But Alexa, knowing that the servants would judge her if she sat with the guests, replied, "I think I'll just stay here. I'd rather eat with the staff."

Anthony saw the hesitation in her eyes, and was frustrated that she didn't want to spend time with him. "At least sit with me then," he said.

As Alexa reluctantly took her seat, Anthony brought up the 20th anniversary celebration for Brown Construction Inc. "Hey Alexa, would you like to be my date for the event?" he asked.

Alexa was speechless yet again. And after a moment, she replied, "I'll have to think about it, Anthony." She knew that she wouldn't be...