A man like Alexander—powerful, brilliant, ruthless in his methods—was never going to be an easy partner. To stand by his side for a lifetime meant shouldering immense pressure.
Even Millie, his favored one, was always searching for ways to regain some ground for herself.
Kirsten was so angry, she looked about ready to burst.
Gian glanced her way, half amused.
“Are you really only just realizing what kind of man Alexander is? There’s nothing surprising about the lengths he’d go to for Millie. He’s never abandoned her, no matter what.”
Danielle reached over, gently massaging Kirsten’s shoulder. “Whatever happens between them has nothing to do with me anymore. If the Davidson family wants to patch up AetherX Dynamics’ mess, that’s their business. All we have to do is sit back and collect the check.”
If Alexander wanted to go to war for the woman he loved, what could Danielle say about it? It wasn’t her money to manage, nor her place to protest.
Truthfully, Danielle couldn’t care less about any of it. Besides, Alexander loved Millie deeply; no matter what trouble she stirred up, he’d always be there to clean up the damage.
So Danielle threw herself into preparing for her government speech and the topics she’d be addressing at the upcoming conference. She took this meeting more seriously than usual.
Technology had come so far, bringing convenience to many, yet those at the bottom rarely got to share in the benefits. Danielle believed their focus should shift more toward serving the people.
The next day, the city’s Smart Innovation Summit kicked off. Representatives from countless companies and industries filled the venue, the atmosphere buzzing with energy.
Whenever new policies came down from above, everyone scrambled to adapt. What exactly were these “smart innovations”? Did the government want true creativity, or was there another agenda? Whispers and speculation spread as companies vied for information. Success belonged to those who aligned themselves with the new policies, and no one in the industry wanted to be left behind.
Danielle spent the morning coordinating with city officials and reviewing the schedule for the day’s event.
A government aide led her backstage.
“You’ll be delivering our keynote address,” the aide explained, “but at the heart of it, it’s all about cooperation between the major companies.”
Meetings between government officials and business leaders were nothing new—especially for the president of the Chamber of Commerce, who was in constant contact with the city.
Danielle nodded in agreement. “That’s true. We have a real future only if we work together.”
Danielle felt a jolt in her chest. With Alexander as president, there’d be no avoiding him at future events.
The Chamber president was a central figure in the business world, a leader among industry giants, their authority tied directly to the Chamber’s reputation. Major Chambers not only advised on public policy and set industry standards, but also helped gather information and create business opportunities for their members. The president set the agenda, facilitated partnerships, and represented the Chamber in negotiations with the government and other organizations—hosting industry summits and leading trade delegations.
The Northridge Chamber of Commerce was especially prestigious.
Nash followed just behind Alexander. When he caught Danielle’s eye, he pressed his lips together and looked away, a silent acknowledgment that times had changed. People he’d once dismissed now stood among the stars.
Danielle wore a black business suit that day, looking sharp and composed.
Alexander crossed the room in a few long strides, towering over her. He extended a hand.
“Chief Engineer Crawford. A pleasure.”
Danielle lowered her gaze, reminding herself that in the workplace, there was no room for personal grudges.
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