One Night Stand With Alexander Blackwood-Chapter 51 — Fifty-one

Alexander was silent. The more time passed with him being silent, the less hope the man had.

After a grueling wait, Alexander finally spoke up. His gaze was fixated on Teddy who felt the weight of his stare.

"Disrespect and disregard needs to be addressed." He started, drumming his fingers rhythmically. "But... this is a beneficial deal. And I have had dealings with your dad before."

Teddy’s heart raced. Alexander’s slow words were eating deep into him.

"On account that I have worked with your dad before, I’d let this slide... slightly." Alexander paused, his eyes sweeping over his little entourage. "This deal should favour me. If it doesn’t, then it’s off."

Relief finally washed through Teddy. He didn’t care if this deal didn’t favour him. As long as he was able to get the deal, that was all that mattered..

He stood up, cupped his hands together and bowed deeply. "Thank you, Mr. Blackwood for your generosity. I won’t fail you."

Serena watched all this unfold, and confusion mixed with surprise. Her gaze flickered to Alexander who had a smirk dancing on his lips. The truth slowly unfolded in her mind. He wasn’t going to let this slide. Instead, he was going to make this person suffer.

Her eyes finally rested on Teddy who was thanking Alexander profusely, and she shook her head internally. It would have been better if the deal fell through. This would be a one-sided attack.

She wanted to pity him, but decided against it. He brought it upon himself. He should also face the consequences.

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Much to Serena’s expectations, the meeting didn’t last long. Teddy and his team had no other choice than to accept each and everyone of Alexander’s demands.

By the time the meeting ended, Teddy had already turned pale. He could only force a smile on his face, thank Alexander before walking out with his entourage.

Alexander’s gaze finally rested on Serena whose boredom was visible on her face.

"Did I scare you?" He asked quietly.

Serena raised her brows and shook her head negatively. "He deserved it. He was disrespectful and is only suffering from the consequences of his actions."

Alexander’s expression softened. Serena was the first person who didn’t find him or his methods ruthless. She took it in stride, and it increased his admiration for her.

"Are you hungry?" He inquired. Serena was silent for a while, hesitating to answer.

"How about we have lunch first before visiting the city of Michigan and see what it’s like?" He suggested, and her face lit up.

"Shall we?" He asked, and she nodded ecstatically.

****************

When they finally stepped out of the conference room, Palmer was waiting by the elevator.

He offered a smile when he saw them as though he didn’t see the drained and grave expressions on the faces of the group who had just left.

"Mr. Blackwood, what would you like to do now? I can prepare a room for you both. One for the lady and one for you." He suggested, hands tucked behind his back.

Alexander shook his head. "We would have brunch first."

"That’s perfect." Palmer clapped his hands. "I will lead you to the hotel’s restaurant."

The elevator ride down was brief, filled with a silence that wasn’t awkward, rather it was grounding and comfortable.

Serena leaned back against the mirrored wall, finally letting her shoulders relax. Alexander watched the numbers descend, hands in his pockets, and his expression unreadable.

When the doors opened into the hotel’s main level, sunlight poured in through towering glass panels. Afternoon had softened the city, lending everything a slower rhythm.

The restaurant was just off the lobby. It was refined without being too stiff. White tablecloths, muted gold accents, wide windows overlooking the street. A hostess greeted them with a polite smile and led them to a quiet corner table.

"This is the restaurant." Palmer stated.

"It’s alright. You may leave. We can handle ourselves."

The manager nodded, then walked away.

Alexander found a secluded spot and they both settled into their seats.

"What would you like to have?" Alexander asked as a waiter approached them with a smiling face. He had been tasked by the manager to make sure both of them were comfortable.

Serena thought for a while. "Why don’t you choose for me?" There was a teasing look in her eyes.

Alexander was taken aback, his eyes focused on the teasing look in her eyes. "Are you sure?" He probed tentatively.

"I’m absolutely sure." Serena nodded her head to show her intent. "Why don’t you surprise me?"

Alexander laughed softly. "My taste may be dangerous. Are you sure you’d want that?"

Serena’s smile froze on her face but she still replied. "I know you have dangerous tastes. It’s not wrong to want to try it, is it?"

Food arrived soon after, and Serena realized she’d been far hungrier than she thought. She ate with genuine enjoyment, the sharp edge of professionalism slipping away with each bite.

Alexander watched her, not openly, but often enough that she felt it.

"What?" she asked once she caught him staring.

"You’re different when you’re not working," he commented.

She smiled faintly. "So are you." Then, she continued. "But you’ve never really seen me work. This is still my first day working under you."

"And I believe there’d be many more to come." He commented, cut a piece of bread, then pushed it towards her.

Serena paused, staring at him. She was at a loss about his actions.

"Have it." He said and resumed eating.

She fixed her gaze on him, and her heart fluttered. Alexander was truly a gentleman, nothing like Ethan.

She subconsciously frowned when Ethan crossed her mind. It’s been a while since she thought about him. The mere thought of him was enough to ruin her mood.

Alexander noticed her scrunching her face and he asked quietly. "Is something wrong?"

She shook her head in response. "Just done negative thoughts crossing my mind. Nothing to worry about."

After responding, she continued her meal. Meanwhile, Alexander studied her expression. Seeing that she was okay, he let out a sigh of relief.

As long as she was okay, then he couldn’t be bothered about anything else.