Chapter 546

Richard let out a faint smile. "Respect and admiration are what give the president of the commerce association real power. But if the entire industry resents them, then what's the point? When Alexander wanted to join, you shut him out without hesitation.And now, when trouble comes knocking,you turn to us. Do you really think we're stupid enough to make an enemy out of Daniela just for a title?"

At first, Richard had nearly been swayed. He had even sought out Alexander's opinion, but after Alexander had analyzed the situation thoroughly, he had been furious. These people were looking for a scapegoat.

"Richard, you're reading too much into this. The association is a force to be reckoned with. Why would we be afraid of Daniela?"

"Oh, really?" Richard scoffed. "Then why the sudden generosity? Don't take me for a fool-I know exactly what's got you all rattled. Get lost! I have nothing more to say to you!"

Richard was about to kick them out.

Hackett stepped forward. "Richard, thisis all just a misunderstanding. How about this? When Alexander has time, we'll sit down and talk face-to-face. Would that work for you?"

Richard's brows pulled together in a deep frown.

Hackett smoothly pushed the check and gift back into Richard's hands. "We came here sincerely, after all.And let's be honest-holding a position of power comes with challenges. Otherwise,how would anyone respect it? We're not asking you to go against Daniela,just to have Alexander mediate. She's young, and being so combative won't do her any favors in the long run, right? I won't deny it-Daniela's capable.Right now, we can't match her. But luck doesn't last forever, does it? Just let Alexander know. Have him meet with us. And if you're still uneasy, then at least keep the gift."

Hackett was nothing if not calculated. Richard was completely outmaneuvered.

After Hackett's remark, Richard fell silent for a moment before muttering, "Wait here. I need to make a call."

He stepped aside, phone in hand.

Bruno narrowed his eyes. "Hackett, why does Alexander always keep such a low profile?"

Huey nodded in agreement. "Yeah, he didn't even show up at the last press conference."

Hackett's brow furrowed slightly. "Now that you mention it, it is strange. Didn't Richard say Alexander went missing? Then suddenly he turned up, and not long after, Bennett Group merged with Fairburne Group.But Joyce has vanished without a trace. None of it adds up."

Winslow cast a sharp glance at Richard, who was speaking in hushed tones over the phone. "Look into him."

A moment later, Richard returned, his phone still in hand. "Sorry, Alexander's schedule is packed. He said he'll discuss with you some other time."

Hackett smiled faintly, slipping his own phone back into his pocket. "Oh? Alexander is too busy to meet?I wonder what's keeping him so occupied."

Richard's expression hardened. "What exactly are you trying to say?"

Hackett tilted his head slightly. "Fairburne Group belonged to Joyce, didn't it? But now she's gone, and out of nowhere, all her shares fall into Alexander's hands.That company is massive-it controls a fortune in mineral resources. Hard to believe Joyce would just hand it over out of the goodness of her heart."

Richard's face darkened. Hackett's smile didn't waver. "Well, since you won't help us, I suppose we'll have some free time to investigate Joyce's disappearance instead."

Richard's anger froze on his face.

The eight men across from him saw everything clearly.

Huey's tone was ice-cold. "I suggest you bring Alexander out. We're not interested in digging into Joyce's situation-we just want to talk. There's no need for him to act so secretive, is there?"

Richard's patience was wearing thin. "Fine! I'll call him right now!"

He pulled out his phone and dialed Alexander's number.

The moment the call connected, Hackett snatched the phone straight from Richard's hand.

"Alexander, let's meet. Your position isn't solid yet,and going against the association might not be the wisest move for Bennett Group, don't you think?Besides, we mean no harm-just a conversation. If things don't go well, we won't force the issue."

Against Daniela, they didn't dare raise their voices, but when it came to Alexander, Hackett still carred an air of arrogance.

For a few seconds, the other end of the line was completely silent. Then came a cold,measured voice.

"Tomorrow night at eight. Lynklee Cafe."

The call cut off. Richard shot a furious glare at the eight men in front of him. "Would you even dare to go up against Daniela? She crushed every single one of you,and now, with nowhere left to run, you crawl to Alexander? What a bunch of damn cowards!" His rage boiled over.

Hackett, unfazed, gave a composed smile. "If you want someone to blame, blame Daniela for being too powerful. If she weren't, we wouldn't be scrambling for solutions. But don't worry-we have no intention of harming Alexander."

Even after suffering heavy losses at Daniela's hands,the association's eight most powerful companies still had plenty of influence.

And among them, Hackett held the most sway-his authority wasfar from diminished.

Just as the group was about to disperse, Winslow suddenly muttered, "Did you notice? Alexander's voice on the phone-it sounded familiar. Like someone we've met recently."

The others barely paid attention. "Who else could it be? It's just Alexander. We've heard his voice before, so of course, it sounds familiar."

With that,they scattered.

Daniela was reviewing the latest designs when her phone vibrated with a message from Alexander.

"The association wants to meet me. Seems like they're looking to back me as the new president. How should I coordinate with you?"

She glanced at the message but didn't bother replying,focusing instead on the documents in front of her.

Later, her phone rang. It was Alexander.

Without hesitation, Daniela ignored the call and blocked the number.

A few minutes later, an unknown number popped up on her screen.

Still flipping through the files, she answered, "Hello?"

"Daniela,did you see my message?"

Her fingers turned another page. "Alexander, I thought I made myself clear before. Whatever's going on with you-it has nothing to do with me."

While Daniela spoke, Nina and Lillian were off to the side,chatting and laughing. "Is Daniela preparing for pregnancy? Cedric's been working out every day and eating double portions. Are they trying for a baby?"

Without waiting for a response, Daniela ended the call and blocked the number.