Lucas chuckled. "Mr. Hastings said he''d sign a contract today, but he never said it''d be with you. Why are you in such a rush?"


    "My victory is already sealed." Xena took her seat, pulling a contract from her outrageously expensive Hermès bag. "Just wait and see. Alex''s signature will be right here on my contract in a moment. And as for you, you can start packing your bags. You and Serena will be out of both the Schneider and Hastings residences for good."


    While Xena basked in her own arrogance, Lucas remained a bit anxious. "The battle isn''t over yet. We''ll see whoes out on top."


    Xena rolled her eyes at both of us.


    Just then, the door swung open, and Alex walked in.


    Xena immediately sprang up to greet him. "Alex, what took you so long? You''rete, you know."


    "Traffic," Alex replied tly, brushing past her without a nce. He strode toward the table, took his seat, and addressed the room, "By now, everyone is aware of our negotiations with the Schneider family. Today, we''re here to finalize the decision."


    Even though I had an idea of what the oue would be, I still found myself holding my breath. I nced at Lucas, who looked just as tense and expectant.


    "Hastings Group has decided to sign the contract with Lucas." Alex walked over to him and extended a hand. "Mr. Schneider, I look forward to our partnership."


    Lucas'' nerves melted into a confident smile as he shook Alex''s hand. "Thank you, Mr. Hastings. Likewise."


    "This is impossible!" Xena shot to her feet, practically shouting. "Alex, how could you possibly choose Lucas over me? My contract offers far more concessions!"


    Alex gave her a cold nce. "Your concessions are generous, sure. But ourpany has no ns to enter the real estate market."


    The sheer pettiness of it almost made me burst outughing.


    "What?" A flicker of panic crossed Xena''s face, but I could tell that her real fear wasn''t over losing the


    t-it was the realization that knew the truth.


    "Alex, they must''ve made a mistake," she said, her voice turning sharine as she grabbed his arm. "I''m serious about working with you. Aren''t I your fiancée?"


    "I thought the engagement was called off?" Oliver muttered from the side, earning himself a vicious re from Xena.


    She knew now that her little


    schemes had been exposed. She


    had to act fast-either by


    threatening or bribing her way out of this. If Hastings Group signed with Lucas, she''d have to step aside for him.  ?wnovel


    "Alex," she said while leaning closer. "The high-tech product both of ourpanies developed is about to hit the market. How do you n on pricing it?"


    To the others in the room, the sudden topic change might have seemed strange, but I heard the threat loud and clear.


    Hastings Group''s confidential data had fallen into her hands. Now that she had no other way out, she was using it as leverage against Alex.


    He crossed his arms and studied her for a moment beforeughing for no reason.


    "What''s so funny?" Xena''s confident facade cracked ever so slightly.


    "Our new product is about to<punch," he said. "To prevent any futureplications, I''ve already submitted every stage of our research and development to the notary office. If anypetitor releases an identical product without concrete proof of independent research, it''ll be considered intellectual property theft."