PETTY WARS

Owen turned to face Luke, their gazes clashing in a silent battle. The standoff continued until Owen finally looked down, his resolve crumbling under Luke's unyielding stare.

“No, I'm just stating facts,” Owen Hales replied, his tone unwavering. 

“You better be.” Luke said, his voice low and even. Then he turned to me, his ice-gray eyes softened as he held out a hand. “Come here, little one.” I rolled my eyes inwardly, this wasn't the time or place for nicknames but I got up and went to him anyway after all he was Luke Hunters.

“Say yes to his proposal,” Luke said in a low voice. “What? Why?” I asked, confused. Why would he want me to sell my rights to the Hales? Are we not here to destroy them? 

Luke's gaze locked onto mine, his expression unreadable. “I will explain later. Just make sure you don't mistakenly sell your freedom to design for others, too.” With that, he settled back into his chair, exuding an air of calm confidence.

I couldn't explain why, but something about Luke's words made me trust his judgment. I turned to Owen and nodded in agreement. “I will accept your offer, Mr. Hales, but on one condition, I am not bound to design exclusively for Hales Enterprises. I am an independent designer, and I will sell my future work to whoever I choose.”

Owen Hale's expression turned wary, but he eventually nodded in agreement. “Alright, no problem. Thank you, Alexa.” He turned to his assistant “Bring me the contract.” I caught a glimpse of Steven's face, twisted in anger and smiled. It was clear he didn't want me to gain financial stability and with this agreement, he was bound to lose his last bit of control on me. I have always underestimated money but recently I have come to a realization that money is power.

With the documents in hand, I felt a surge of relief. “Great, now that this is settled, we will be on our way,” Luke declared, his tone firm. Mr. Hales’ jaw clenched.

“Alexa, I will send over the documents for your signature.” Owen said, his tone polite. “I look forward to our cooperation.” I nodded, bidding him farewell. As I turned to leave, the board members all stood up and bowed to me. I froze, taken aback. What was going on?

“Alexa, we understand your decision to leave Hales Enterprises.” One of the board members said. “But we want you to know that we will always hold you in the highest regard. You have built this company from the ground up, and we won't forget your contributions.” I stood there, taken aback by their display of respect, and bowed in return. Mr. Hales smiled, clearly pleased.

As we walked out an assistant approached Luke, a smile on his face. “Here, this is an invitation to the shareholders' party tonight.” He said, his voice low and professional."

Luke accepted the envelope from the assistant, his eyes scanning the invitation as a hint of a smile played on his lips. “The shareholders’ party tonight,” he murmured.

Once we stepped out of the meeting room, I turned to Luke, my curiosity getting the better of me. “Why did you tell me to agree to their proposal?” I asked. 

Luke's gaze locked onto mine, hardness clear beneath those icy eyes. “What? Tell me Alexa for how long were you going to continue these petty wars with your ex?” He asked, his tone filled with anger. I furrowed my brow, confusion plastered across my face. “What? What are you talking about?” I pressed, my voice rising in confusion.

“I need to do something, wait for me here.” And just like that he was gone. I was still processing what had happened when Steven showed up.

“Alexa, Alexa, I need to talk to you.” I turned to face him, my expression cold. “We have nothing to talk about, Steven. Whatever you want to say, I am not interested.”

"Yes we do, Alexa," Steven said, his voice demanding. "You need to stop dreaming and look around you. Do you think Luke wants you? Have you forgotten who you are? You are a poor child who would have ended up with nothing had it not been for me."

“I think you are missing something, Steven,” I said, my voice cool. “You too would have ended up with nothing. You were just a rich kid with no direction until I came along, you had nothing, no ambition, no dreams. Right now you are president of Hales Enterprises because of me.”

Steven's face darkened, his eyes flashing with anger. “Do I think I will be president for long?” Steven sneered. “You have destroyed me Alexa? After today, how do I face the board members again?”

"You can do it, just like you lied about us being a family and having a future together.” I said with a smile “ You can pretend just like when you brought the twins to me and said I would be their mother. I'm sure you can fake anything, Steven."

Suddenly, he pulled me into a tight embrace and pressed his lips to mine. I was taken aback and quickly pushed him away. 

“What are you doing?”