e screen. She was weighing the odds of texting John Steeves to exp

e came through the li

e replied, feig

reason you're no

ed world hunger yet?" she shot back, le

early used to her antic

n take care of herself with the entire Beaumon

I checked, you don't work

aumont fortune," Alexia said with mock gravity.

iding your respons

ifting slightly. "Have you eaten today? Don't

ia pounced. "I knew it!

" he corrected, but

I'll come in tomorrow. But only if y

ing under his breath. "S

gan, they always ended with her getting her way. It was a stark contrast to Lil

utside. The room was silent except for the rhythmic ticking of the antique clock on the wall.

nce, his sharp suit tailored to perfection. He took a se

ing with false warmth. "I must say, it's

s meeting Victor's with an icy calm.

Oh, nothing too pressing. Just thought I'd drop by and c

impassive. "If this is a social call, I'll have my as

's not pretend this is just a casual visit. The entire city is watching your little

Alexander said coolly, his tone ca

it, it raises questions about stability. Investors, partners-th

bility of Beaumont is not up for debate, least of all by you. If y

ed facade. "You can't deny the precariousness of your position, Alexander. One mi

n't a trait I possess. And as for missteps, you might want to

"Touché. But let's not ignore the elephant in the room. Th

cking just enough to reveal a flicker of warning. "Car

im. "Ah, I see. She's more than ju

onversation is over. If you have concerns about your company's future,

between them. "As always, a pleasure, Alexander. Do send my regar

the office. Once the door closed, he exhaled slowly, the t

dangerous game, and Alexande

-

conversation with John to Lily, who was sitti

"I swear, if I didn't keep tabs on

re practically his

rinned. "Honestly, he should just hand m

e to hear you say

e of her hand. "It's why he keeps me a

ing her head. "You

Alexia said w

ily's phone buzzing. She glanced at

as she answered.

, but there was an undercurrent of tensio

"Is everythi

here," he said, his tone le

hortly," Lily re

an eyebrow. "W

t," Lily said, alre

e of unease settled over her. What

out the window, his back rigid. The air was thick with tension, the f

she asked, her voice s

ession unreadable. "Victor

Steele-everyone had. His reputation for

did he

ion," Alexander said, his tone clipped. "And to

ard. "What does

ocking onto hers. "It means we can't affo

heavy with implications s