Dumping the Billionaire

Chapter 3: Professional Encounters

Monday mornings always arrive with particular urgency.

Skylar stood before Sullivan & Cromwell's glass walls, watching Manhattan slowly awaken. Autumn had begun stealing quietly across the city's silhouette, lending a gentle softness to this restless steel jungle.

Her phone still held two unanswered messages: Brandon Carter's dinner invitation and Alexander Brooks' opera tickets. She'd spent all of Sunday trying to untangle this complex situation.

"Lawrence."

Rebecca Morgan's voice broke through her reverie. Skylar turned to find the senior partner holding a stack of documents.

"You've been moved to Mountain Bridge's core acquisition team," Rebecca gave her a meaningful smile. "James Wilson specifically requested you to handle critical document review."

Skylar's heart skipped a beat. "Core team?"

"That's right. And," Rebecca handed her the files, "Mountain Bridge will be working from our office today. They've rented a temporary conference room on the fifteenth floor. We need someone to handle project liaison."

"I..."

"Don't be nervous," Rebecca patted her shoulder. "You performed brilliantly in last week's meeting. Just..." she hesitated, "remember what I said."

Agenda. Everyone has their own agenda. Skylar silently repeated these words.

At nine sharp, the elevator doors opened. Alexander Brooks led the Mountain Bridge team in. Today he wore a deep gray Tom Ford suit, shirt collar slightly open, trading Saturday night's formality for a more casual charm.

"Good morning, Miss Lawrence," he smiled in greeting. "Ready to start this marathon?"

"Of course," Skylar maintained a professional smile. "The conference room is ready."

Just then, an unexpected figure appeared at the corridor's end.

"What a coincidence," Brandon Carter emerged from another conference room. "I'm just next door discussing a project with your M&A department. Looks like we'll be seeing a lot of each other."

Only then did Skylar remember the acquisition he'd mentioned on Saturday. So Starlight Capital was serious.

Alexander Brooks gave Brandon an inscrutable look: "This floor is getting quite lively."

"All for business," Brandon shrugged, that charming smile still in place. "Speaking of which, Brooks, the market's been buzzing about Mountain Bridge's moves in the biotech sector?"

"Trade secrets," Alexander Brooks elegantly sidestepped the question, turning to Skylar instead. "Shall we begin? We have lots of documents to process."

Skylar nodded, leading the team toward the conference room. She could feel two distinct gazes following her—one from Alexander Brooks, one from Brandon Carter.

The entire morning's work was intensely focused. Alexander Brooks' efficiency was astounding; in just a few hours, he processed numerous complex legal documents. What surprised Skylar more was his deep understanding of the pharmaceutical industry.

"Actually, I studied biochemistry as an undergraduate," he suddenly told her during lunch break, "before my MBA at Stanford."

"That explains why you're so well-versed in pharmaceutical R&D," Skylar accepted the coffee he offered. "But why did you choose finance later?"

"Because I realized that science alone isn't enough to change this industry," his voice carried a hint of emotion Skylar had never heard before. "Someone needs to solve the money problem. Like Amy—she doesn't just need sympathy, she needs actual new medicines that can help her."

Skylar paused, remembering the girl he'd mentioned at the charity gala.

"Speaking of which," Alexander Brooks' tone suddenly lightened, "how about Thursday's opera? Have you decided?"

Just as Skylar hesitated how to answer, Brandon pushed open the door: "Excuse me, Miss Lawrence, might I borrow a minute of your time? I have a legal question."

She checked her watch: "I'm sorry, Mr. Carter, lunch break is almost over. If it's about the project, perhaps we could schedule a formal meeting?"

"That would be perfect," Brandon's eyes lit up. "How about..."

"Miss Lawrence," Alexander Brooks cut him off, "we have a video conference to prepare for at two."

Skylar stood between the two men, suddenly realizing this seemingly ordinary lunch break had become a subtle power play. More unsettling was her discovery that her attitude toward Alexander Brooks had apparently evolved beyond mere professional relationship.

Just then, her phone screen lit up. A message from Rebecca:

"Come to my office. There's an issue with Mountain Bridge's core team roster."

Skylar strode toward Rebecca's office, her heels clicking crisply against the marble floor. Passing the conference room, she instinctively glanced inside. Alexander Brooks was intently focused on his laptop, apparently preparing for the afternoon's video conference.

"Close the door." Rebecca gestured for her to sit. An expensive woody fragrance permeated the office, underlining the senior partner's characteristic elegance.

"Mountain Bridge just sent over the latest team roster," Rebecca slid a document across to her. "See for yourself."

Skylar looked down, instantly understanding Rebecca's concern. In the core team member column, her position was marked as "Project Lead," reporting directly to Alexander Brooks. This level far exceeded what a junior lawyer should hold.

"This is..."

"Alex Brooks specifically requested it," Rebecca leaned back, studying her expression. "He said he was impressed by your professional capabilities. But Skylar," her voice turned serious, "you know what this means."

Of course she did. It meant she would be directly involved in this fifty-billion-dollar acquisition, and it meant more opportunities to work closely with Alexander Brooks. And that, perhaps, was exactly his intention.

"Ms. Morgan, I..."

"Call me Rebecca," her expression softened slightly. "Listen, I'm not trying to stop you. You do have the ability. Just remember, in this circle, every step must be carefully placed. Especially when Starlight Capital has their eye on you too."

Skylar started: "You mean Brandon Carter?"

"That young man is more ambitious than he appears," Rebecca said meaningfully. "His company is planning a major acquisition in the pharmaceutical sector. If I'm not mistaken, the target might be Target itself."

So that's why Brandon kept approaching her? Skylar felt her temple throb suddenly.

"I know what to do," she stood up. "Thank you, Rebecca."

"One more thing," Rebecca called after her as she prepared to leave. "Morgan Stanley's Sophie is having dinner with me tonight, she mentioned wanting to meet you. You know, she's been looking for new legal counsel."

Skylar nodded. Chief Legal Officer at Morgan Stanley—this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

But as she opened the office door, Alexander Brooks stood right outside, apparently about to knock. His gaze lingered on her face for a second before nodding to Rebecca: "Shall we discuss the core team?"

In that moment, Skylar suddenly realized she was about to become entangled in a situation far more complex than she'd imagined. Standing in the hallway, listening to the conversation behind her, she couldn't help but think of that Saturday night. The city lights, the moonlit terrace, and that subtle invitation.

Her phone vibrated again. This time, an unknown number:

"I hear you're well-versed in pharmaceutical industry acquisitions? I'm Target's Chief Legal Officer. I'd like to take you to dinner to chat."

Skylar gripped her phone tightly. In the heart of this financial empire, every invitation seemed to mask an invisible contest.