She feared Alexis would be shocked and upset upon seeing the dress and might even lose her temper... But Alexis remained cool and even offered a smile, greeting, "Hello, Miss Cohen."

"Ms. Fowler, your kids are adorable," Anika quickly said.

"I prefer Mrs. Douglas for now. Miss Cohen, perhaps you should call me that today, since I am still a married woman, after all, right? When you need legal counsel and come to my office someday, we'll go back to addressing me as ‘Ms. Fowler’ then."

Anika had been in the television business for years and knew her way around. Deep down, she never had much respect for Alexis. Yet, she was caught off guard by how composed Alexis appeared.

Anika was about to say something when Leonel walked up, his arms wrapped around Alexis. He eyed the identical dresses the two women wore, visibly annoyed. “Why are you dressed like my wife?" he questioned.

Alexis couldn't help but chuckle at the situation.

In a rush, Anika apologized, "I'm so sorry, sir. It wasn't on purpose... I'll go change right away." Her eyes brimmed with tears, and she looked visibly upset as she made her way to the lounge.

Suddenly, a shout broke the silence, and dark red wine stained her dress.

The waiter nearby was shocked. He was sure he had been careful.

“Oh, I'm terribly sorry, ma'am!" he apologized immediately.

With tears welling up in her eyes, Anika responded gently, "It's okay. It's not your fault..." She cast a meaningful glance at Alexis, hinting at something.

Noreen was seething with anger. She thought Anika was being two-faced!

Alexis chose not to clear the air. If she had intended to embarrass Anika, she would have doused her with wine herself.

Leonel turned to Noreen, instructing, "Take her to the lounge and help her find another dress to wear."

Anika bit her lower lip and gratefully said, “Thank you, Mr. Douglas."

She gave Alexis a nod, putting on a friendly front. Alexis had encountered numerous women Like Anika, all eager to advance socially, yet she remained unbothered. With a slight smile, she commented, “Playing the hero, aren't you, Mr. Douglas?"

Leonel frowned, clearly annoyed. “What are you talking about?"

He was about to clarify when several senior executives approached him, pulling him away to entertain some important guests. Once he was gone, Alexis took a few steps closer to Anika, leaning in to whisper, "Miss Cohen, the scent of your perfume... I've noticed it on my husband's clothes, and that lipstick shade... Nice color, by the way!"

Anika felt her heart miss a beat.

Alexis had uncovered her secret. Knowing that if Alexis asked her to leave, she'd lose any chance of staying close to Leonel...