"When you return to the office, get Mr. Hoover to take care of Serena''s ount. We''ll announce her identity in public during the annual meeting," said Mr. Hastings Senior while eating.


    "What identity?" Alex looked at Mr. Hastings Senior in confusion and then shifted his gaze to me.


    However, I kept my head low and focused on eating.


    "Serena did well this time. She''s capable of taking care of things on her own now. Technically, I''ve found you a helper. I''m going to announce that she''s my daughter," said Mr. Hastings Senior, scrutinizing Alex.


    "No," objected Alex after a long silence. I lost my appetite and gripped my cutlery, still afraid to lift my head.


    Mr. Hastings Senior stared at Alex in confusion. "Why? Serena has suffered for the past few years. Once I announce her identity, she can help you manage thepany rightfully. Are you nning to make her an insignificant employee for the rest of her life?"


    Alex lowered his gaze at me, and I could feel the heat from his gaze. "I can let her manage thepany rightfully without revealing her identity. That''s because I like her."


    Mr. Hastings Senior and I were shocked. Especially Mr. Hastings Senior, whose eyes were wide with shock as they darted between me and Alex.


    Three pairs of eyes stared at us, each filled with different emotions like anger and confusion. Alex stared back at them as he repeated firmly, "You can''t


    acknowledge Serena as your daughter."


    Mr. Hastings Senior gazed at Alex for a long time before letting out a scoff. "It has to be like that, and there''s no room for negotiation. Serena has agreed to it."


    Alex lowered his gaze at me in perplexity. The moment I met his gaze, I almost lost myposure. However, I gritted my teeth and smiled at him. "Mr. Hastings Senior told me about it."


    Alex''s tone was frosty when he said, "And you didn''t object?"


    Gritting my teeth, I nodded.


    Suddenly, Alex pulled me up from my seat, causing Mr. Hastings Senior and Mom to rush forward anxiously. "Where are you taking her?"


    "Home." Alex sounded distant and disappointed. He turned around to look at Mr. Hastings Senior


    Mom. "To prepare or


    work."


    With that, I left with Alex without saying anything. Throughout the journey, Alex did


    not say anything, so I kept silent.


    Alex brought me to his house. In the past, I


    it


    That day, however, I could only obey


    32ould definitely object to i


    . "I''ll take a shower fin obey


    "Wait," said Alex, stretching out an arm to block my path.


    Hanging my head, I returned to the couch and took a seat.


    "When did it happen?"


    "It was... when we went back to your parent''s ce," I answered.


    Alex shouted furiously, "How could you not tell me about such a serious matter? Serena, you''ve gotten bolder now, huh?"


    I could not help but cower when Alex


    suddenly raised his voice. Even my voice sounded aggrieved when said I-I thought Mr. Hastings Senior would tell you about it."


    Alex scoffed. "Tell me about it? He''d prefer to keep me in the dark forever."