Chapter 165

Alexander's response came swiftly, just a single word: "Yeah."

Evelyn couldn't help but smile as she read it.

She kicked off her shoes and curled up on the sofa, typing back, "I went to Magnolia Grove today. Finally found what I was looking for."

"Crimson Mahogany?" Alexander replied.

Evelyn's smile faltered. She pursed her lips and typed, "How do you always know everything?"

"Because it's in the reports," he answered, adding a shrugging emoji at the end.

She read the message twice before it clicked. Of course he knew—she had spent a significant sum from DR Holdings' funds to acquire the rare wood.

The finance department would have logged the purchase, requiring approval from both the finance manager and the director. Still, she was surprised at how quickly Alexander had been informed.

In a normal company, it might take days for executives to catch wind of such a transaction. But Alexander? His information network was terrifyingly efficient.

"What's wrong?" he asked when she didn’t respond.

"Nothing," she typed quickly, glancing at Victoria. Her colleague was absorbed in her laptop, fingers flying across the keyboard as she replied to emails.

Evelyn lowered her head, refocusing on her phone. "When are you leaving?"

"Don’t worry. I’ll be out soon." His next message made her roll her eyes. "Why are you so eager to get rid of me? Using me and then tossing me aside?"

She scoffed. Dramatic much?

Mimicking his tone, she replied, "Yep. I’m done. Are you?"

Let’s see how you handle that.

Alexander chuckled. "Why don’t we keep trying?"

"Fine. Let’s try this again," she shot back.

He could practically picture her—flustered but determined, typing furiously on her phone. The thought warmed him. He missed her. The sooner he wrapped up here, the sooner he could go home.

Finally, he looked up from his phone—only to find his entire team staring at him like he’d grown a second head.

He frowned. "What’s with the looks? Don’t you have work to do?"

"Y-Yes, sir!" they stammered in unison.

"I’m leaving," he announced, rising from his seat. He had no intention of staying a second longer.

One brave employee dared to speak up before he walked out. "Sir, about the collaboration—"

"Stick to the original proposal. I don’t negotiate with people who try to lowball us. If they accept, we proceed. If not, we find another partner."

It was just one of Celestia Group’s countless projects. Losing it wouldn’t make a dent in their operations.

Without another word, Alexander strode out—completely unaware of the wildfire of gossip he’d left behind.

"Did you see that?" someone whispered. "Mr. Kensington was smiling!"