Chapter 2

Alexander continued, "Don't act all sweet. That girl was just pushed onto me by my stepmom, and honestly, she's nothing special. She's nowhere near as good as you.

"If you hadn't gotten all upset and insisted on breaking up, I wouldn't have had to pretend to like her."

I really didn't want to get into this with him. So I just set the proposal down on the desk.

"Mr. Hayes, here's the proposal you asked for," I said.

Alexander had signed off on this proposal just last week. Now, he didn't even glance at it.

"This isn't good enough. Do it over," Alexander said.

"I'll go over it with my team and make sure we deliver something you'll be happy with," I replied.

"Come see me the day after tomorrow with your update," Alexander said.

I paused, feeling a bit resigned, then nodded. "Alright, it's your call."

Alexander smiled. "There's a dinner tonight. Will you accompany me?"

"Is it a proper business dinner?" I couldn't help but ask.

If it was just a gathering with his buddies, I could just skip it.

Alexander shook his head. "Don't worry, it's work-related. Since you were the one who called it quits between us."

It really was business. It was a high-society event, the kind only the rich and powerful attended.

I wore the expensive gown Alexander had given me, held a glass of wine, and honestly, I couldn't help feeling bored.

Because of Alexander, I had to put off the blind dates my mom had planned for me.

My mom wasn't too happy about it.

I was 28 now, and she wasn't really pushing me to get married. She just wanted to see me dating someone, at least.

I'd seen pictures of all the guys my mom wanted to set me up with. They were either rich or good-looking.

My gaze drifted across the room.

Alexander was dressed in a sharp suit that hugged his trim waist, which tapered down to strong, sculpted legs, like he'd stepped straight out of a fashion magazine.

Of course, none of them even came close to Alexander in the looks department.

There was a time when I used to wish Alexander would actually care about me for real.

He'd take me to all kinds of business dinners, letting me meet his business friends and contacts.

When people asked about me, Alexander would just say, "She's the new lawyer at the company. I brought her along to show her the ropes."

I couldn't help but pout. "Alexander, we're together, aren't we? Why can't you just tell them I'm your girlfriend?"

Alexander looked at me with a boyish gaze. "Charlotte, I never make my relationships public."

"But we've already…" I started.

Alexander shot back, "This is all mutual, so don't tell me you can't play this game.

"If you can't handle it, then let's just call it quits."

What a playboy. As if a guy like him would ever turn over a new leaf.

Right then, I got competitive and decided to challenge him. "You're right, Alexander.

"If I wanted someone like you, I'd have to shell out a small fortune for a high-end male model. What can't I handle?"

Honestly, my career skyrocketed. I rose above all the other interns and made a name for myself in no time.

I was pretty capable, too. But without Alexander backing me, I'd be nothing.

Alexander said, "Don't overthink it. It's better for both of us."

At some point, I had to admit he was right.

My view of Alexander was suddenly blocked. A familiar face approached me.

"Charlotte, long time no see," he greeted me.

I clinked my glass with him. "Mr. Herrera."

Ronald's smile was warm and inviting. "Last time at that meeting, you really held your own against everyone, even left my top lawyer at a loss for words. That was impressive."

"You're too kind, Mr. Herrera," I replied.

Ronald didn't beat around the bush. "Charlotte, I'm interested in bringing you over to Herrera Group. Name your price. I'll give you your own office and a top-notch team."

I politely turned him down, saying I wasn't really thinking about switching jobs right now.

After all, I'd finally started to get somewhere in my current company.

No telling what kind of shark tank I'd be throwing myself into if I jumped ship.

Ronald flashed a playful smile. "So, am I just not as attractive as Alexander? Not your type?"

I looked him up and down.

Ronald was younger than Alexander, tall, and had a really impressive build. Honestly, he was a catch.

"Mr. Herrera, isn't it a bit inappropriate to try and poach her right in front of me?" Alexander parted the crowd and came to stand right beside me.

Ronald flashed a playful smile. "Great talent is hard to find. Can you really blame me for wanting the best?"

Alexander laughed. "Mr. Herrera, you sure know quality when you see it. Anyone working for me is top-tier, naturally."

The elevator was going up.