Page 10 of Beloved Beauty

A new era begins for Sebring Hotels… with a woman in charge. And not just any woman—Leilani.

I glance her way, and she catches my eye with a grin. I can’t help but smile back. Because working beside her, building something side by side—not just as sisters-in-law but as women rewriting the narrative—that’s a future I’m proud to be part of.

Alex’s whole posture shifts. The rigidness is gone. And it’s beautiful to see.

Just as the mood begins to settle, Alex clears his throat. “Leilani… you were right about something.”

She lifts a brow. “That comes as no surprise.”

“Courtney has been working with Tyson McRae and Celeste.” His voice goes hard. “They were behind the texts that ended things between Magnolia and me.”

The room stills.

Leilani blinks. “Dufuq?”

“Leilani! Language.” Malie says.

Alex continues, “It was Courtney feeding them information while pretending to be employee of the year.”

Leilani slaps her palm against the table, making the silverware jump—more sass than fury. “I told you. I warned you. I knew she was off. I’ll be at your place later to unload all the I-told-you-so I have stored in the boot of my car.”

Alexander frowns, brows drawing tight. “Courtney? That’s hard to believe. She’s been solid for years.”

“Her loyalty is gone. She betrayed me for money.”

Malie shakes her head, surprised. “After all these years—after how good we’ve been to her? She’s known you since you were a boy. How could she do that?”

Leilani’s voice is pure steel now. “That kind of betrayal doesn’t get a second chance. She’s gone. I don’t care how long she’s been around—loyalty is everything, and she threw it away.”

Alex nods. “Let me do it. It’ll be my final act as CEO.”

Leilani looks at him, nodding. “All right. You can have the honors. You deserve that much.”

Alex leans back, eyes cutting to me with a grin that’s all heat and pride. “Happy to—with the help of the newest Sebring by my side.”

We may not have said the vows yet. But in all the ways that count, we’re building this life together. One choice, one reckoning, one clean break at a time.

And when that reckoning comes?

I’ll be right beside him.

Ready.

Willing.

And absolutely thrilled to help him fire that bitch.

Chapter 4

Alex Sebring

It’s been months since I walked through these doors.

Sebring HQ looks the same as how I left it—sleek, spotless, buzzing beneath a polished surface. A place where ambition dresses in navy suits and every smile hides a strategy.

The executive assistant at the front desk snaps to attention as I step into the lobby, her eyes widening behind thick-framed glasses. “Mr. Sebring. I wasn’t aware you were returning today. Welcome back.”

“Thank you, Beatrice.” But I’ll only be here for a brief moment.

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