?Chapter 241:


    “I need to see Dani,” Alexander insisted firmly.


    The guard remained unmoved, his expression apologetic yet resolute.


    “I’m sorry, but Ms. Harper is currently on her lunch break and is not epting any visitors. Additionally, to maintain fairness, she is not meeting with representatives from any biddingpanies during this period. Are you, by chance, involved in the bids this afternoon?”


    If Alexander was involved in the bidding, he would be denied any contact with Dani.


    Alexander was well aware of the rules, but his dire situation left him with only one option—go to Dani. It wasn’t just about him. This was for his family, for the livelihood of thousands of employees, and to live up to Richard’s expectations. He hoped Dani would understand his position, allowing him to proceed to the afternoon’s bid without any lingering doubts.


    “Please, I need to speak with Dani for a moment. It’s a personal matter, unrted to today’s bidding.”


    “She’s not avable to meet,” the guard stated firmly.


    As Alexander made a move to bypass him, the guard didn’t hesitate to summon reinforcement.


    “Lillian, could you pleasee down here? There’s someone named Mr. Bet here, and he won’t take no for an answer—he wants to see Ms. Harper now.”


    Lillian’s irritation was palpable the moment she got the message. Without a moment’s dy, she descended the stairs to confront Alexander. Her voice was icy as she addressed him.


    “What’s so important that it can’t wait? Why must your concerns always disrupt our peace? Can’t you see everyone else deserves a lunch break? Do you really think you’re so significant that the world must pause at your whim? It’s frankly embarrassing, Alexander. Aren’t you supposed to be more mature than this?”


    Despite the sharp sting of her words, Alexander remained steady andposed.


    “Lillian, I realize you have your grievances with me, but this is urgent and only involves Dani. I assure you, it has nothing to do with the bidding. May I please speak with her upstairs?”


    His voice carried a sincerity that seemed more profound than usual.


    Yet, Lillian perceived him merely as a man blinded by the lure of profit. Elevating her voice deliberately, she challenged him.


    “If this has nothing to do with the bid, why are you so hell-bent on meeting her right now?”


    Her words boomed across the cafeteria, capturing the attention of the other executives who were awaiting the afternoon’s bidding session.


    Lillian, intent on creating a spectacle, pressed on.


    “And what’s more, how can we be sure you’re not nning to lean on your past rtionship to influence or bribe my boss once you’re behind closed doors? Are you looking for an unfair advantage—a shortcut, perhaps? That hardly seems just to the rest of us, diligently preparing our proposals. Alexander, choose the honorable route and abandon these shortcuts! Everyone else deserves a fair chance at this project, too. Why should Elite Lux favor you exclusively? What makes you so exceptional?”


    At her provocation, several business owners rose, their gestures usatory as they pointed at Alexander.


    “That’s right. We all agreed—no meetings with Ms. Harper before the official session. It maintains fairness. How could you disregard the rules?”


    “Indeed.


    You already have an advantage knowing Ms. Harper. Why isn’t that good enough for you?”


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