Alexandra stood at the head of the boardroom, her charisma unwavering as she closed out the meeting. 

"For those interested in learning more or setting up a one-on-one meeting with us, please speak with my secretary, Mrs. Grace. She will be able to coordinate everything. Thank you all for your time."

With a flash of her practiced Astor business woman smile, she ended the meeting. It had been a huge success, and she could already tell from the murmurs in the room that AstorWear had made an impact among the Korean typhoons. It would be impossible for her to leave Korea without at least a few business proposals. 

Dad would be proud. 

A firm grip caught Alexandra’s wrist as she grabbed her hermes bag and laptop preparing to leave. She turned sharply to find Seo Jung-jin, staring at her with that same irritating, self-assured smirk. 

How crude. 

"You’re not planning on running away so soon again... are you?" he mused, releasing her arm but keeping his stance close so she couldn’t make her escape. 

He had her business card that she’d dropped in his face earlier. She couldn’t tell if he was impressed or still furious. She looked around contemplating if any of the exits were close enough. 

Alexandra let out a dramatic sigh, "Oh, I didn’t realize I was obligated to stick around and chat with people who insulted me at the airport. What was it you said… Oh yes stupid American,” She mimicked his macho voice.

His smirk deepened.  "Ah, so you do hold grudges. That's good to know. I was starting to think you had forgotten all about me, Miss Astor,” he said, pretending to be hurt.

She scoffed, raising an eyebrow, "Oh, trust me, forgetting you would be a gift, but unfortunately you keep showing up like a bad investment."

He let out a low unamused chuckle. She’s really starting to irritate me, he thought to himself. 

"Clever Miss Astor, but admit it, you enjoyed that little banter at the airport. Got your heart racing didn't it?"

"More like it raised my blood pressure," she shot back, adjusting her purse. "You know, stress is terrible for the skin, and I really don’t need new wrinkles, so if you’ll excuse me—"

Before she could make her grand exit, a familiar voice cut through the tension.

"Sorry to interrupt," Young-Hana stepped between them. "But… how do you two know each other?” she asked, eyeing them with curiosity.

Alexandra waved a dismissive hand. 

"Oh, we don’t know each other. He just rudely bumped into me at the airport, and had the audacity to call me a stupid American. 

Young-Hana’s eyebrows shot up, eyes flicking to Jung-jin, "You did what?" 

She was clearly annoyed that her best friend endured harassment from him. Seo suppressed a scoff.

"This is definitely taken out of context. But sure, let’s go with that."

Hana laughed, shaking her head, "You two sound like a drama waiting to happen." 

Then, with a mischievous glint, she added, "Well, no better way to smooth over a quarrel than food and drinks. My treat!"

Alexandra gave her a skeptical look, "You sure? I don’t want him choking on his meal trying to one-up me in an argument."

Seo Jung-jin placed a hand over his heart, sarcasm dripping with each word. "I’m wounded by your lack of faith in my survival skills."

Hana linked arms with Alexandra. "Lexi come on, let’s get out of here before you two start throwing things at each other."

Lexi? She hadn’t been called that in years. Except maybe by her parents.

***

As they exited Starise Entertainment, the building's reflective glass caught the city lights, a pair of watchful eyes followed Alexandra’s every move. From the elevator all the way to the car waiting outside.

Lee Jae-yong, one of the industry’s rising K-pop idols, leaned against the reception desk sipping a matcha latte. He lowered his shades as he observed her. He had perfectly styled, tousled white hair and was dressed effortlessly in a silk button up, an oversized designer blazer, and silver jewelry that caught the light just right. He was the epitome of an idol the media adored.

"Who’s that?" he asked one of the assistants nearby, nodding in Alexandra’s direction. He couldn’t peel his eyes from her. 

The assistant, Ha-eun, was shocked, glancing at her. He’d never shown interest in anyone before. 

"Oh, that’s Miss Alexandra Astor. She’s from Astor Tech Industries, the one launching AstorWear."

Jae-yong’s lips curved into a slow, intrigued smile. "She’s beautiful."

Ha-eun laughed, "Might want to close your mouth before drool falls out."

Jae-yong took another sip of his drink, watching as she disappeared through the entrance. 

"How do I get an introduction with her?"

“I heard she’s going to Haneul Seoul, that 5 star restaurant with a super handsome chef.”

“Guess I should head there,” he said as he headed towards the exit.