No Escape from Love novel Chapter 168

"Really?" Scarlett's expression lit up with genuine happiness for me. "I knew you were destined for great things!"

"Come on. Dinner's on me tonight," I said with a smile.

At the restaurant, as we talked about the latest project, Scarlett's expression darkened with frustration.

"Serena, why don't you take over and liaise with Schneider Group again? Mr. Schneider is a real headache. A bunch of our team members have been completely stonewalled by him. If there's even the slightest flaw in the contract, he refuses to sign. The payment has gone through, but the goods still haven't been delivered."

She looked genuinely troubled.

"Really?" I frowned. The way she described Lucas didn't match the person I knew at all.

She nodded earnestly. "Of course, it's true! Do you think I'd lie to you?"

I hesitated, sensing the sincerity in her tone. She then softened her voice and said in a pleading tone, "Serena, you're done with the Excel Group project, and the follow-up work will take some time anyway. Just do me this favor, okay?"

After a brief pause, I nodded. "Alright."

…

The next day, I arrived at the meeting location Scarlett had provided. The main agenda was discussing the delivery timeline for the second batch of polymer materials. Hastings Group's new product launch was fast approaching.

When Lucas walked in from outside, he was wearing sunglasses with oversized frames that covered half his face. But the moment he spotted me, he immediately took them off. "Serena, what are you doing here?"

"The collaboration has wrapped up, so I'm back in charge of your project," I replied with a smile while observing him carefully.

Something about him felt completely different from the Lucas I used to know.

"Mr. Hastings," Lucas greeted him awkwardly. "Since when do you have a habit of eavesdropping on meetings? Or are you just afraid I might take Serena out shopping during work hours again?"

Alex barely glanced at him before pointing at me. "Come with me."

Without waiting for a response, he turned and walked away.

I had no idea where this sudden mood swing was coming from, but I still said goodbye to Lucas before following after him. "What's going on?"

"Why are you with Lucas again?" His tone was almost accusatory.

I was baffled. "Lucas? Weren't you the one who assigned me to handle the Schneider Group project?"

"I…" For the first time, I saw Alex at a loss for words. Then, after a moment, he said, "You don't need to handle it anymore."