Chapter 66
“It’s not urgent,” Alex said. He immediately understood the files weren’t important; he was teaching Jolene a lesson. A mischievous glint shone in his eyes. “She used her position to take advantage of you. I’m just using mine to do the same to her.”
I considered the two choices Alex had presented. “Can we extend the timeline a little?”
“Hastings Group doesn’t operate on whims,” Alex replied firmly.
“And if I make a mistake?” I asked, my voice faltering.
“Then you’ll get a pay cut.”
I nearly choked. “What if I mess up at the gala?”
“As long as you keep your mouth shut, there shouldn’t be any issues,” Alex said, eyeing me carefully. Then, with a faint smirk, he added, “If you do mess up, the same rule applies. You get a pay cut.”
I clenched my jaw and gritted my teeth. Alex could buy a car with his loose change, yet he wouldn’t hesitate to dock my meager intern salary.
“So, have you decided?” Alex asked, a hint of amusement in his voice as he watched me struggle internally.
“To go to the gala,” I said begrudgingly.
“Good. Here, tailor this necklace. For a business gala, you’ll need the right accessories,” he said, taking a small box from his drawer.
I opened the box and froze. Inside was a stunning necklace of eleven blue gemstones, each the size of my finger. The gems were flawless, their cuts elegant and precise, surrounded by delicately sparkling diamonds.
I frowned, holding up the necklace. “This looks familiar.”
“Familiar? A lot of high-end jewelry looks similar. This is from one of our company’s brands. It’s part of their new collection,” Alex said, glancing up briefly from the document he was signing.
Nodding, I carefully placed the necklace back in its box. I didn’t think much about it and wore it to the gala.
The gala was unlike the last one. The previous event had been modest; this one had booked an entire luxury hotel—a place so grand it resembled a royal palace.
I struggled to mask my astonishment at the door. I couldn’t care less about the venue’s grandeur, but the threat to my salary was very real. Shaking off my curiosity, I focused on staying composed.
Alex seemed satisfied with my performance. Impeccably dressed as always, his white shirt and tailored black suit exuded sophistication. The outrageously expensive outfit only enhanced his commanding presence.
He offered his arm, and I hooked my hand around it. Tonight’s gown was even more extravagant than the last, fitting perfectly and accentuating my curves. The velvet fabric and billowing skirt paired flawlessly with the gemstone necklace. The tapered gown, from a renowned brand and reportedly costing as much as an apartment, shone under the lights, though I struggled to move gracefully.
Alex noticed my hesitation and, to my surprise, reached out to lift part of the gown’s train to lighten the load.
I stared at him, taken aback.
“What?” Alex asked. “In a moment like this, everyone—rivals and allies alike—is watching. I’d rather not gain a reputation for being inattentive to my partner.”