"Then why didn''t you agree?" asked L.


    At that, I sobbed harder. "L, I-I can''t say that. Alex and I are from two different worlds. Even Mr. Hastings Senior can''t ept it, let alone my mom. My mom knows the Hastings family''s difficulties, and Alex is more outstanding than his father. That''s why I can''t agree." I wiped the tears off my face.


    L let out a heavy sigh. "The world of adults is soplicated."


    I was awakened by L the next morning. "Serena! Serena, wake up already."


    "What''s wrong?" I asked, opening my eyes blearily. I cried so hardst night that my eyes ached and my eyelids swollen.


    L handed me her phone. "Look, there''s news all over the inte about Alex being arrested by the police. Hastings Group''s stock price has fallen terribly. Those who bought the shares in the past are demanding their money on the inte."


    I shot up from bed and started getting changed. "L, I have to go to the office. I''m afraid you''ll need to be home alone today."


    Alex was not in the office by the time I arrived. Oliver looked calm as he assured me, "You don''t need to worry about this. As long as Mr. Hastings holds a press conference, public opinion will settle. We''ll also release some official statements from the police. It''ll be fine."


    "But the stock price..."


    Oliver sighed. "Oh, the stock price. It''s normal for it to fluctuate. Oh, well. We can only wait for it to recover. There''s nothing else we can do."


    I nodded. Just then, Alex entered from the outside dressed in a custom-made suit that fit him perfectly and entuated his refined demeanor. It was as if nothing happenedst night Come in you two."


    Oliver entered Alex''s office without hesitation. On the other hand, I hesitated.


    Just as Oliver was about to shut the door, he realized I was still standing outside. Frowning, he asked, "Serena, aren''t youing in?"


    I knitted my brows in confusion. "Is it appropriate for me to go in? I''m just an ordinary employee from the R&D department anyway."


    Suddenly, Alex asked, "Then what are you doing here? Since you''ve taken up a leadership role, then you must carry out the responsibilities."


    Looking up at me, Alex warned, "Don''t bring your personal matters to work, and stop thinking you''re an ordinary employee from the R&D department."


    I was bewildered for being suddenly reprimanded by Alex. However, Oliver quickly pulled me into Alex''s office.


    "Oliver, get someone to empty the office next door for Ms. Ashfordter. She''s in charge of the R&D department in the future," ordered Alex.


    Before I could refuse, Oliver responded, "Got it, Mr. Hastings."


    Alex continued, "I want to hold a press conference to let the public know that wasn''t arrested. The first thing we need to do is to stabilize the situation. As for those who tendered their resignation, approve and review them as per our normal process."


    All Oliver did was nod like an emotionless robot. After Alex gave out a long list of


    orders, he waved dismissively. "Alright. You two may leave."


    When Oliver


    and I were out of Alex''s office, I said to him with a frown, "I was appointed to the role in a time of crisis. Now that Mr. Hastings is back, should back down, right? How could you ept the position for me?"