Divorced Heiress
Chapter 33

His honey-like gaze pierced mine, causing a wave of heat to run through my body. I looked at him indifferently and with annoyance for interrupting such a special dance with my father. Now I realized that his gaze was nothing like the tender one he used to transmit; it was completely different. I must admit that I was surprised to see him standing there, with more color in his skin than when I last saw him a few hours ago. So Abby's conclusion during the show made sense.

A strange marketing strategy.

Or perhaps it was a miracle.

Whatever it was, it didn't prevent me from feeling upset by his presence. However, what surprised me the most was seeing him accompanied by Michelle Boyer, who still maintained a smirk on her face, the same one I saw when she arrived at our table after staying longer at the show. Then I understood why his demeanor had changed.

He stayed at the show to speak with Alexander about the projects we had in mind. Now he knew that Doinel was analyzing the best proposal from the best brands of the night for a collaboration. This was a golden opportunity for anyone, as the advantages outweighed the risks, not to mention that the lucky brand would become known worldwide in no time.

It seemed that Ms. Boyer wanted to meddle in my work, and I was starting to think that bringing her along was not a good idea when clearly I could do her job without any problem.

"Mr. Lancaster, you could have waited until the dance was over. You interrupted a very important conversation." My father said next to me, with his cheeks visibly red, intervening before I said anything disrespectful.

I took a deep breath and loosened my grip on my father's arm. I knew very well that we would soon be face to face, so I had to face this unpleasant encounter like a professional. After all, I was here for work. If Ms. Boyer thought that this would disturb my peace, she was very wrong.

"Don't worry, Mr. Doinel. Please, follow us to a more suitable place for our conversation." I spoke calmly and gently pulled my father's arm to lead him off the dance floor and join the couple who interrupted us, to the first empty space I saw.

"I imagine that Ms. Boyer has given you all the details about the project, right?"

I looked at Michelle with one raised eyebrow, and her smile disappeared immediately when she realized my father was looking at her with a furrowed brow.

I turned my gaze back to Alexander, waiting for a response, and caught him discreetly scanning me from head to toe, making me uncomfortable.

"Yes, Ms. Boyer has informed me that you are looking for the best American brand to collaborate on the launch of the next four collections. Lancaster Collection is a very solid company. It has been considered the best haute couture company. The designs and quality are better than any presented tonight. Both of us would benefit from a collaboration."

Alexander seemed excited about the idea of working with Doinel. After all, he had always admired the great Leonardo and seen him as an example to follow, so collaborating with Doinel would be like a dream come true. And a nightmare for me.

I glanced at my father, who was processing Alexander's words. He looked displeased with what Michelle had done, but at this moment, there was nothing he could do, as we had agreed that if Lancaster Collection presented their proposal, we would make a decision in a board meeting.

"You are underestimating the work of others, Mr. Lancaster. Plus, we don't have your proposal to compare it with the other options. It's not even possible for us to consider it, no matter how good your company may be." I said coldly and indifferently, holding onto the few hopes I had left to definitively dismiss Lancaster Collection from the project.

Alexander sketched a smug smile, and I knew he wouldn't sit idly or give up easily. I looked at him impassively, waiting for him to play his last card.

"You're wrong, Ms. Petit. My assistant will be responsible for delivering our proposal to Ms. Boyer in a few hours. I hope there will be impartiality in choosing the most viable option." He replied, not wiping away that annoying smile that was starting to irritate me. How was it possible that Michelle sought him out to discuss the Doinel project?

How dare he challenge me like that?

Your company might be named the best in the country, but if the board of directors considered there were better options than Lancaster, it wouldn't be my fault.

"Ms. Boyer, how attentive." My father said, looking at the woman standing beside Alexander, and she turned red. I could see her embarrassed face, and it was not unwarranted.

She did the opposite of what I told her.

I made it very clear that we were not going to take the first step for Lancaster to give us their proposal, and it was the first thing she did.

"In any case, I should send it to my assistant, Jack Laurent. Ms. Boyer should only deal with contract matters, am I right, Ms. Boyer?" I asked, giving her a stern look to show how upset I was with what she did. She nodded in response to my question. "I also want to take this opportunity to congratulate you on the high-quality designs presented tonight."

"Oh, thank you very much, and there's no problem with that. My assistant will get in touch with Jack Laurent. It was a pleasure doing business with you, Ms. Boyer." Alexander said, discreetly dismissing Michelle, who immediately understood that she was no longer needed.

"We'll be waiting. If there's nothing else to discuss, I'll take my leave. Mr. Doinel, I'll be greeting the representatives of the brands that were showcased on the runway. Excuse me." I let go of my father's arm.

I wanted to stay as far away from Alexander as possible. I despised his mere presence, I couldn't stand him. He was not even worth looking at.

Before walking back to the table, I stopped when I heard Alexander.

"Ms. Petit, before you leave, I'd like to talk to you." He said, and my body tensed upon hearing that. I looked at him expressionless.

Talk?