# Chapter 4: Old Enemies, New Alliances
Pedro Dukewhale stood before me, a figure from my past that I had never expected to see again. He was a classmate of my elder brother, the most handsome guy in school, and an enemy I had long since buried in the depths of my memory. Back then, he had left the country after his last high school exam, leaving behind a trail of broken hearts and whispered rumors. He was the star of the volleyball team, the top student, and the playboy every girl crushed on. And now, here he was, standing in my office.
"You are Miss Anna Lukewarm?" he asked, his voice smooth and confident.
"Why are you asking? As if you've forgotten my name," I shot back, my tone laced with sarcasm.
"Did I know you?" he replied, feigning innocence.
"You don't know me, right?" I said, raising an eyebrow. His surprised expression only fueled my irritation.
"Aren't you Pedro, the mighty Pedro in high school? A devil in human form," I spat, hatred dripping from my words.
"I'm sorry, I don't know you. With you talking like this, it seems we don't have a smooth relationship, I guess," he said, a smirk playing on his lips.
"I'm sorry, I don't know you, but we are here for something else," he added, his tone shifting slightly. Confusion flickered in my mind. *Did he really forget me?*
"Miss Anna, we would love to work with you," his P.A. interjected, bringing out some files. But before he could hand them to Kate, I cut in.
"No, I don't want to work with you." My piercing gaze was fixed on Pedro, who looked at me with a mix of curiosity and amusement.
"May I know why you don't want to work with me?" he asked, standing up, his posture relaxed yet commanding.
"I won't work with my enemy," I declared, my voice steady.
"Since you don't want to, we shall leave now," he said, signaling to his P.A. to stand up as well. As he passed by me, he leaned in, his voice low and conspiratorial. "You just lost an opportunity."
"I will never work with you," I whispered back, my resolve unwavering.
They finally left, the door clicking shut behind them.
"Miss Anna, we just lost a big deal now. Working with DW's group might have been beneficial for us," Kate said, concern etched on her face.
"Aren't we making a profit?" I asked, crossing my arms, still simmering with anger.
"We are," he replied, his tone cautious.
I sank into my office chair, the weight of my hatred still heavy in my chest. *He thinks I can forget what he did.*
"C.E.O., the Swaiden Group has sent an email," Kate said, handing me the iPad.
"What do you think we should do?" I asked, my fingers tapping impatiently on the desk.
"I don't know. The only group that can help us get this is the DW's group," he admitted, his eyes darting away.
"DW's group again? Let's do it on our own," I insisted, my voice firm.
"Okay," he replied, nodding slowly before exiting the office.
As the door closed behind him, I leaned back in my chair, the tension in my body refusing to dissipate. Pedro Dukewhale was back in my life, and I was determined to keep my distance, no matter the cost.