"Today''s meeting isn''t just about discussing the project details," the man said in an arrogant tone. "There''s another matter-we need to adjust the pricing of our raw materials."


    The moment he spoke, I immediately recognized his voice. He was the same man


    I had overheard in the stairwell speaking privately with Scarlett.


    I turned to nce at Scarlett, but her expression remained calm as if this was no surprise to her at all.


    Had she really conspired with him?


    I frowned and looked directly at the man. "How is that possible? Is this project even under Lucas'' jurisdiction? The pricing was already agreed upon in the contract."


    "This is the person in charge''s decision," the man said ambiguously.


    I was momentarily stunned. Lucas'' decision? Did he want to raise prices?


    "Even if it''s the person in charge''s decision, that won''t work," Scarlett said as she stood up with a frown. "The materials we''re purchasing are already the best offer Hastings Group can give. And now, you''re demanding we pay double the original price?"


    "There''s no room for negotiation," the man replied, leaning both hands on the table with an air of superiority. "Your first batch of products sold well. Now that you''re producing the second and third batches, this is the price. Take it or leave it."


    Scarlett and I exchanged uneasy nces.


    "We need to speak with Mr. Schneider," I said, standing up. "A price adjustment like this isn''t something we can take your word for."


    "How is this just my word?" The man chuckled. "This decision was made after apany-wide discussion."


    A sudden price change-this was the first time we had encountered such a move.


    I decided to buy some time. "A major decision like this isn''t something we can authorize. If you want to raise the price, Mr. Schneider will have to negotiate with Mr. Hastings directly."


    "This offer is only valid for today," the man said while picking up the contract and preparing to leave. "If you don''t agree now, the price will change again tomorrow."


    I frowned as I watched his retreating figure. His way of speaking, his aggressive tactics... Something about him clicked in my mind.


    Lucas had spent years enduring hardship to finally secure a position in the Schneider family. This project with Hastings Group was a major deal for him, so he wouldn''t risk offending Alex so recklessly. But this man''s style was strikingly simr to Xéna and Henry.


    "When you say ''the person in charge,'' who are you referring to?"


    The man abruptly turned around, his re sharp. "Yourpany only acknowledges one person in charge."


    "How much does ourpany''s stance matter?" I spread my hands slightly. "There are many from the Schneider family in Schneider Group."


    "I-I was obviously referring to Mr. Lucas," he said, but there was an unmistakable hesitation in his voice.


    "Oh, really?" Avoiceced with anger came from outside. "Because I don''t recall ever approving a price increase on Hastings Group''s raw materials. And I certainly never


    authorized Xena to interfere with our dealings."


    ?


    The conference room doors slowly opened, and Alex walked in, followed by Lucas.


    "You''re working under Xena, yet you''ve taken it upon yourself to interfere with Hastings Group''s affairs, Lucas said firmly. "I''ll personally hold Xena ountable for this. And I assure you, my legal


    team will be dealing with you


    well."


    Alex stood beside him, frowning. "Mr. Schneider, Hastings Group is not your


    battleground for internal disputes. This can''t happen again."


    Lucas quickly nodded. "Mr. Hastings, this was an oversight."


    With that, Lucas took his people and left.


    I, on the other hand, headed straight to Alex''s office.