Claimed by the billionaire CEO

Episode 6:The Rival From Paris

Title: Chapter 6: The Rival from Paris

The arrival of the Laurent Group delegation was meant to mark Han-jin's largest luxury expansion of the decade. Headed by Madame Vivienne Laurent—a fierce French aristocrat with deep ties to European fashion houses—and her daughter, Chloe, the brand carried immense prestige.

However, Madame Vivienne had other motives. Years ago, before Alex’s sudden marriage to Stephanie, Vivienne had quietly arranged an informal understanding with Alex’s late grandfather to unite the Laurent luxury empire with Han-jin through a strategic marriage with Chloe.

The welcome dinner was held at an exclusive private dining club nestled in the hills of Hannam-dong. Traditional porcelain and modern crystal glittered under soft candlelight as the two parties met.

Madame Vivienne, draped in dark velvet and emeralds, sat across from Alex. Beside her sat Chloe, a sleek brunette with sharp features and a calculating gaze that barely hid her disdain whenever her eyes flicked to Stephanie.

"Alex, mon chéri," Vivienne spoke in refined French-accented English, raising her wine glass. "It has been far too long. Your grandfather would be so proud of how you've expanded Han-jin. Though I must admit, news of your sudden private marriage was quite a shock to us in Paris."

"Stephanie is the greatest blessing of my life, Madame Laurent," Alex replied smoothly, his hand resting firmly over Stephanie’s beneath the table.

Chloe let out a delicate, mocking chuckle. "We were all so curious, Alex. In Europe, we heard rumors that your wife came from an ordinary academic background. It must be quite an adjustment for you, Stephanie, moving from humble classrooms to high-society galas."

The table grew quiet. Assistant Jang, standing near the entrance, held his breath.

Stephanie placed her silver cutlery down with quiet grace, turning her full attention to Chloe.

"On the contrary, Miss Laurent," Stephanie replied, her French flawless and melodic, delivered with the upper-crust diction of the Parisian elite. "An academic background provides one with something far more valuable than inherited titles: the ability to read a balance sheet without relying on consultants."

Vivienne’s eyes narrowed slightly in surprise as Stephanie continued in seamless French.

"I reviewed Laurent Group's European Q3 earnings report yesterday," Stephanie said calmly, taking a sip of water. "Your flagship stores in Milan and Paris experienced an eleven percent drop in organic sales, largely due to over-reliance on traditional wholesale models. You came to Seoul not just to expand, but because you desperately need Han-jin's direct-to-consumer digital infrastructure to save your Asian margins."

Chloe’s cheeks flushed crimson. Vivienne froze, her wine glass hovering midway to her lips.

Alex didn't hide his amusement; a low, dark chuckle escaped his throat as he rested his chin on his hand, looking at his wife with intense admiration.

"Madame Laurent," Stephanie added with a soft, gracious smile, "we are eager to partner with you. But let us negotiate as equals who understand the balance sheet, rather than playing games of social etiquette."

Vivienne stared at Stephanie for a long moment before a slow, genuine smile of respect broke across her sharp features. "Touché, Mrs. Han. It seems my daughter underestimated you. Let us speak of business, then."