Все главы BENEATH THE LIES : Глава 81 - Глава 90

081“What the heck is all this?” I yelled, my voice echoing in the small kitchen as I stared at the two little monsters standing amidst the chaos they’d created. Flour coated the floor, the counter, and even their faces, turning them into ghostly figures. The most infuriating part was the smug smiles tugging at their lips, as if they were proud of the disaster they’d caused.The twins stared back at me, wide-eyed, feigning innocence as if they had no idea what they’d done. One of them clutched a container of milk—milk that had been stored in a cupboard well beyond her reach. How had a child not even four feet tall managed to get it? My mind raced, picturing them climbing the shelves like tiny, mischievous monkeys.I pressed a hand to my forehead, frustration mounting. What would Alora think if she came back to this mess? I couldn’t let these kids make me fail her task. Their giggles only fueled my determination. They were clearly pleased with their handiwork, but they didn’t know they

083ALORA'S POV“How… how are you already dressed up, Stanley? It’s been such a short time!” I asked, my voice tinged with disbelief as I took in his impeccably tailored suit, the crisp lines accentuating his broad shoulders. He looked like he’d stepped out of a fashion magazine, not like someone who’d just been wearing a garish floral gown minutes ago.“Let’s just say I’m pretty quick,” he replied with a sly grin, his confidence unshaken. “I ran back to my house, got dressed, and drove back here.”“That’s… that’s impossible!” I stammered, narrowing my eyes. “You cheated, didn’t you? There’s no way you went home. I’m sure of it.”“Do you have any proof?” he countered, raising an eyebrow, his tone challenging yet playful.I bit my lip, frustration bubbling inside me. He was right—I had no proof. “Whatever,” I muttered, waving a hand dismissively, though my mind was still reeling. How was he pulling this off so effortlessly?“So, what eatery am I taking you to, my lady?” Stanley asked,

085**Stanley’s POV**I strode back to the Nexus Bar, my guards trailing close behind, their heavy footsteps echoing my determination. Pausing at the entrance, I peered inside, my eyes locking onto Alora and Russel as they chatted at their plastic table. Each time Alora laughed at one of his dumb jokes, a sharp pang of anger twisted in my chest. My fists clenched at my sides, and for a fleeting moment, I imagined storming over and landing a solid punch on Russel’s smug face—preferably once Alora was out of sight. But I had a better plan, one that would hit harder and leave no room for error.Turning to my guards, I signaled one of them, a burly man with a shaved head, to step forward. “Go inside,” I whispered, keeping my voice low. “Tell a waiter you need her help for something urgent outside.” He nodded, his face impassive, and slipped into the bar. I held my breath, praying Alora wouldn’t recognize him as one of my men. If she caught wind of my scheme, it could unravel everything.A

087**Alora’s POV**I stared down at Stanley, his hand still clasping mine, his smile unwavering despite my hesitation. Every fiber of my being urged me to accept his proposal for a date, to let go of the past and embrace the moment. But the promise I’d made to myself outside the Nexus Bar echoed in my mind: I’d sworn to make him jealous, to keep him at arm’s length. My plan had worked—at least until he’d sabotaged it by scaring off Russel. Now, I wanted to make this hard for him, to prove I wasn’t so easily won.I yanked my hand from his, my resolve hardening. “I don’t want to go on a date with you, Stanley,” I said, clenching my jaw and turning to walk away, my heels clicking against the pavement. I thought I’d won, that he’d beg or chase after me, proving I still had the upper hand.Instead, a strong hand pulled me back, and before I could process what was happening, Stanley’s arm snaked around my waist. His lips crashed against mine, stealing my breath. My eyes widened in shock, b

089**Alora’s POV**The night air was cool against my skin, but my blood boiled as I turned to face Tasha, her smug smirk visible as she descended the restaurant’s steps. My father trailed behind her, his face a mask of shock, like he hadn’t expected to see me alive after kicking me out of his house all those months ago. “What do you want?” I demanded, my eyes flicking between them. The weight of their presence pressed on me, threatening to ruin the night Stanley and I had fought so hard to reclaim.“I don’t want anything,” Tasha sneered, her voice dripping with disdain. “What could I possibly want from a pathetic loser like you? You’re nothing. Remember when you crawled back home, acting like you still had a place there?”“Don’t you dare!” I snapped, cutting her off, my voice sharp enough to slice through her taunts.“Sorry, sorry,” she said, raising her hands in mock surrender, her smirk never faltering. “I didn’t know where you’d end up, but looks like you found yourself another bo