I slowly opened my eyes, only to be met by Alexander’s sharp features.
One of his arms was firmly wrapped around my waist, holding me steady.
Before I could even process what had happened, he released me and led me out of the processing floor without saying a word.
Only after we stepped into the corridor did he finally stop.
“Are you alright?” His voice was low, but I caught the hint of worry beneath its usual calmness.
“I’m fine.” I nodded quickly.
The moment he confirmed I wasn’t hurt, he let go of me so abruptly that it almost felt as though my touch disgusted him.
By then, the representatives and Mike had already rushed back after hearing the commotion.
Alexander turned toward them.
Both representatives immediately lowered their heads.
“How could you be so careless?” he said coldly.
“Your responsibility was to ensure her safety.
What if something serious had happened?” Before either of them could answer, I stepped forward.
“It wasn’t their fault.
I only went back to pick up my notebook—” Alexander suddenly turned to me.
The coldness in his gaze made the rest of my words die in my throat.
“This isn’t some kind of game,” he said, his voice frighteningly calm.
“You don’t get to ignore safety protocols simply because you want something.” I’d never heard him speak in such a sharp tone before.
“I’m sorry…” I didn’t fully understand why he was so angry, but I also didn’t want him blaming the others because of me.
“Sir,” one of the employees quickly explained, “someone accidentally bumped into Miss Johnson earlier.
That’s how her notebook ended up inside.” Alexander barely spared him a glance before looking back at the representatives.
“I don’t care how it happened.
Make sure nothing like this happens again.” “Yes, sir.” He then turned to me.
“Let’s go.” Without waiting for my response, he walked away.
I remained where I was for a second, still trying to process everything that had just happened.
Mike gently tapped my shoulder.
“Are you alright, ma’am?” I nodded.
“I’m fine.
And don’t blame yourself.
None of this was your fault.” I thanked the representatives for taking us around before following after Alexander.
“Let’s go,” I said to Mike quietly.
We left the processing facility together and crossed the compound toward the parking area.
Instinctively, I headed toward my own car with Mike.
“You’re coming with me.” Alexander’s deep voice stopped me.
I looked over.
He was already seated inside his car, waiting.
Mike and I exchanged glances.
Not wanting to test his patience any further, I walked over and got into the back seat beside him.
The driver started the engine, and the car slowly pulled out of the agricultural complex.
Just like before…
Silence filled the car.
Neither of us spoke as the scenery outside gradually changed from endless farmlands to the busy streets of B City.
I couldn’t help wondering why he had suddenly appeared at the farm in the first place.
After several hours, the familiar skyline finally came into view.
By then, dusk had already settled over the city.
I turned toward him.
“You can just drop me here.
Mike will come pick me up.” He remained silent for a moment before saying, “We’re having dinner first.” I froze.
“Together?” He turned to me with an incredulous look.
Realizing how unnecessary my question had sounded, I quietly looked away.
The car soon came to a stop in front of one of Johnson Culinary Group’s flagship restaurants.
Alexander stepped out first.
I followed behind him.
Back when I was still learning the business, I used to visit this branch occasionally to observe its daily operations, so many of the employees still recognized me.
As soon as we entered, the staff greeted us respectfully.
“Good evening, CEO Livingston.
Miss Johnson.” The branch manager quickly stepped forward.
“Welcome.” “Thank you, Mrs.
Stephanie,” I replied with a polite smile.
“This way, please.” I assumed she was leading us to one of the main dining areas.
Instead, she took us straight to a private dining suite.
The room had clearly been prepared in advance.
It was as though Alexander had made the reservation long before we even arrived…