Chapter 41
"Sir, the next company on the agenda is the STH Company. Should I call them in?”
Alexander Kane leaned back in his chair, his gaze cold and calculating."No," he said after a pause, his tone sharp."Call in GLX instead."
Lilly Blake, seated nearby, glanced up at Alexander, startled by his abrupt decision. His expression revealed nothing of his thoughts, leaving her in the dark about what he was planning.
In a waiting room down the hall, Albert Lee and his team were caught off guard by the sudden summons. Confusion flickered across Albert's face.They had been told they were last on the schedule. Why the sudden change? Dismissing his unease, Albert gathered his team and strode confidently toward the meeting room.
As the heavy doors swung open, the atmosphere inside was instantly stifling. Albert scanned the room, his professional smile faltering as his eyes landed on Alexander Kane, seated at the head of the table with an air of undisputed authority. Beside him sat Lilly, posed and unreadable.
Albert's stomach churned. Seeing Lilly there was a shock. The last time they had spoken, she had been somneone entirely different-or so he had thought. Discovering her identity as the sole heir of the Blake empire through the media had left him reeling. If only he'd known the truth back then, he wouldn't have severed their ties so easily. Suppressing his emotions, Albert introduced himself and his company,outlining their eagerness to collaborate with Kane Corporation. His words flowed smoothly, but his confidence wavered under Alexander's piercing stare. When the presentation ended. Albert turned to Alexander for feedlback,only for the man to shift his gaze to Lilly. “What do you think?”Alexander asked, his tone deceptively calm.
Albert stiffened, his confusion deepening.Was Lilly the decision-maker here?
"In today's meeting," Alexander said, his voice cutting through the tension like a blade, "my wife will be evaluating and decidling on your project."
The words struck Albert like a blow.*Mywife.* The phrase echoed in his mind, leaving a bitter taste. He masked his discomfort,nodding respectfully.“Understood.”
Lilly's heart racedat Alexander's deliberate acknowledgment of her. Was this for Albert's benefit, or was there something deeper at play? She forced a polite smile, her gaze briefly meeting Albert's before shiftingto Alexander,whose icy stare sent shivers down her spine.
Maintaining her composure, Lilly addressed Albert.“Your presentation was well-prepared, and I've reviewed your project proposal. It's a commendable effort."
Albert's relief was short-lived as Lilly continued. “However, there's a critical issue that needs to be addressed.”
Albert leaned forward, his unease returning."What issue?" Lilly pointed to a section in the document. "Your cost and land calculations for the resort in the east are inaccurate. The proposed budget and space allocation are insufficient to meet the project's needs." Albert frowned, quickly reviewing the section. The errors were glaring.How had they missed this? "You're right," he admitted reluctantly.“What do you suggest?"
"Find a different location and revise your calculations." Lilly said evenly.
Albert hesitated. “Does this mean we'll have another chance to present?"
Before Lilly could respond, Alexander interjected, his tone frigid.“That won't be necessary."
The room fell silent, the weight of Alexander's words sinking in.
“Mr. Albert Lee.” Alexander said, his voice devoid of emotion,“Kane Corporation will not be partnering with your company. You have ten minutes to vacate the premises."
Albert's jaw tightened in disbelief.“But-”
Alexander stood abruptly, his chair scraping against the floor as he exited the room, leaving no room for negotiation. James, his assistant, followed in his wake.
Lilly hurried after them, her heels clicking against the polished floor.She caught up to James. “Where is he going?”
"His office," James replied, his expression unreadable.
Inside his office, Alexander issued swift orders.“Cancel the remaining meetings. Return their project plans and inform them we're not moving forward.”
James hesitated. “But sir, they're already-"
Alexander's glare silenced him."And one more thing. Ensure no company partners with GLX." James stared at him, stunned. Alexander wasn't just rejecting Albert; he was dismantling his business. Was this about Lilly's past with Albert?
"You're still here?" Alexander's sharp tone jolted James.
"Right away, sir." James said, retreating quickly.
In the hallway, he crossed paths with Lilly. "Is he inside?"she asked.
James nodded."Yes,ma'am."
Lilly stepped into the office, her expression stormy. Twenty minutes later.she emerged, her frustration palpable. She headed to the ground floor,her pace brisk.
As she reached the curb to hail a taxi, a sleek black car pulled up beside her. The tinted window rolled down,revealing a familiar face.
"Mr. Victor?"she asked, surprised.
"Your grandfather requests your presence." he said smoothly.
“For what reason?”
“You'll find out soon enough," Victor replied.
Lilly hesitated, glancing back at the towering building before clmbing into the car. Meanwhile, Alexander stood on the rooftop, the wind whipping around him. His eyes scanned the city below as his mind raced. Unable to find her,he checked the security footage, his expression darkening as he watched her leave in the black car. A storm of emotions surged within him. Memories long buried resurfaced, and a chilling thought crossed his mind. Was history repeating itself?