Dumping the Billionaire

Chapter 1: First Encounter

August in New York always feels suffocating.

Skylar stood before the floor-to-ceiling windows of Sullivan & Cromwell's top-floor conference room, gazing at Manhattan's skyline shimmering in the heat haze. The two o'clock sun poured down mercilessly, bathing the entire Financial District in a blinding golden light. She unconsciously smoothed out non-existent wrinkles on her navy Burberry dress, making sure her ponytail remained pristinely sleek.

A creeping nervousness from the nape of her neck made her instinctively touch her pearl earrings. They were her favorite pair—simple yet elegant, much like the image she always strived to maintain. Now, these earrings seemed to remind her of the challenge ahead.

"Are you ready?" Rebecca Morgan's voice came from behind. As a senior partner at Sullivan & Cromwell, Rebecca always exuded a gentle yet firm presence.

Skylar turned around, taking a deep breath. "Yes, Ms. Morgan. I just reviewed the M&A documents again and noticed a potential legal risk point." She hesitated, "Though I'm not sure if I should bring it up during the meeting."

Rebecca raised an eyebrow. "Let's hear it."

Just as Skylar was about to explain in detail, the glass door swung open. The Mountain Bridge team filed in, their bespoke suits a parade of power and privilege as they quickly claimed their side of the conference table. James Wilson appeared at the front, the partner known for his meticulous nature.

Then there was him.

Alexander Brooks.

He was the last to enter, his tall frame perfectly complemented by an impeccably tailored Tom Ford suit. The dark double-breasted jacket paired with a light shirt and understated tie exuded quiet luxury. Every gesture radiated effortless elegance, as if this sweltering afternoon had nothing to do with him.

Skylar sat quietly in the corner of the conference room, her laptop screen casting a soft glow on her slightly tense expression. As the youngest lawyer on the team, she knew her place. However, when the negotiations reached the risk point she'd discovered, she felt her heart rate suddenly quicken.

Rebecca seemed to notice her unease and shot her an encouraging look.

"Excuse me," Skylar spoke softly, "I'd like to add a point on this clause."

All eyes turned to her. Including Alexander Brooks'. His gaze was sharp and focused, carrying unmistakable curiosity.

Skylar forced herself to remain calm, her voice clear and steady: "I noticed a significant issue while reviewing Mountain Bridge's acquisition case." Her hands clasped together as her gaze swept across everyone present. "The core of this merger is acquiring Target's pharmaceutical R&D division, but this could trigger antitrust scrutiny."

Seeing everyone's focused attention, she continued: "Simply put, Mountain Bridge is already a pharmaceutical giant. Directly acquiring Target's R&D department would be like a big fish eating a small fish, further reducing competition in medical research. Particularly in rare disease drug development, where Target is one of the few leading players. Once acquired, patients might face fewer choices and higher drug prices in the future. This is exactly what antitrust laws are concerned about."

She opened the document before her, pointing to key clauses: "My suggestion is, rather than risking rejection with a direct acquisition, we could take a different approach. For instance, Target could sell some non-core R&D projects to other companies, maintaining market competition. For the crucial rare disease research projects, we could consider collaborative development—like joint research, shared investment, and shared results. This would pass antitrust review while allowing Mountain Bridge to access the core technology they want."

The conference room fell silent. But Skylar was now fully in her professional element: "Of course, we need to clearly specify in the contract how responsibilities would be shared if antitrust review fails. After all, this is a five-billion-dollar deal—no one can afford the risk of failure."

As she finished speaking, she could feel all eyes on her. But this time, there was only determination in her gaze.

Alexander Brooks leaned forward slightly, a glimmer of appreciation crossing his eyes. "Excellent thinking," his voice was gentle yet carried undeniable authority. "Tell me, if we adopt a collaborative development model, how exactly would you implement it?"

Skylar looked up, meeting his inquiring gaze. In that moment, she seemed to forget everything around her, focused solely on her professional judgment: "We could take a two-step approach. First, Mountain Bridge could invest in Target, becoming a major shareholder, perhaps securing a board seat. This would allow participation in key decisions and priority access to collaboration opportunities."

She opened her laptop, pulling up a diagram: "The second step would be specific project collaboration. Both parties could establish a new company dedicated to research. Mountain Bridge could contribute capital and market experience, while Target provides technology and research teams. When drug development succeeds, both parties benefit. This way, Target maintains independence while Mountain Bridge participates in cutting-edge research."

"In the specific contract," she continued, "three crucial points need clarity: first, ownership and usage rights of research results; second, milestone targets and corresponding payments; third, profit-sharing arrangements after the drug reaches market. Clarifying these points will prevent future disputes."

Low discussions broke out in the conference room. James Wilson nodded continuously, writing something in his notebook. Meanwhile, Alexander Brooks' gaze never left Skylar, carrying an intensity she couldn't quite read. Perhaps appreciation, perhaps surprise, or perhaps something else entirely.

As the meeting ended, Alexander Brooks specifically stopped at Skylar's desk before leaving: "Today's suggestions were valuable." He took out an embossed business card from his suit's inner pocket. "This is my private number. And by the way, I hope to see you at this Saturday's Metropolitan Club charity gala."

Before Skylar could respond, Rebecca had already walked to her side: "Excellent performance today. However," she cast a meaningful glance at Alexander Brooks' retreating figure, "in this circle, everyone has their own agenda."

As night fell and Manhattan's lights flickered to life, just as Skylar was packing up her files to leave, her phone suddenly vibrated.

It was a message from Madison Thompson: "Darling, I've secured an invitation for you to Saturday night's charity gala. Word is, this year's sponsor is Alexander Brooks."

Skylar looked at the embossed business card in her hand, suddenly realizing that this seemingly ordinary gala might become a turning point in her life.