Thread: The Heiress and the Hacker [[Silva & Quix]]

It was a well-known myth that someone could feel whenever a person was watching them, but Alexandra felt that way most of the time so tonight was not special in the least. She didnt notice the man standing alone on the outskirts of the ballroom, her attention firmly on playing the part of happy hostess and ensuring that all of the party guests were enjoying themselves in her home. If she felt that her task was demeaning Alexandra didnt show it, having perfected her society mask long ago. Once upon a time she had gone to the most prestigious school in the city, wanting to study art and language and travel the world. She had been idealistic back then her independence hadnt been beaten into submission by her father yet. One didnt need an advanced degree to play her part as dutiful daughter to a politician, however, and after a few semesters her parents forced her to leave school and focus on their family full time. It didnt reflect well on the family name when she shirked formal events to attend campus parties and then her picture ended up in the papers. They had forced her to grow up too quickly and made sure she knew what the most important priorities were. Alexandra had never really forgiven them for that, and other transgressions, but she wasnt foolish enough to make enemies of her parents. Her life wasnt terrible compared to most, and she continued to bide her time until such a point came that she could free herself from their heavy expectations. Pretending to schmooze with the stuffy old politicians and businessmen and their trophy wives was something that the socialite could only handle in small doses, and every so often she needed to escape and compose herself. Again she took no notice of the singular gaze that followed her as she slipped from the ballroom even priding herself on being able to slip away without someone noticing. The solitude she sought did not last for very long, the sudden strip of light that penetrated the dim hallway alerting her that she was no longer alone. This room is private. She spoke without turning, assuming it was someone that had mistakenly opened the door looking for something else. And then she heard his voice. Even after so long she knew exactly who it was that had followed her, and her heart began to race. Alexandra schooled her delicate features into a mask of disinterest as she finally turned to the doorway, his form illuminated momentarily and then the hallway dimming again as the door closed behind him. Richard Treloar. She didnt think shed ever see him again after their falling out, which is the polite way she had begun to refer to their disastrous breakup back in school. Im sorry, do I know you? Her voice was polite, but distant as she regarded him from the few scant feet that separated them. It would have been too easy to give him the satisfaction that she still remembered him, thought about him and their relationship occasionally. It was best to play dumb in this aspect, and hopefully she could slip away from him unscathed. He had changed from their school days that much was clear. Boldly she let her eyes roam over him, as if she was actually contemplating if she knew him at all. From the slight shadow of stubble to the tailored suit he wore, Alexandra knew he was still nothing but trouble. And that she should run far, far away. Im sure I would remember someone like you. Please excuse me. Effectively trying to end their interlude, the heiress tossed her hair behind her ear decisively and glided toward the door behind him, hand outstretched to reach the knob.