This dinner cost a fortune.


    "If we''re going to gossip, then nothing''s juicier than the rumors about Serena and Mr. Hastings." Mia swirled the red wine in her ss with an air of elegance. "Isn''t that right, Serena?"


    I was confused. "What rumors?"


    "Come on. Don''t pretend." Mia''s graceful demeanor vanished in an instant. "You''ve been cozying up to Mr. Hastings, haven''t you? Otherwise, as just the Hastings family''s adopted daughter, how would you have the authority to treat us all to dinner on his behalf?"


    Here she went again. Before I could respond, a figure suddenly stepped in front of


    me.


    "Serena is treating us, so we should just enjoy the meal. There''s no need for this kind of talk, is there?" Scarlett said calmly. "It creates unnecessary tension between colleagues and, more importantly, you''re spreading gossip about the boss."


    Herposed words made sense, and after a brief moment of consideration, most people returned to their seats.


    "Well, isn''t this the invisible woman of the R&D department?" Mia sneered. "So perceptive, huh? Now that you know Serena is Mr. Hastings''s ''sister,'' you''re trying to curry favor with her, huh?"


    Her tone dripped with condescension. If this weren''t the wrong ce and time, I would''ve punched her already.


    "Scarlett, best of luck to you." Mia lifted her ss in a mock toast with a smirk stered across her face. "Now that you''re clinging to Serena, I hope you get that promotion you''ve always dreamed of."


    Scarlett''s expression darkened instantly.


    Mia had snatched the position from her before and had made things difficult for her ever since. She had always chosen to endure, but this time, Mia was humiliating her in front of everyone.


    Just like before, she chose to swallow her anger. She reached for her bag, ready to leave, but I grabbed her wrist.


    "Some people still haven''t learned how to behave but are already acting like leaders," I said, shaking my head. "Strutting around in fancy clothes and pretending to be some high-powered professional, when, in reality, they''re nothing but trash."


    "Who are you calling trash?" Mia shot up from her seat, her expression dark with rage.


    "Whoever''s barking right now, that''s who." I stepped forward without hesitation, squaring off against her. "Did no one ever teach you respect? Look at you, acting all high and mighty just because you''re ameasly team leader of the R&D department. Do you think you''re the queen or something?"


    Mia''s lips trembled with fury. I expected her to storm off in anger, but surprisingly, she held her ground.


    The dishes kepting, and the conversation grew lively again. At one point, I saw Mia nce at her phone before abruptly getting up and leaving.


    It was just likest time.


    Last time, I discovered she was in contact with someone from Schneider Group. This time, I had a strong feeling it was the same situation.


    "This time, it''s definitely you guys," Mia''s voice oozed with ttery. "Mr. Schneider, you have to promise me you''ll kick that wretched Serena out for good after she marries into the Hastings family."


    I scoffed. So now, she was holding a grudge against me?


    Three dayster, the Schneider and Hastings families were set to sign their contract.


    Inside the conference room, Hastings Group''s representatives were already seated. Leading the team was Alex, with Oliver and sitting beside him as project managers along with a few


    over


    On Schneider Group''s side, however, were two factions-one supporting Lucas and the other backing Xena.


    "Lucas, how dare you show up to this meeting?" Xena sneered as soon as she walked in, her tone was full of contempt. "You really have no shame."