ALINA’S POV.

    “What the hell are you doing here, Louis?”

    “Good to see you again, Alina.” Louis responded with that annoying grin of his, not caring one bit about my tone.

    “You didn’t answer my question.” I fired again, arms folded tightly across my chest.

    I would’ve thought he was wise enough to figure out that after the coffee we had, I wanted nothing to do with him. Lucian had made that clear, at least. So what the hell is he doing showing up at my workce?

    “Ma’am, this is the investor,” Mia said, confusion etched all over her face as her eyes flickered between Louis and me.

    “I thought you said the investor was a Mr. Greyson?” I red at her, my brows pulled tight.

    “Yes, ma’am…” Her confusion now mixed with a hint of fear. !--

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    “Ah, let me re-introduce myself, Louis Greyson.” Louis said, stretching out his hand with his practiced smile.

    I red at his hand before turning sharply to Mia. “Outside. Now.”

    I marched out of my office, heels clicking furiously against the floor, with Mia hurrying after me.

    “Did I do something wrong, ma’am?” She asked anxiously once we got to the break room.

    “So this is who you chose over Mr. Peters?” I asked in disbelief. “Do you know what you’ve done?”

    “I’m sorry, ma’am. I didn’t know he was someone you didn’t want to associate yourself with.” She said, eyes glistening with tears as her lips trembled.

    I paused, guilt crashing into me in waves.

    It wasn’t exactly her fault. I didn’t even know Louis’st name was Greyson, or I might’ve suspected.

    “I’m sorry for yelling, Mia. Please don’t cry.” I said softly, guiding her to a chair and helping her sit down.

    “Am I fired?” She asked, sniffling as she wiped her eyes with her sleeve.

    “Of course not.” I was appalled at the question. “You’re not fired, Mia. And I apologize for making this seem like your fault. You couldn’t have known.”

    I poured her a ss of water and handed it to her.

    “Thank you.” She whispered, taking the ss and emptying it in one huge gulp.

    My mind began to work overtime as I tried to process the situation and how to handle it without it causing any problems fo

    Alinova.

    “Are you okay now?” I asked gently.

    “Yes, ma’am.” She nodded, a little moreposed now.

    “Tell me, what’s the penalty for breach of contract?” I asked, rubbing my temples in frustration.

    Since I’d left all the paperwork to her, I genuinely had no idea.

    “In the event of breach of contract by one party, the breaching party shall be obligated to pay damages in the amount of five times the total investment.” She informed me, wincing slightly,

    Shit! That’s a whole lot of money.

    “Damn.” 1 muttered under my breath. “Is there any loophole?” I asked, though I already had a feeling I wouldn’t like the

    answer.

    “There isn’t, ma’am.” She shook her head regretfully. “I made sure the contract was tight-proof because I was so certain that if there ever was a breach, it wouldn’t be from our end.”

    Damn it!

    “How about we ask Mr. ckwood for help?” She suggested carefully trying not to tick me off.

    It wasn’t a bad idea. But I had just started thispany, and the first sign of trouble, I’m running to Lucian? No. I had to figure this out on my own. Besides, it’s not like the Lucian in question was reachable at the moment.

    “It’s fine. Let’s just head back, and I’ll try to figure out another way.”

    “Okay, ma.” She replied.

    We both headed back to the office where Louis had already made himselffortable, legs crossed like he belonged there.

    Sorry about my little outburst earlier, Mr. Greyson,” I began coolly, “but I’m afraid we’ll have to review our contract.”

    “Why is that, if I may ask?” He smiled, raising a curious brow.

    “Because I want whatever rtionship I have with my investors to be purely business. And from our previous interactions, it seems to me that you want more tha—”

    “How do you just conclude-”

    “Let’s cut the crap, Louis. I’m not a child, okay?” I cut him off, my voice sharp with impatience.

    I really wasn’t in the mood to y this cat-and-mouse game with him.

    “Fine. I know I may havee off as pushy thest time we saw each other, but I do know how to be professional, Miss Dawn.” He said, his voice suddenlyposed.

    “Why exactly did you invest in my business?” I asked, eyes narrowing. “You could’ve invested in any business at all. Why mine? What are you hoping to achieve?”

    “Your business has potential. I can see it making waves in the fashion industry. I’d love to be on your ship when things take off.” He replied in a perfectly rehearsed professional tone.

    His reason sounded great. Too great. But I knew working with him would bring me nothing but trouble. I could already feel olli/li/ol

    “Is there no way we can review the contract and resolve this amicably?” I tried again, tone calm but firm.

    “Well, unless you’re ready to pay me a breach-of-contract sum that’s five times the initial investment, then no.” He smiled that same smug smile, making my blood boil.

    I narrowed my eyes at him, and he held my stare, his smile never wavering.

    “I guess I’ll give you time to think about it ande backter. Hopefully, the next time we meet, the environment will be less… hostile.” He stood up casually. “I look forward to getting a positive response from you, Miss Dawn.” He added before walking out.

    “I’ll just see him out.” Mia said quickly, rushing after him.

    “What sort of temptation is this?” I muttered under my breath, slumping into my chair.

    I grabbed my phone and called Talia.

    “Hey… I changed my mind. I need to get wasted tonight.” I said the moment the call connected.