Chapter 268

Chapter 268

Across from Alexander, the Director of Business Development's face had gone ashen, a fine sheen of cold sweat breaking out across his forehead.

"Mr. Forbes, there's nothing we can do."

"The client says they won't consider anyone except Zenith Enterprises Group."

The director kept his head down, his voice growing softer and softer until it was nearly inaudible.

Sabrina, who had been standing nearby, quickly stepped forward and picked up the scattered documents, placing them back in front of Alexander. "Alexander, you really can't blame them."

"It's all Landon's doing. He's been working behind the scenes, and that's why our longtime clients are defecting to Zenith Enterprises Group one after another."

At Sabrina's words, Alexander's expression softened slightly, though he still pinched the bridge of his nose, clearly troubled.

Seizing the opportunity, Sabrina shot the director a meaningful look. "You can go now. Alexander and I have matters to discuss."

The director retreated gratefully.

Only then did Sabrina move behind Alexander, reaching out to gently massage his shoulders.

"Alexander, is the pressure okay?"

Eyes closed, Alexander murmured softly, "It's fine."

Feeling Alexander gradually relax, Sabrina leaned forward to glance at the documents spread across the desk, testing the waters. "This is all my fault. Now the Forbes Group can't even hold its anniversary gala."

But just then, Alexander's eyes snapped open, a dark gleam flashing in their depths. "Hold it? Why wouldn't we hold it? In fact, I'm going to make it bigger than ever."

Sabrina stopped, startled. "Alexander, didn't you just say we weren't doing it?"

Alexander stood and turned to face her, his gaze intense. "I've thought it through. The more low-key we are, the more we back down, the more Landon will think we're afraid of him."

"So the gala must happen."

A sharp glint quickly crossed Sabrina's eyes. "People outside are already starting to spread rumors that Nova isn't planning to renew with the Forbes Group."

"When the gala comes, we'll have Nova slap those gossips right in the face!"

Though Sabrina had always wanted to replace Nova's position at the Forbes Group—and had used every means necessary to do so—the competition's failure had taught her that things couldn't be rushed. She had to take her time.

So the Forbes Group anniversary gala had to be spectacular!

Show Nova the Forbes Group's prestige and how much they valued her. That way, she would definitely renew her contract.

At this thought, a subtle, confident smile curved Sabrina's lips.

Almost simultaneously, Nicholas emerged from Zenith Enterprises Group, his face etched with disappointment.

He had specifically come to find Charlotte, hoping to persuade her to return with him to Aurora College to study and elevate her future career to new heights.

But Charlotte had refused without hesitation.

Her decisiveness had even shocked Keith, who had been sitting with them.

After all, for any other designer, becoming a student of the internationally renowned Nicholas would be both an incredibly rare opportunity and a launching pad to legendary status in the design world!

Yet Charlotte had refused without a moment's hesitation.

Keith kept sighing regretfully while secretly giving Charlotte meaningful looks, trying to get her to reconsider.

But Charlotte remained unmoved.

In the end, Nicholas could only take his leave, disappointed, with Keith accompanying him back to the Design Association.

In the car, he was lamenting to Keith that Charlotte was the second person after Nova to refuse to become his student.

Just then, his phone rang.

Seeing it was Alexander calling, Nicholas hesitated before finally answering.

Alexander's voice came through. "Mr. Lewis, I'd like to extend a sincere invitation for you to stay and attend our Forbes Group anniversary gala the day after tomorrow. Would you do us the honor?"

An anniversary gala didn't sound particularly interesting.

Nicholas was about to decline when Alexander's next words piqued his interest. "Nova will also be attending our celebration."

Nova?

Hearing that the person who had occupied his thoughts for years would be there, Nicholas agreed without hesitation.

"Wonderful. I'll definitely be there."

When Charlotte received news that the Forbes Group was holding its anniversary gala, she had just finished a phone call with Declan.

She smiled at Jenna across from her. "What a coincidence—the Forbes Group's anniversary gala is scheduled for the same time as the welcome dinner I'm throwing for Declan and the others."

Charlotte's expression was full of meaning. "It would be even more interesting if it's at the same hotel."

Normally, Jenna would definitely seize the opportunity to mock Alexander and Sabrina, but in fact, she only smiled—a rather perfunctory smile at that.

As her best friend, Charlotte quickly noticed something was off.

"Jenna, is something bothering you? Oh, and last time when you went to the hospital for that checkup and said everything was fine—was that actually true?"

"If something's really wrong, just tell me. I'll definitely help you."

Jenna was touched but still hesitant to speak. "It's really nothing. It's just that Lucas has been incredibly annoying lately."

Charlotte's eyes lit up immediately. "Is he pursuing you?"

Jenna's face showed irritation. "Who knows what's gotten into him? Anyway, I get annoyed just seeing him."

Charlotte rarely indulged her curiosity. "So you abandoned your shop and came here just to avoid him?"

Jenna pursed her lips disdainfully. "Pretty much."

Charlotte recalled Lucas's behavior at the celebration banquet that day, looking thoughtful. "Maybe he really has changed his ways and genuinely has feelings for you?"

Jenna shuddered with visible disgust. "Forget it."

Charlotte smiled helplessly. "Then come with me to the welcome dinner for Declan and the others."

Jenna's expression brightened. "Sure, I'll definitely be there."

Time flew by, and soon came the day Declan and the others were returning to River City.

Charlotte picked up Jenna, and after both carefully getting ready, they headed straight to the venue for the welcome dinner—Grand Vista Hotel.

By sheer coincidence, she ran into Keith the moment she stepped out of the car.

Keith was extremely fond of Charlotte, and without regard for propriety, he immediately approached her. "Charlotte? If I'd known you were coming too, I would have come with you."

Because of Charlotte, Keith had plenty of grievances against Alexander and had originally planned not to attend the Forbes Group anniversary gala. But Maurice had issued an order that everyone from the association must attend, so he had no choice but to go with the flow.

Realizing Keith had mistaken her for also attending the Forbes Group anniversary gala, Charlotte said nothing, simply pulling Jenna along as they walked into the hotel with Keith.

The moment she stepped into Grand Vista Hotel, a faint smile curved Charlotte's lips.

'Alexander, Sabrina, are you ready for your surprise?' she thought.