Chapter 70
Scarlett looked up sharply at his words.
A family matter?
If it was indeed a family matter, wouldn't Sebastian be more effective than her, his fiancée?
Scarlett prided herself on not being naive. She didn't fully understand what Sebastian was planning, but it was clear he didn't want to get involved in these matters.
Sebastian noticed her reaction but remained composed.
Their agreement was clear—Scarlett was naturally at a disadvantage. He didn't care what she figured out; she had to comply regardless of her feelings.
Scarlett took a sip of her freshly refilled coffee, trying to calm herself.
Sebastian's suggestion seemed like an option, but for her, it was more of an ultimatum.
The "Prosperous Age" project needed funding from the Black Group. Even if the project failed, it would just be a less impressive mark on Sebastian's record, nothing more.
Scarlett forced a smile. "I don't mind asking, but I need to know more about the situation. After all, I've only met Mr. King a few times."
Sebastian didn't doubt that.
He lazily twirled his phone. "There's not much to know. I don't have more information than you. We sent the documents, but there's been no feedback."
"But knowing Uncle Alexander, if there's no feedback, it likely means there's a problem," Sebastian warned. "This might be tricky. Be careful."
Scarlett nodded reluctantly, thinking to herself how hypocritical he was.
After their discussion, Scarlett bid Sebastian farewell.
Sebastian fiddled with his phone and sent her a contact card. "This is Uncle Alexander's secretary. If you need to schedule a meeting, you can contact him."
Scarlett glanced at it and quickly turned off the screen.
If Sebastian found out, how would she explain that she and Mike had already added each other as contacts?
Fortunately, Sebastian's attention was elsewhere.
Scarlett gave an awkward smile and quickly left his office.
As she stepped out of the elevator, Scarlett paused.
She was already at the Black Group.
If she had to meet Alexander, now would be the most efficient time.
But Scarlett hesitated.
She was frustrated with herself.
Even though she didn't want to admit it, she was subconsciously avoiding Alexander.
Meeting him now would be torture.
But the project's situation was urgent.
She tightened her grip on her bag, wondering if someone else could handle this for her.
Unfortunately, the best candidate was the person who had dumped this task on her.
Scarlett resigned herself to her fate.
She approached the front desk. "Hi, I'm Scarlett from SM. Is Mike available?"
The two receptionists exchanged glances.
Wasn't Sebastian in the building? Why would his fiancée need to ask the front desk to find someone?
Puzzled, the receptionist replied with a smile, "Ms. Collins, please wait a moment. I'll contact Mike."
Scarlett nodded and waited, feeling uneasy.
Mike arrived quickly.
He was puzzled, almost not believing it when the reception called to say Scarlett was looking for him.
They weren't strangers and even had each other's WhatsApp. It seemed odd.
Seeing Scarlett, Mike put on a polite smile. "Ms. Collins, you wanted to see me?"
Scarlett gathered herself and nodded. "Yeah, I... I wanted to ask if Mr. King is free now."
Her face showed a mix of emotions.
Mike's expression remained neutral. "I'll need to check. Please wait here."
He led Scarlett to a lounge area, instructed the receptionist to bring refreshments, and then took the elevator to confirm with Alexander.
If it were before... If Scarlett came to the Black Group to find him, Alexander would likely push aside even the most important matters.
But even though Mike knew Alexander's workload wasn't heavy today, he still had to follow protocol and confirm the time with him.
Alexander had just finished some paperwork and was looking out the window.
Hearing Mike's question, he hesitated but then steeled himself. "Tell her I'm busy."
"Understood."
After Mike left, Alexander returned to his desk and picked up a document.
He flipped through a few pages and then set it down.
Alexander told himself it wasn't the right time yet.
Scarlett kept her eyes on the elevator.
Her heart raced with anxiety.
When she saw Mike returning, she stood up immediately.
Mike maintained his polite smile. "I'm sorry, Ms. Collins. Mr. King has important documents to handle today and won't be able to meet with you."
The light in Scarlett's eyes dimmed, but she forced a smile. "Thank you, Mike. I'll head back then."
After saying goodbye to Mike, Scarlett quickly left.
The wind outside hit her face, bringing her back to reality.
She didn't have time to be upset.
As she planned her next steps in her mind, she hurried to her car.
Stuck in traffic during rush hour, Scarlett grew more agitated. Looking outside, she saw Jessica leaving the Black Group, looking very put together.
She was probably there to see Alexander.
Scarlett's heart tightened.
So that was why Alexander wouldn't see her.
Her breath quickened as if a giant hand was squeezing her heart. She tried to stay calm, but her emotions were in turmoil.
She opened the car window, letting the wind dry her tears.
Finally arriving at SM's parking lot, Scarlett leaned on the steering wheel, trying to pull herself together.
She felt pathetic—pushing Alexander away and then feeling devastated.
But now wasn't the time to indulge in emotions.
Despite her inner turmoil, Scarlett forced herself to focus. The "Prosperous Age" project couldn't wait.
She thought for a moment and then texted Mike: [Mike, is Mr. King available in the next few days? Could you help me schedule a meeting?]
After sending the message, she felt a bit relieved.
She scrolled through her contacts and opened her chat with Alexander. Their conversation was still at the initial friend request.
'Alexander.'
She whispered his name in her mind, feeling utterly exhausted.
Their relationship had changed now.
Even though Alexander said they were still friends, after such intense emotions, how could they just be friends?
Scarlett's finger lightly touched his profile picture.
They were maintaining a delicate balance. She couldn't bypass Mike to contact Alexander directly for work matters.
Just as she was about to put her phone away, Mike responded.
A simple message: [Sorry, Ms. Collins, Mr. King's schedule is full. He won't be able to meet with you.]