Xena's expression darkened instantly, and her eyes flashed with both anger and unwillingness. "Alex, are you really not going to show me even a shred of consideration?"
Alex frowned, shooting her a glance. "I hate mixing personal matters with business the most. Besides, Ms. Schneider, you and I have nothing personal to discuss."
"But…" Xena took a step forward, trying to get closer to Alex.
But before she could, he shifted to the side and stood next to me instead. "This conversation ends here.
"Ms. Schneider, we both know what's really going on. If you continue making a scene, I won't hesitate to go head-to-head with your company."
Knowing she was at a disadvantage, Xena had no choice but to drop it.
"Mr. Schneider, since the decision has been made, let's move forward with the contract signing as soon as possible." Alex had played his cards perfectly. As he turned away, he added, "From now on, people irrelevant to our collaboration shouldn't be stepping into Hastings Group anymore."
Xena's face twisted with fury, but she was powerless to do anything about it.
"Let's go." Alex paused slightly beside me.
"Mr. Hastings." Lucas suddenly spoke up. "Uh… I was wondering… would you and Serena be free to have dinner with me tonight?"
A surge of excitement welled up in my chest. Other than Lila, Lucas was my closest friend. I genuinely wanted to see him succeed, and now that he had secured such a major victory, it was definitely worth celebrating.
So, when Alex turned to look at me, my eyes were full of anticipation.
"I have plans tonight," he said coldly.
Both Lucas and I couldn't hide our disappointment.
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