No Escape from Love novel Chapter 88

I pretended to be confused. "Your girlfriend? But I thought Mr. Hastings mentioned that you have a wife. Isn't your wife Pauline Watson?"

Ronald's smug expression cracked slightly. "Those are my personal matters. Ms. Ashford, please consider the materials I have in hand, which can help with Hastings Group's urgent problem. I hope you'll stop arguing with Jolene and apologize to her."

"Apologize?" I turned to him in bewilderment. "You're asking me to apologize to her?"

His expression immediately turned frosty. "The materials I have are exactly what Mr. Hastings needs right now. Besides, I'm the only one in Alderland with these materials."

"Mr. Zegler, you don't have to keep bringing this up." Alex's voice came from behind. I turned around, overjoyed.

He came in and said, "Jolene's in the wrong, so Serena will not apologize."

Ronald was clearly caught off guard. His expression immediately changed into one of flattery. "Mr. Hastings, what brings you here?"

"If I hadn't come, how would I have known that you were using the materials to threaten my family?" Alex gave him a knowing look.

I felt a wave of happiness in my heart. He had called me his family! A smile tugged at the corner of my lips, but I quickly suppressed it when I noticed Lila's strange gaze. Damn it! What was I doing?

"Mr. Hastings." Ronald glanced at him, saying, "This whole situation is Ms. Ashford's fault. For the sake of our cooperation, it would be best if she apologized. After all, we're the main party here."

"I'll just end the cooperation, then." Alex waved his hand dismissively. "We pursue fairness."

"What do you mean?" Ronald was taken aback for a moment before turning to him with a frown.

"Get lost." He gave her a crisp slap across the face. "This is all your fault, you troublemaker!"

Stunned by the slap, her gaze was filled with shock. "Did you just hit me, Ronald? How dare you?"

"So what?" Ronald demanded angrily. "I've been waiting for that payment from Hastings Group, and you ruined my deal with a few words. You stupid bitch!"

Elena shrank away, clearly frightened.

"I ruined your deal?" Jolene stood up, her hair falling messily around her face. "Wasn't it you who acted recklessly and provoked him in the first place?"

Ronald suddenly seemed to realize what had happened. With a loud thud, he fell to his knees in front of Alex. "I'm sorry, Mr. Hastings. We'll lower the price of the goods by another 10%."