Alexandra had been looking forward to this business meeting for days. Inside, she bowed respectfully to his father, Seo Dae-Hyun, a man whose presence commanded the attention of everyone around him. Sharp but traditional. Everything about him screamed prestigious. Elite.

His lips curved into a pleasant smile, “It is such an honor Miss Astor. I haven’t seen your father since our last business deal.” 

The chairman continued, “You take after him you know? You may not remember me but we met a few times long ago when you were a small child. It's lovely to see you again.”

“Likewise, Chairman Seo. My father speaks highly of your expertise. LUNSEO seems to be doing well in the luxury industry. I’ve prepared some reports on expected numbers if you were to sign a deal with us at Astor Wear,” she said.

Dae-Hyun chuckled, “Ah, she must have done her research. Just like her father.”

Her father was well known for his in depth analysis and research skills. His knack for numbers was almost legendary. He was never wrong when it came to his predictions on the success or failure of a product or company. This was the reason Astor Tech Industries stood as a giant in the industry. She had learned well.

“Thank you,” she responded. “I figured I should show you just how serious I am about this partnership.”

He nodded, flipping through the pages she handed him. The sound of paper rustling seemed to echo off the sleek glass walls of the office. 

“Ambitious and prepared. I like that. Tell me Miss Astor, what is your vision for this collaboration?”

Determined, she said, “Astor Wear and LUNSEO both stand for quality and exclusivity. Together, we could redefine luxury fashion on a global scale. With your company’s reach in Asia and ours in Europe and North America, I see us setting trends that others will only follow.”

The chairman’s gaze was steady, assessing every word. This was the first time in a long time that someone piqued his interest. She was not only impressive but more knowledgeable than most her age.   

I wonder if I can poach her to help with other business ventures in our company? Dae-Hyu thought. He wanted her insights on a few other companies that set their sights on LUNSEO.

Throughout their conversation, Alexandra remained poised and effortlessly polite, her words carefully measured but warm. She noticed it then. The way Seo watched her. 

Why is he staring at me like that? 

His father noticed it too. Dae-Hyun’s eyes darkened slightly, and his tone lowered just for his son. 

“I know that look.”

Seo’s face remained neutral, but Alexandra felt a shift in the room.

His father’s voice remained calm, but the warning was clear. “We are in talks for you to be engaged already, so please refrain from doing anything that brings dishonor to our family.”

She overheard the word engaged. Her stomach dropped. 

Engaged?

Dae-Hyun turned his gaze back to Alexandra, smiling like nothing had just been said.

***

Seo stood from the table first. Alexandra followed suit, her movements composed despite the chaos brewing inside her. Her heels clicked softly against the marble floor as they exited the dining room, the silence between them unbearable.

Dae-Hyun trailed behind them with unhurried grace. Nothing seemed to phase him. Once they reached the corridor just outside the dining area, they paused. 

“She would be a wonderful asset with her charms and knowledge,” he whispered to Seo. 

He clasped behind his back as he turned to leave. Before disappearing down the hall, his voice dropped to a firm, measured tone—directed only at his son. 

“See her out and be polite. We need them on our side for future business arrangements.”

His jaw tightened, but he said nothing. He knew better than to talk back to his father. 

Tension grew between the two as they walked silently to the car. The sound of their footsteps was the only thing that filled the space between them.

Seo broke the silence first.

“Seems my father likes you.” 

“Does he? It’s kind of hard to tell.”

“Trust me he does. Not sure how you do it when you’re so… unlikable,” he glanced at her with an almost amused smirk.

“Listen, Mr. Seo—,” she started.

His brow arched slightly as he leaned in waiting for what she would say next.

She tilted her head, and reached into her bag. 

Is she throwing in the white flag and wanting a truce? 

“I think we may have gotten off on the wrong foot. I let my pettiness get in the way, so forgive me. I’m not one to hold a grudge Seo,” she said, handing him a wooden box.

She stopped just before stepping into the car, “I’d love it if we started over Mr. Seo Jung jin.”

He said nothing, simply watching her, unreadable as ever. Alexandra took a step closer, her voice quieter. The smell of her perfume filled the short distance between them.

“You might even find…” she whispered in his ear, “It’s better to be my friend rather than my enemy.”

Then, with a soft, dangerous smile, she disappeared into the car. The door closed behind her with Matteo waiting inside. She hoped he couldn’t read her. 

Engaged?

As she drove off, he opened the box and found an extremely rare bottle of soju. It was a brand that was difficult to get a hold of. Engraved on the glass read his name, “Seo Jung jin”.

Aged 30 years! Wow! 

The card read: “I look forward to the rise of LUNSEO and Astor Tech Industries.”  -A.A.”

He was surprised by the effort she put into this. Maybe she did want to make amends after all.