Chapter 135

Alexander

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I couldn’t help but laugh, the sound echoing in the break room. “You can’t beat me, James. You never could.”

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His eyes narrowed slightly, but his smile remained fixed. “Not yet. But one day, Alexander. One day I will.”

The casual observer might have seen friendly banter between business rivals, but I knew better. Our competition had begun years ago in college, and what had started as a friendly rivalry had morphed into something far more complex.

“Why don’t we get back to the meeting?” I suggested, turning

toward the door.

“Wait,” James said, his voice suddenly less confident. “I’ve been meaning to ask you something. Why wasn’t I invited to your wedding?”

I paused, genuinely surprised by the question. “My wedding?”

“Yes, your wedding,” he repeated, his tone casual but eyes watchful. “Was it intentional, or did you just forget about your old friend?”

I hadn’t given it a second thought. With the rushed timeline and everything else happening, James hadn’t even crossed my mind.

“It wasn’t intentional,” I replied smoothly. “Everything happened quickly. Small ceremony, family only.” I paused, then added, “We should do dinner sometime. You and me. Catch up properly.”

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James nodded, seeming satisfied with my answer. “I’ll look forward to that.” He took a sip of his coffee. “I saw the photos, by the way. Your wife is absolutely beautiful.”

“Thank you,” I said, feeling a strange surge of pride at his words.

“Actually, that’s what made me curious,” he continued, watching me carefully. “What possessed Alexander Carter to marry someone… normal? Instead of the rich, sexy socialites you usually date.” He raised his hands defensively. “Not saying Olivia isn’t sexy, but she’s not exactly from our world, is she?”

Something hot and dangerous flared inside me. The way he spoke about Olivia, analyzing her like a business acquisition that didn’t meet specifications, made my jaw clench.

wealth or beauty or social standing,” I said quietly. “Some things in life can’t

a wide smile. “Alright, alright.

poked his head into the break room. “Gentlemen?

the boardroom, the negotiations intensified. James presented detailed projections for Meridian’s growth under Westbrook Financial, while I countered with

to his charts. “Five years of guaranteed

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out. “The fine print says ‘current

shrugged. “Standard

fair point. Job

see James recalculating, eyes darting to his legal counsel, who whispered something

can amend that clause,” James conceded. “Current salary levels,

nodded appreciatively but

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went back and forth, each trying to outmaneuver the other. Every time James thought he had the upper hand, I countered with a better offer

to us,” Edwin said, returning to a point

name would continue as

lit up. “With what

me as CEO, with

“We’re offering complete autonomy as

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Chapter 135

subsidiary.”

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reduced resources,” I countered. “Carter Enterprises can provide

weighing his options. “And

Meridian Division,” I said without hesitation. “Elaine would join our

up straighter.

clearly sensing the momentum shifting away from him. “Westbrook can match

reserves. This acquisition alone would stretch those resources thin.

to James. “Is that accurate, Mr.

composure, but I could see the slight twitch in his jaw. “We

for

in the room shifted perceptibly. Edwin exchanged glances

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