"I have a bit of a habit," Ana began, a sly smile ying on her lips. "I like to know everything that happens around me. Naturally, I got curious about the royal family—tempted to uncover the kind of secrets they’ve been keeping from the public.


    With a little cash exchanged in the right hands—don’t expect me to name names—I got exactly what I wanted. Now, I’m offering that secret to you—for a 10% cut of this business."


    Her tone was casual, but the glint in her eyes revealed just how calcted her move was.


    Bruce couldn’t help but beware of the way she spoke as if she was out to get their secret as well since it was some sort of hobby she had.


    "10% is a considerable amount. I thought ady of your caliber will be requesting 20% of everything we’ve got," Xander said with a teasing tone. Anastasia’s expression was as stoic as a rock which made the situation slightly awkward.


    Anastasia expected them to have a battle with the profit she was expecting, but they seemed to be cool with it.


    Everything seemed to have fallen in ce, but Anastasia knew too well to assume such a thing because it was still too early. Surprisingly, her hands weren’t trembling in fright as they studied her, wondering if she was worth trusting.


    "I have one more question I need to ask you," Julian suddenly said. She turned to look at him with a small smile on her lips, already predicting the words that were going toe out of his mouth. "Yes, you do have the money and connection, but why didn’t you just start your very own sex trafficking organization?" He asked.


    Anastasia’s eyes narrowed ever so slightly, her grin widening as she leaned forward, the edges of her lips curling with calcted amusement.


    "Starting a business like this, even with the best associates, is a gamble," she said, her voice smooth yet edged with caution. "Especially with a certain X snooping around, slipping into every possible hideout like a shadow we can’t shake."


    Ana’s knowledge of X came solely from Julian, who had confided in her about the mysterious figure’s relentless efforts. She couldn’t suppress the swell of pride she felt for her husband, knowing he had risked so much to rescue girls abducted and sold by the very people now seated across from her. Her smile remainedposed, but beneath it burned a quiet satisfaction.


    Both she and Julian had already practiced the questions that could arise from this meeting and Anastasia was nailing all of them. The question Julian had just asked her was also expected, and she was d she’d answered it without her voice trembling or anything.


    "Xander has a lot of connections and has never been caught by X before, so I figured he would be the best person to partner with for such a business." She concluded.


    "That’s not a lie at all," Xander said, impressed by thepliment given to him. Samantha gave him a look but still didn’t say anything. She let her eyes do the talking. "And so, it’s decided, you’re wee to my team, Miss. Reyez, I’ll print out an official document that we can both sign and quickly begin our work rtionship," he added.


    At first, Anastasia was shocked by the announcement. She’d thought they would disperse after giving her a date on when they would be back with their final decision, but he’d just tantly spewed he was okay doing business with her just like that, with no further discussion taken.


    Anastasia noticed that Bruce seemed to be shocked by Xander’s decision. Samantha was too because thetter was openly ring at Xander as if he’dpletely lost his mind.


    "Don’t you think we need to discuss this first? It’s still too early to use—" Samantha didn’t get the chance toplete her sentence when she suddenly got interrupted.


    "This is good for our business. Expanding this business to Regalith city will not only bring us more clients but also more money," Bruce cut her off with a tone so sharp it would have cut off a few strands of her hair if care wasn’t taken.


    It was a shock to Anastasia because she’d assumed since they were father and daughter, they must share a warm bond. However, with what she’d just witnessed, it was obvious she was wrong.


    There was this unknown tension between them that made Anastasia smile faintly.


    "There’s nothing there to think about there. This is good for our organization."


    Anastasia had thought that Bruce would be the one to give her more trouble, but he turned out to be the one defending her.


    "So, it’s decided, Jennifer Reyez will be a part of us soon," said Xander.