"It''s not urgent," Alex said.


    I immediately understood that those files weren''t important at all. Alex was using


    them as a way to teach Jolene a lesson.


    I gave him a weird look.


    There was a mischievous glint in his eyes. "She used her position to take


    advantage of you. I''m just using mine to do the same to her."


    I considered the two choices Alex hadid out for me. "Can we extend the timeline


    a little?"


    "Hastings Group doesn''t operate on whims," Alex replied firmly.


    "And if I make a mistake?" I asked, my voice faltering.


    "Then you''ll get a pay cut."


    I nearly choked. "What if I mess up at the g?"


    "As long as you keep your mouth shut, there shouldn''t be any issues," Alex said, eyeing me carefully. Then, he added with a faint smirk, "If you do mess up, the same rule applies. You''ll get a pay cut."


    I clenched my jaw and gritted my teeth.


    Alex could buy a car with the loose change in his pocket, yet he wouldn''t hesitate to dock my meager intern sry.


    "So, have you decided?" Alex asked, a hint of amusement in his voice as he watched me struggle internally.


    "I''ll go to the g," I said begrudgingly.


    "Good. Here, take this ne. For a business g, you''ll need the right essories to look the part," he said as he took out a small box from the drawer.


    I opened the box and froze. Inside was a stunning ne made of 11 blue gemstones, each the size of my finger. The gems were wless, their cuts elegant and precise. They were surrounded by delicate diamonds that sparkled like stars.


    I frowned as I held up the ne. "This looks... familiar."


    "Familiar? A lot of high-end jewelry looks simr. This is from one of ourpany''s brands. It''s part of their new collection." Alex nced up briefly from the document he was signing.


    Nodding, I carefully ced the ne back in its box. I didn''t think too much about it and wore it on the night of the g.


    This g was nothing like thest one.


    The previous event had been modest in scale. On the contrary, the hosts for this one had booked an entire luxury hotel. It was a ce so grand it resembled a royal pce.


    I struggled to mask my astonishment as I stood at the door.


    I couldn''t care less about the grandness of the venue, but if I failed to perform, the threat to my sry was very real. Shaking off my curiosity, I focused on stayingposed.


    Alex seemed to be satisfied with my


    performance. He was dressed


    impably as always. His white shirt and tailored ck suit made


    him ooze with sophistication. The outfit, no doubt outrageously expensive, only heightened hismanding presence.


    He extended his arm toward me, and I hooked my hand around it.


    Tonight''s gown was even more extravagant than thest one. It fit me perfectly, as though it had been custom made, entuating my every Curve. The velvet fabric and billowing skirt paired wlessly with the gemstone ne at my neck.


    The tiara perched atop my head was from a renowned brand and reportedly cost


    as much as an apartment. I shone under the lights but struggled to move gracefully.


    Alex noticed my hesitation and, to my surprise, reached out to lift part of my skirt to lighten the load.


    I stared at him, taken aback.


    "What?" Alex asked tly. "At an event like this, everyone—no matter my rivals or allies-is watching. I''d rather not gain a reputation for being inattentive to my partner."