The rooftop bar's elegant ambiance contrasted with Alex's turbulent thoughts.He recently found out he was being investigated.Diana's investigation into his business dealings had uncovered something, and he needed to know what.
As he arrived, Diana stood at the railing, gazing out at the city skyline. Her poise faltered when she saw him.
"Alex."
"Diana."
Their choice of seating arrangements was a secluded spot near the railings to Prevent anyone from overhearing their conversation
as they sat, the tension between them palpable.
"I know about your proposal for Smith Tower," Diana began. "It's aggressive. You're trying to muscle Regina out."
Alex leaned back, and crossed his arms intrigued.
"And what if I am?"
Diana's eyes flashed with resolve.
"Regina may not be perfect, but she's my family. I won't let you exploit her."
Alex's expression turned calculating.
"Exploit? That's rich coming from someone who's been kept in the dark about Regina's dealings."
Diana's became serious.
"What are you talking about?"
Alex slid a folder across the table.
"Documents detailing Regina's shady business practices. You really don't know, do you?"
Diana's hands trembled as she opened the folder.
"This can't be... Regina would never—"
Alex's voice softened.
"Open your eyes, Diana. Regina's using you."
Diana's gaze snapped up, anger and hurt mingling.
"You're just trying to manipulate me."
Alex leaned forward" why would I".
"I want Smith Tower, yes. But I also want to protect you from Regina's games."
Diana's laughter was laced with bitterness.
"Protect me? You're the last person I'd trust,and why would you want to protect a relative of your rival?"
As the sun dipped below the horizon, relization dawnerd onAlex he relised that his feelings for Diana went beyond mere attraction. He wanted to shield her from harm like he wish he had done for Rachel,because she reminded him a lot of her.
But could he convince her of that?
Meanwhile, Regina observed the rooftop encounter from a laptop handed to her by her assistant, her expression cold.
"Diana's might for his tricks," she whispered to her assistant. "We need to act fast."