Confer

around him. The room was filled with his board members, each person absorbed in the anticipation of the potential collab

usiasm, "would put Royal Reserve Wines in a league of its own. It's no secret Château Ve

Indeed," another added, "our CEO's foresight and diligence have brought us this far.

tly, "I've been personally overseeing the collaboration application. In fact, their representative ca

and admiration. But amidst the chatter, o

an said, her tone me

oard members. She had been silent for most of the meeting, observing everyone

try. On top of that, they have a strict requirement: 12 years of experience in brewing and distilling exotic wines.

nce fell ove

fixing Amelia with a cold stare. "Are you suggesting that I

"Not ignorant, Ethan. I'm merely concerned about the

d into a sarcastic smile. "Ah, concern. That's rich coming from s

a brow but s

through the tension like a whisper in a storm. "Perhaps we should focus on the brighter side of

xchanged puzzled glance

y. What could you possibly know about running a business? Perhaps you sho

e replied coolly, "Whether or not I hold an executive position is irrele

he said smoothly, "I have an announcement. Effective immediately, Jenna is now

widened in disbelief, while Jenna simply smiled,

he company will host a charity auction next week to celebrate our collaboration with Ch

" Amelia snapped, her fr

a glance. "I wasn't as

p with triumph. "Ladies and gentlemen," he announced, "our application has offici

-

Helena Memor

l. Her mother's condition weighed heavily on her, and every second felt like an

he realized with a sinking feeling that she didn't have it. The man she had assumed was Al

ng useful. As she rummaged through, a sleek black card slipped out a

lexander

ed gold letters. It was as though fate had decided to take pity

ce. Twice. Three

again. And again. On the fourt

er's smooth, deep voice, s

tched. "It's...

, his tone calmer than she expected. "Ah, Miss Mia. I wasn't

er voice trembling. "

y spoke, his words were laced with amusement. "He

She forced herself to speak. "My mother... she's in critical condition. Sh

" Alexander said slowly

pered, the word

here was no warmth in it. "Tell

ecause I have no one else to turn to," she choked out. "Please, Ale

. Then, finally, Alexander said, "Anything, you say

y buckled with re

," Alexander inte

oling in her stomac

enigmatic. "But for now, consider your mother's heart take

all ended, leaving her staring