Chapter: 50

The moment she emerged, she was swarmed by paparazzi hurling questions about plagiarism, ghost designers, and tax evasion.

Shielded by her bodyguards, she navigated the short but tumultuous walk to her car, her head bowed, truly feeling the pressure of a scandal.

Once she was gone, Alan sat deep in thought before deciding he needed to speak with Kaitlin face-to-face.

He tried calling her, only to find the number disconnected.

After the divorce, Kaitlin had made herself unreachable to him.

Lost in thought, Alan eventually told Dylan to reach out to Oasis Studio.

By 8 PM, Kaitlin entered the private room alone, evidently prepared for the meeting.

"Alan, it's been a while."

Kaitlin's smirk and the triumphant sparkle in her eyes said it all.

Dressed in a crisp white business suit, her hair pulled back, and sans makeup, she exuded an air of sharp professionalism-far from the domestic image Alan remembered.

"What's wrong? You didn't think you'd see me here, did you?"

Kaitlin spoke as she settled into her chair with a smooth, controlled elegance, clearly amused by the stunned expression on Alan's face.

"I had a feeling it was you. What's your plan for handling the situation with Lilliana?" Alan said.

Kaitlin's laughter was chilling. "You're quite the knight in shining armor for your dear lover, aren't you? Lowering yourself to bargaining with me on her behalf."

"No, this is about the Hewitt Group's reputation."

Kaitlin quirked an eyebrow, her movements deliberate as she swirled her wine. "Well then, enlighten me. How do you intend to deal with this?"

Her lips, red and mesmerizing, drew Alan's gaze more compellingly than any fine wine.

Though Kaitlin and Ashley shared similar features, the essence of their charm was starkly distinct Caught in his thoughts, Alan was brought back to reality by Kaitlin's impatient tap on the table.

“Alan, indulging in absentmindedness isn't wise during a negotiation. It's getting late, and I'd like to wrap this up and head home for dinner."

The table before her was laden with enticing dishes, yet her appetite was absent.

Just sharing the table with Alan was enough to upset her stomach.

"Kaitlin, must we escalate matters to this extent?"

Alan's question nearly drove Kaitlin to laughter, but her chuckles were tinged with scorn.

"Isn't it necessary? Surely, you're aware of how Lilliana has been targeting me these past few years. And let's not even get started on her antics with Quintin. Enough of the evasions. I have several conditions. If you can't meet them, there's no point in continuing our conversation," Kaitlin said.