“In that case, it's more like a gift from him. You should return it to him if you don't want it," Alexis added with a playful wink.

Laura, feeling slightly out of her depth, set the box down.

"I'1L leave it here then," she said, preparing to leave.

Just then, the secretary entered with coffee, inadvertently blocking Laura's exit.

Alexis, in a bold move, lifted Laura onto the pool table, took off her shoes and handed them to her secretary Jett.

"Miss Thomas' shoes are stained. Please get them cleaned."

Jett, struggling to maintain his composure, agreed.

Laura was taken aback.

She heard of Alexis' being a handful but hadn't expected such audacious behavior. Could this really be how a woman acted?

Alexis seemed to sense Laura's thoughts.

Sipping her coffee, Alexis remarked, "I've been feeling a bit lonely lately. Just keep me company for a while."

Laura remained silent, observing her.

Alexis then lined up another shot.

"Edwin is quite good at snooker. Hasn't he played with you?"

Laura turned away, her voice soft but resolute.

"It's over between us."

Their relationship had been built on deception. It was never about spending quality time together or nurturing what they had. It was just a fleeting affair.

Shaking her head, Alexis commented, "Edwin's really out of line."

She played a few more shots before sitting beside Laura, who was lost in thought.

Gently touching Laura's lustrous hair, Alexis seemed almost envious.