No Escape from Love novel Chapter 203

"Then why didn't you agree?" asked Lila.

At that, I sobbed harder. "Lila, I-I can't say that. Alex and I are from two different worlds. Even Mr. Hastings Senior can't accept it, let alone my mom. My mom knows the Hastings family's difficulties, and Alex is more outstanding than his father. That's why I can't agree." I wiped the tears off my face.

Lila let out a heavy sigh. "The world of adults is so complicated."

…

I was awakened by Lila the next morning. "Serena! Serena, wake up already."

"What's wrong?" I asked, opening my eyes blearily. I cried so hard last night that my eyes ached and my eyelids swollen.

Lila handed me her phone. "Look, there's news all over the internet about Alex being arrested by the police. Hastings Group's stock price has fallen terribly. Those who bought the shares in the past are demanding their money on the internet."

I shot up from bed and started getting changed. "Lila, I have to go to the office. I'm afraid you'll need to be home alone today."

…

Alex was not in the office by the time I arrived. Oliver looked calm as he assured me, "You don't need to worry about this. As long as Mr. Hastings holds a press conference, public opinion will settle. We'll also release some official statements from the police. It'll be fine."

"But the stock price…"

Oliver sighed. "Oh, the stock price. It's normal for it to fluctuate. Oh, well. We can only wait for it to recover. There's nothing else we can do."

"Oliver, get someone to empty the office next door for Ms. Ashford later. She's in charge of the R&D department in the future," ordered Alex.

Before I could refuse, Oliver responded, "Got it, Mr. Hastings."

Alex continued, "I want to hold a press conference to let the public know that I wasn't arrested. The first thing we need to do is to stabilize the situation. As for those who tendered their resignation, approve and review them as per our normal process."

All Oliver did was nod like an emotionless robot. After Alex gave out a long list of orders, he waved dismissively. "Alright. You two may leave."

When Oliver and I were out of Alex's office, I said to him with a frown, "I was appointed to the role in a time of crisis. Now that Mr. Hastings is back, I should back down, right? How could you accept the position for me?"