Chapter 138

"What are you looking at?" I felt baffled by Alex's gaze, suddenly unsure of what to do with myself. "My Serena has grown up." He reached out and ruffled my hair. "You're even helping me share my burdens now." He was so close that I could see every flicker of emotion in his eyes. The dim lighting inside the car made the moment feel strangely intimate. I was flustered and quickly turned my gaze away. "Don't talk to me like I'm a child." "But aren't you?" He raised an eyebrow slightly. "I'll be calling a shareholders' meeting tomorrow. I want you to attend and present your findings, but I'm not planning to let anyone else know about this just yet." I looked at him in confusion. "Xena thinks she can play me for a fool. Of course, I have to deliver a fatal blow in return." His tone was as casual as if he were discussing the weather—neither angry nor particularly ruthless. But I knew him well. When he said something, he meant it. … At the meeting the next day, I sat right next to h