he had access to exclusive properties or connections to estates that weren’t typically available. Maybe there was a yet–to–be–revealed architectural marvel–one not open to the public–that we could use.

I fought the urge to ask outright. I didn’t want to sound naive, but I could hardly keep my excitement in check.

I had expected Alexander to propose a modest solution–a country estate, maybe, something elegant but not extraordinary given the time constraints.

But this? With Christopher Slater involved, it was clear Alexander had something far grander in mind.

We stepped into Alexander’s office, where he immediately moved behind his desk and settled into his chair. I took the seat beside it, where August usually sat, while Christopher Slater claimed the chair across from us.

He crossed one leg over the other, glancing casually around the room, though that ever–present charming smile remained firmly in place.

“Hasn’t changed much,” he noted with a trace of amusement.

Chapter 0191 “Why should it?” Alexander replied, grabbing a pen and notebook. “It’s just an office.”

Christopher chuckled, his tone teasing. “I see why you came to me for this, then. You’ve never been one to care about the aesthetics of your surroundings.”

Alexander leaned back in his chair with a faint smirk. “Which is why I left the venue selection to Ella. Unfortunately, after what happened, we’re scrambling a bit ”

“And I’m glad I can help,” Christopher said, turning his attention to me. “You seem excited. I’d wager you have a guess about what I’m offering.”

I shrugged, trying not to seem overly eager. “My best guess is that it’s a location not typically open to the public.” “Very true,” he said, his smile widening as though I’d impressed him. “The place I’m offering for your use has never been open to the public. It’s been on magazine covers, featured in films–practically everyone knows about it, yet no one enters without my express permission.” He leaned forward slightly, his gaze locking onto mine. “So you can imagine it took quite a bit for Alexander to come to me asking for this favor.”

“Enough theatrics,” Alexander interrupted, his tone carrying a faint edge of annoyance. “Ella, Topher is offering us the use of his family home.”

My eyes widened, and I felt my breath hitch in my throat as the weight of his words sank in. The Slater family home.