###The One Who Knew All Along
A slow clap broke the silence.
Alexander turned sharply, his brow furrowing. Leaning casually against the wall, with that infuriatingly smug expression, stood Damien Carter.
"You're supposed to be in Sichuan, China," Alexander said, blinking in surprise. "Weren't you watching pandas or something equally absurd?"
Damien stretched his neck with an exaggerated wince. "Ah, yes, majestic creatures. But how could I miss this? The great Alexander Hastings, flying back from France to personally sit on a judging panel. I smelled drama from across the globe. Naturally, I took the next red-eye. Nearly broke my spine sleeping upright, but hey—anything for you, my dear, emotionally constipated best friend."
Alexander scoffed. "For me? You mean for the pleasure of watching me squirm. No wonder your neck hurts. You deserved it."
