"That’s great, Nana. Just tell me what I need to do for the preparations."I said cheerfully

"Don’t worry, you don’t have to do anything," Nana said gently. "Nadia and Tristin will take care of everything. Just focus on yourself and make sure you arrive on time—with Alexander."

"Alright then, Nana. Nadia, if you need anything, just let me know."

"Okay, ma’am," Nadia replied teasingly.

Tristin was the Blackwood family’s butler. He had worked for the family for many years and usually handled arrangements like this.

After breakfast, we said our goodbyes, and I left with Jim.

When I reached the company, it was already past 10:00. The moment I stepped out of the elevator, I saw Jane walking toward my office.

"Good morning, Director Alicia."

"Morning, Jane. Do you need anything from me?" I asked.

"The CEO wants to see you in his office."

I furrowed my brows. Why would Alexander want to see me now?

"Okay, I’ll be right there."

Jane nodded and left. I went to my office, placed my things down, then headed to the CEO’s office. The door was slightly open, so I walked in without knocking.

"CEO Blackwood, you wanted to see me?"

Alexander looked up from behind his desk, his eyes meeting mine.

"You’re here. Just came from the mansion?"

"Yes."

"I asked you to come because I need you to tell me something. I hope you’ll be honest."

"Go ahead. Ask."

"Did you tell Nana that I went to see Lilian?"

A flash of surprise crossed my face, but I quickly shook my head.

"Why would I do that?" I said flatly.

Alexander’s dark eyes fixed on mine, unwavering.

"Are you sure it wasn’t you?"

I stared back at him without backing down.

"And what makes you think I even have time for that?" I replied, my tone stern.

Inside, a sharp pang of hurt struck me.

Alexander truly didn’t trust me at all.

The silence between us lingered, thick with tension. Seeing him remain silent, I let out a dry laugh.

"If there’s nothing else, I’ll head out."

I turned to leave.

"Wait."

I stopped and looked back at him.

"What is it?"

"You forgot the gift I got you last time," he said, striding toward me with a small box.

"Oh... thanks, CEO Blackwood," I replied before leaving the office.

Alexander remained standing there, and I could clearly feel his gaze burning into my back.

When I returned to my office, I sat down and began thinking about my conversation with Alexander.

It actually made sense. Nana only handled a small portion of the company’s business and rarely involved herself, which gave everyone the illusion that she didn’t know much.

But in reality, she knew everything. 𝘧𝓇ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝘣𝓃ℴ𝓋𝑒𝑙.𝑐𝘰𝑚

How else could she have found out that Alexander was still in contact with Lilian—even after her warning? She even knew he had rushed to see her this morning. Yet she hadn’t said a single word to me.

I pushed the thought aside and focused on my work.

When the workday was almost over, I received a message from Alexander.

Meet me at the garage after work.

I replied with a simple Okay and continued working.

By 6 p.m., I left my office and headed to the garage. Alexander was already standing beside the car. I got in, and a moment later the other door opened as he entered.

"Have you been waiting long?" he asked.

"No. I just got here too."

Jim started the car, and soon we were on our way. As I glanced outside, I realized we weren’t heading toward the estate.

"Where are we going?" I asked casually.

"We’re going to pick up Grandma’s birthday gift."

"Oh."

So he already knew about the celebration.