Chapter 374

A mischievous idea flashed through Evelyn's mind.

Noticing Alexander's expression, she couldn't resist teasing him.

With a playful smile, she quipped, "This boutique is rather charming. Why don't you purchase it, Mr. Kensington?"

It was clearly just a jest.

Even the wealthiest businessmen needed thorough consideration before acquisitions. This wasn't like impulse-buying dresses.

But she'd forgotten - Alexander wasn't ordinary. For him, acquiring such a store was as effortless as grabbing coffee and pastries.

"Alright," he responded casually.

Evelyn's eyes widened in shock.

"Excuse me?!"

Alexander chuckled inwardly.

"B-But..." Evelyn studied his face and realized he wasn't joking. Quickly backpedaling, she amended, "I was only teasing! Please don't take me seriously. You should properly evaluate before acquiring businesses."

"No evaluation needed. If it pleases you, that's sufficient."

Alexander dismissed the matter with barely a blink, as if hesitation itself was wasteful.

'What does he mean by "pleases me"? It was just a joke!' Evelyn opened her mouth to protest when she spotted Nathaniel.

She remembered their prearranged meeting.

Had this been planned all along? Were they simply using her remark as convenient pretext?

"You'd already intended to buy this store, hadn't you?" Evelyn inquired after brief consideration.

Alexander shook his head.

"Not at all. I'd considered minority investment, but if you fancy it, full acquisition poses no issue."

He turned to Nathaniel. "That's acceptable, yes?"

Nathaniel nodded eagerly.

"Absolutely! Provided you maintain cooperation with Blackwood Enterprises, acquiring this boutique is no trouble, Mr. Kensington. We own several similar establishments - feel free to select others as well."

Evelyn fell silent. Perhaps she'd overcomplicated matters.

Maybe business decisions required less deliberation than she'd imagined.

"You may proceed if you wish, but as mentioned earlier, knockoffs will flood the market soon. Even inferior craftsmanship will divert significant business. Are you certain about this investment?"

Evelyn studied Alexander curiously. He glanced down, smiling.

"Concerned I'll go bankrupt and fail to support you?" he teased.

Here she was discussing business prospects, and he turned it into flirtation.

"Should that occur, I'd have to depend on you," Alexander half-joked.

Evelyn frowned in confusion.

Alexander's smile deepened mysteriously before shifting to business demeanor. Addressing Nathaniel seriously, he declared, "Proceed as discussed. Arrange contract signing for later."

"Excellent. Our CEO eagerly anticipates this collaboration, Mr. Kensington."

Nathaniel beamed with satisfaction.

'Nathaniel Blackwood, Donovan Blackwood, and Blackwood Enterprises - clearly a family affair!' "Incidentally," Nathaniel inquired curiously, "might I ask who this lovely lady is?"