Lester stayed collected andposed as he responded, "Yes, the Schneider family has a long history in the business world and has established ourselves as a prominent figure in the industry. Our strength has always been our key asset.


    "I''m aware that you''ve been acquiring rare materials from Travia at substantial costs. Strangely enough, the Schneider family also possesses those same materials."


    Oliver, who was next to me, let out a mocking snort. "What a brag!"


    "Why?" I had recently joined Hastings Group and wasn''t involved in the supply aspect yet.


    "The rare materials we procure are only found in Travia. And these materials happen to be crucial for our research and development. Therefore, we have to purchase hundreds of millions of dors worth of raw materials from Travia every year."


    "That much?" I was taken aback.


    "That''s still considered a small amount." Oliver''s gaze dropped. "The people from Travia don''t exactly follow the rules when ites to business dealings. They often go back on their word.


    "The price they quoted us is 10% more than their domestic rate, but they''re still hesitant to sell to us because they want to suppress thepanies in our country. So, it''s impossible for the Schneider family to get these materials. If they do have them, then I..."


    Before Oliver could finish his sentence, Lester handed him a document from his assistant. "This is the mining license that Schneider Group just received from Travia."


    The license was passed to Alex, and as he epted it, his expression turned serious.


    "Damn it," muttered Oliver, his voice lowered. "The tables turned so quickly." "Does that mean Schneider Group actually has the materials?"


    "I haven''t seen the document, but I recognize their logo." Oliver''s expression was serious. "Just take a look at Mr. Hastings'' face if you don''t believe me."


    I nced up at Alex. His eyes held aplex mix of emotions—amazement, surprise, and concern.


    The whole room was silent, save for the rustling of paper as Alex flipped through the document in his hands.


    After what felt like an eternity, he set it down and directed his gaze at Lester. "What exactly do you mean by this?"


    Lester wasted no time with formalities. He gestured toward Xena dramatically before pointing at her.


    "This is my daughter, Xena. She''s not only the pride of the Schneider family but also my carefully chosen sessor. If you agree to marry her, then..all the resources and privileges of the Schneider family will be at your disposal."


    As soon as those words reached my ears, my hand stopped in mid-air while Oliver''s head snapped in my direction. Suddenly, all the delicious food on my te lost its vor.


    I couldn''t help but feel a twinge of bitterness in my heart. Xena hada prestigious family background that would make her a suitable match for Alex. Marrying someone like me wouldn''t bring any benefits to him at all.


    As Alex spoke about marriage, my heart was a mix of conflicting emotions. I heard


    him mention the seriousness of such amitment while Lester advised him to think it through carefully.


    Amidst the lively atmosphere of


    clinking sses and cheerful


    chatter, Alex stood out as the center


    of


    of attention. Surrounded by a lot le


    people he smiled andughed


    sipping his champagne with@race. All of a sudden, I felt like crying.


    Who was I to have such unrealistic thoughts? Frustration and bitterness welled up inside me as I stood and left the room.


    The chilly evening breeze brushed against my cheeks, helping me clear my head.


    If there was no future for Alex and me, I sincerely hoped that he would find happiness. When Alex discovered his true destiny, I nned on raising a ss to him with a smile and offering my congrattions.


    Even though these thoughts filled my mind, I couldn''t help but feel a twinge of bitterness in my heart and prickling in the corners of my eyes.