Haneul Seoul was an upscale but cozy spot, one Young-Hana personally knew the owner and chef of. The ambiance was warm, filled with the aroma of sizzling meats and delicate spices.

Entering into the restaurant was an experience in itself. As they settled into their private booth, the waiter approached with a bottle of premium soju, pouring glasses for the table.

Alexandra held up a hand, and shook her head, "Oh, thank you so much but I don’t really drink."

Amusement spread across Seo’s face. 

"Ah, of course not. Wouldn’t you want to lose that perfectly polished executive persona, now would we?"

Ignore him…

She said nonchalantly,  "No, I just prefer not to make impulsive decisions that I’ll regret later. Unlike some people."

How can he be the heir to LUNSEO?

Not only were they a massive influence in the fashion industry, paving the way for the newest luxury clothing, jewelry and high class watches but they also owned several restaurants and nightclubs around the city. 

This very man that was acting immature and bitter in front of her. 

Jung-jin let out a short laugh, "Smart. A little boring, but smart."

He kept egging her on, hoping to get a rise out of her.

"Oh, don't worry Lexi, I’ll make sure that he and I have enough drinks for the three of us," Hana chimed in. 

"Yeah, Lexi, leave it to us to cause all the trouble tonight. You can just sit back and enjoy the show."

He leaned back in his seat, looking far too pleased with himself.

Alexandra set her glass down gently, but Hana could tell that he had gotten under her skin. 

"It’s not Lexi to you. That's Alexandra Astor or Miss Astor. We aren’t on friendly terms."

“Is that the way you treat a potential business partner?” he scoffed. 

"I treat my business partners with respect, Mr. Seo," Alexandra replied coolly, her gaze unwavering. “I don’t know if I can say the same for you.”

Hana could feel the tension between the two as she watched the scene before her unfold. She knew both of them well enough to understand that this banter was just the beginning of a power struggle. Both of them being hard headed and never knowing when to back down. Each word between them was laced with an underlying challenge.

Seo's eyes flickered at her response. Was it anger or surprise? He composed himself before he continued.  

"Fair enough, Miss Astor. However, business doesn't always have to be so serious. Sometimes it's about building relationships too."

"Well, then, Mr. Seo, perhaps you could start with your punctuality," Alexandra countered smoothly.

She’s quite witty. Seo chuckled, a glint of admiration in his eyes as he raised his glass in a mock salute. "Touché, Miss Astor. Tu m'as eu là,” he laughed in french, twirling his drink in the cup. 

(Means: You got me there)

“Tu dois améliorer ton jeu,” she replied, without missing a beat.

(“You need to step your game up”)

Jung-jin blinked, mildly impressed, “You speak French?”

“Among other things,” she said with a graceful shrug, her gaze never leaving Seo. “On n’est jamais trop préparé lorsqu’on a affaire à des personnes difficiles.”

(“One can never be too prepared when dealing with difficult people.”)

Hana could practically see the gears turning in Seo's mind as he strategized his next move. He was the person who was always a step ahead. Little did he know, Alexandra was no pushover either. She found herself caught in the middle of a battle of their wit. 

Who will turn out on top of this one? 

Seo was amused by the banter with Alexandra, clearly enjoying the challenge. 

“Moi? Es-tu sûr de parler de la bonne personne?”

(“Me? Are you sure you're talking about the right person?”)

Alexandra leaned forward slightly, resting her chin on her hand. “Non, on dirait que tu n'es qu'un enfant qui fait des bêtises.”

(“No seems you're just a child acting out.”)

Caught off guard, Hana choked on her drink.

“Bravo Lexi,” Hana said, wiping some of her drink off of her chin. 

Seo’s laugh but not jusgt any laugh. This laugh shook his body causing him to hold his chest with his hand. 

“That might be the most elegant insult I’ve ever received.”

Alexandra gave her sweet smile, “Mon objectif est d'impressionner.”

(“I aim to impress.”)

Before Seo could retort, the restaurant’s sliding door opened, and a figure stepped inside.

Who is that? She thought, eyeing the handsome man that walked in.