Chase Me Again

Chapter 11

Jessica's POV

"Dad," I tried to be calm.

"I heard from Alvin that you attend a bidder's conference today. How did it go?" His soft voice came through the phone, just like his voice when I was a little girl.

I couldn't help but let go of the facade of strength I'd been putting on.

I lightly hummed and complained, "I gave up the bid, so the contract went to the Harrison Group."

"What happened?"

"That shameless jerk bid aggressively, offering a 4% margin," I said angrily, "I'm not as stupid as he is. Since he wants to operate at a loss, of course I had to comply."

There was a second of silence on the other end of the line, followed by Justin's laughter: "Jess, do you really think Zander is stupid? Remember, it takes more than stupidity to make the Harrison Group what it is today."

"I..." I was momentarily speechless.

Justin continued, "I think he did that because the person sitting across from him was you. He didn't want to use more forceful means to make you give up. If there's a misunderstanding, clear it up. Don't wait until it's too late to have regrets, Jess.

"I won't regret it," I muttered softly.

After I hung up the phone, I became unsettled.

At that moment, Zander, dressed in a suit, stepped out.

His eyes swept over my car and stopped at the window.

Even though I knew he couldn't see me, my heart still skipped a beat.

I quickly took a deep breath, started the car, and left Arthur's company.

Back at Alpha, I opened my computer to record the details of the negotiation and submit them to Frank, the GM.

Alvin's assistant, Tabitha, came over, smiling at me, "There is a business banquet tonight, and Alvin hopes you will attend with him."

I looked around, noticing the gazes of those around me.

In a lowered voice, I asked, "Why me?"

Alvin is the CEO of Alpha and my brother, as well. He agreed with me when I joined Alpha to keep our real relationship a secret.

I didn't know why he suddenly arranged for me to be his plus-one.

Tabitha didn't answer my question. She just smiled and said, "You'll find out in the reception room at 5 pm."

With that, she left.

The clock pointed to 5, marking the end of a busy day.

Remembering Tabitha's reminder, I packed up and headed to the reception room then.

I pushed open the door.

Alvin is standing in front of the sofa with a beautiful gift box on the coffee table.

"Take a look," he said with a smile.

I carefully opened the box. It's a dazzling haute couture dress.

Its beauty took my breath away.

I gently took it out, which shimmered like the brightest stars in the night sky. The deep sapphire blue skirt was adorned with tiny diamonds, as if draping the entire Milky Way around me.

"Change it up. We're leaving now."

"Wait, Alvin. Why do you want me to be with you?" I couldn't help but asked, "Usually, a CEO brings a female companion. Some bring their wives, others bring their secretaries. As only a staff, it seems unreasonable for me to be your plus-one."

Alvin smiled and said, "I know Dad wants to test you, but times have changed. Starting from scratch is difficult. It's normal for a brother to help his sister, right? Many well-known entrepreneurs will attend this banquet. You can get to know them and expand your social circle."

I wanted to say something.

Alvin didn't give me a chance and continued, "As the CEO, I do have the right to choose my own companion, right? Tabitha has a date today. So I gave her the day off. Don't worry, it's not a big deal."

Alvin's explanation left me with no counterarguments.

After changing into the dress, we took his private elevator to the underground garage.

Alvin smiled and opened the car door for me.

The car slowly left the building, merging into the evening traffic.

We were heading to the venue – Palace of Stars, one of the most famous event venues in Los Angeles.

As night fell, the city lights began to twinkle.

As the car slowed down, we arrived at our destination.

There were not many people at the entrance, with staff constantly moving around.

Alvin and I approached the sign-in desk in the entrance hall and saw a gentleman dressed in a high-end custom suit.

"This is Mr. Maxwell, the organizer of this banquet," Alvin whispered in my ear.

"From the Maxwell Group?" I couldn't help but ask.

Alvin nodded. The Maxwell Group is one of the major groups in Los Angeles, with a wide range of businesses and international collaborations.

We followed the footsteps of the guests to the sign-in desk. Mr. Maxwell immediately noticed Alvin.

He smiled and greeted us warmly.

Alvin also smiled and nodded.

At that moment, I noticed Mr. Maxwell looking at the guests who had arrived in front of him.

He said with a smile, "Mr. Harrison, it's been days. Welcome."

"Thank you."

Hearing the familiar voice, I looked over subconsciously.

Zander was wearing a navy blue suit, my favorite set.

My gaze shifted to the woman beside him, dressed in a white long dress.

"Not Serena?" I muttered in surprise.